[Sportsandrec] Fw: Winter Ski Festival Kicks Off This Weekend!

[Christella Garcia]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: U.S. Association of Blind Athletes 
To: Christella Garcia 
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 8:48 AM
Subject: Winter Ski Festival Kicks Off This Weekend!




Second Annual Winter Ski Festival A Success 

Eighteen USABA athletes from across the nation participated in the 2nd Annual Winter Ski Festival in Killington, Vt. last weekend for an adventurous and inspiring ski experience.  Athletes were given the opportunity to learn to ski or learn to race in the sports of alpine and nordic skiing, while also spending an enjoyable weekend in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  The skiers were joined on the slopes by Paralympic medalist Rob Walsh and mono-skier Lacey Lilly.  Both Paralympians spoke at the banquet Saturday night to encourage USABA members to stay active and follow their dreams despite the adversities they may face.  

The excitement was captured by local photographer, Curtis Savard.  To view a few photos click here:   www.curtissavard.blogspot.com 

Check out the wonderful story from the Rutland Herald yesterday about the event by clicking here:  http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090119/NEWS01/901190334/1002/NEWS01



Particiapnts Included:
Aaron Rawley – Hudson, Mass.
Austin Shepherd – Ann Arbor, Mich.  
Christian Cruz – Anna, Texas
Dennis Gallant – Bloomfield, Conn. 
Emma Meyer – Morris, Ill. 
Jacob Pine – Pocasset, Mass.
Jim Deagan – Lynn, Mass. 
John Morgan – Adelphi, Md.
Jonathon Taylor – Round Rock, Texas
Judy Hansen – Brooklyn, N.Y.
Kristine Heist – Newark, Del. 
Lewis Burdette – Myton, Utah
Linda Goodspeed – Rutland, Vt.
Matthew Simpson – Smyrna, Ga. 
Sam Robson – West Port, Conn.
Sara Mornis – Reading, Vt.
Tina Kurys – Brookline, Mass.
Victor Gurganious – Fayetteville, N.C.   

Since its founding in 1976, USABA, a community-based organization of the United States Olympic Committee, has reached more than 100,000 blind and visually impaired 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, visit our Web site: www.usaba.org