[nabs-l] FW: Second Annual Ski Festival Kicks off January 16, 2009

Wed Nov 19 20:16:14 UTC 2008

To all interested and able to attend here is an announcement from the USABA:

Additionally for parents a note: There appears to be a connection here with
NAPVI, where NE Chapter of it has said they have kids to bring and there
looks to be some informal networking planned between parents during the time
the kids are hitting the slopes. I do not place this information out as an
endorsement of NAPVI or mention it as a reason to avoid going. I say if you
can, go ski, meet some other parents and maybe you can do something to
support them! It really is a USABA event and I am all for our kids getting
more physically challenged, and learning about the competitions available
through paraolympic sports. I was able to meet Mark Lucas, USABA director
last week and he is a great guy, and I look forward to seeing how we can
connect with them organizationally in the future to promote activeness for
blind kids.

Best, 

Carrie Gilmer, President

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

A Division of the National Federation of the Blind

NFB National Center: 410-659-9314

Home Phone: 763-784-8590

carrie.gilmer at gmail.com

www.nfb.org/nopbc

  _____  

From: United States Association of Blind Athletes [mailto:etap at usaba.org] 
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 1:15 PM
To: Carrie Gilmer
Subject: Second Annual Ski Festival Kicks off January 16, 2009

 USABA Breaking News Banner
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Second Annual Ski Festival Kicks off January 16, 2009 

Blind and Visually Impaired Skiers take to the slopes in Vermont    

(November 6, 2008) - The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)
is proud to announce their Second Annual Winter Ski Festival in Killington,
Vt., Fri., Jan. 16 through Sun. Jan 18.  Athletes with visual impairment
will be given the opportunity to learn to ski or learn to race in the sports
of alpine and nordic skiing, while spending an enjoyable weekend in the
Green Mountains of Vermont.

USABA in conjunction with Vermont Adaptive, the Gibney Family Foundation and
U.S. Paralympics is proud to offer this recreational opportunity to
individuals with visual impairments.  This event is open to all ages and all
abilities.  Whether the participants are first-time skiers or competitive
racers, the festival will be catered to each athlete's ability.

"USABA is extremely pleased to partner with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport,
the Gibney Family Foundation and U.S. Paralympics to provide a wonderful
opportunity for blind and visually impaired skiers including military
service members and veterans with eye injuries to further develop and
enhance their alpine and Nordic skiing skills," said Mark Lucas, USABA's
executive director.   "We are also excited to partner with the NE Chapter of
the National Association of Parents of the Visually who will bring their
children to participate in the ski programs while parents conduct support
meetings to share information and resources for their children."

Guides and instructors are provided by Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport, a
non-profit organization located in Vermont, which is committed to empowering
individuals with disabilities.  Vermont Adaptive will pair each blind and
visually impaired skier with a trained ski guide to practice and learn
skills in either genre of learn to ski or race.  All skill levels are
welcome from beginner to advanced.

Participants will stay at a local hotel and will have transportation
provided to them for the daily events.  The weekend will conclude with a
banquet dinner held at the Killington Grand Hotel and will feature a
key-note speaker of Paralympics stature.  Alpine skiing will be hosted at
Pico Ski Resort in Killington, Vt.; while Nordic will be at Mountain Top Inn
in Chittenden, Vt.

This event will also be hosted as a Paralympic Academy.  Local Paralympic
Academy events serve as an introduction to Paralympic sport and allow
participants to try different activities.  The participants will also be
introduced to the Paralympic sport of goalball and are encouraged to
participate. 

For more information and an application go to  <http://www.usaba.org/>
www.usaba.org

 or contact:   

Mark Lucas at USABA at: (719) 630-0422 or 
Donna Stanley at VT Adaptive: (802) 353-7584

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.  For more information, please
visit our Web site:  <http://www.usaba.org/> www.usaba.org 

 Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport Logo
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Vt Paralympic Sport Academy Logo
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