Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports last week was recognized nationally by Newman's Own Foundation for its work with adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities. As part of the third-annual Newman's Own Foundation Campus Community Service Challenge, Vermont Adaptive was nominated by and partnered with University of Vermont Adaptive Sports for a Newman's Own Foundation grant. In a presentation during the America East Conference basketball championship in Hartford, Connecticut, Vermont Adaptive was awarded $10,000.
"This a huge honor to receive this grant and we extended our thanks to the students at UVM Adaptive Sports for working with us, as well as Newman's Own Foundation for making this program possible," said Erin Fernandez, executive director at Vermont Adaptive. "Every penny counts and this grant will contribute to the adaptive equipment and program needs for providing sports and recreation to our participants."
Together, Vermont Adaptive and UVM Adaptive Sports partnered to enter the Newman's Own Foundation Campus Community Service Challenge.
"One of the Foundation's priorities is the encouragement of philanthropy, especially among a younger population," said Bob Forrester, president of Newman's Own Foundation. "These student volunteers represent the next generation of leadership. We are inspired by their work and proud to support them through the Campus Community Service Challenge."
The UVM Adaptive Sports/Vermont Adaptive application was reviewed and voted on by the Challenge's Selection Panel. Grant recommendations were based on UVM Adaptive Sports' involvement with Vermont Adaptive, the impact of the partnership on those served by the nonprofit, as well as on the students themselves. The Selection Panel also considered the mission and programs of Vermont Adaptive and the impact the Foundation's grant will have on them.
About Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, tennis, horseback riding, and more. More than 500 volunteers serve clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities from all over the world in three locations in Vermont - Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. Summer programs are provided state-wide.
Newman's Own Foundation (
www.newmansownfoundation.org)
Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman's Own Foundation turns all net royalties and profits from the sale of Newman's Own products into charitable donations. To date, Paul Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have given over $340 million to thousands of charities around the world.
Vermont Adaptive. 3.12.2012.