One of the largest gatherings in the nation includes veterans and participants from across the country
Vermont Business Magazine More than 30 athletes who are blind or have visual impairments will learn to ski or learn to race with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports this weekend at the 13th anniversary of the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) Winter Ski Festival at Pico Mountain. The event is scheduled for all day on Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
- For 13 years, USABA and Vermont Adaptive have worked together to coordinate an event where Americans who are blind and visually impaired can participate in Alpine skiing, snowboarding and Nordic skiing. The event continues to be one of the largest annual gathering of skiers in the United States who are blind and visually impaired.
- Participants will ski at Pico Mountain on Saturday and Sunday with an option to practice Nordic skiing or snowshoeing on Sunday at Mountain Meadows Cross Country Ski Area. On Saturday, participants can practice with Vermont Adaptive’s auditory rifle system, the same system used for competition in Nordic Combined in the Paralympics. On Sunday, Nordic skiers can put their lesson into action while on skis.
- Vermont Adaptive’s team of highly trained instructors will work with attendees to learn to ski or improve skills. Many participants are returning and will have the same volunteer instructors as in past years.
- This year, more than 30 participants, including military veterans will attend. In some cases, participants will be attending this ski camp as their first time skiing without sight. More than 100 people will be in attendance for the weekend, including volunteer instructors, participants, family members, and friends.
- In addition to skiing and winter activities, the festival includes a Friday night welcome party, a Saturday night banquet, and dinner as a group on Sunday.
About U.S. Association of Blind Athletes
Since its founding in 1976, USABA, a community-based organization of the United States Olympic Committee, has reached more than 100,000 blind individuals. The organization has emerged as more than just a world-class trainer of blind athletes, it has become a champion of the abilities of Americans who are legally blind. USABA’s mission: to enhance the lives of blind and visually impaired people by providing the opportunity for participation in sports and physical activity. www.usaba.org| Twitter: @USABA1| Facebook: United States Association of Blind Athletes.
About Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of with any disability through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to winter and summer sports, year round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. www.vermontadaptive.org| Twitter: @vtadaptive| Facebook:Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Source: 2.4.2020. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. PO Box 139. Killington, Vt 05751