Submission contributed by Veronica Connors, past Promotions Coordinator for Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks. See the abbreviated version in Volume 11, Issue 5 of SPIN.
The focus of Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks is to provide opportunities for people with a wide range of disabilities to participate in adaptive snow sports and recreation programs at Sun Peaks Resort. The team at Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks (ASSP) certainly did that this season. Over 200 lessons were given by volunteer instructors whose numbers tripled since last winter. In addition to providing lessons, ASSP held a successful local Sun Peaks Adaptive Festival highlighting the work of the many volunteers, students and their families. The presence of the instructors on the hill in their red jackets significantly raised awareness, advocacy and outreach again this season.
ASSP invited senior instructors from other resorts to train together this season. This networking of expertise ensured excellent lesson quality for the many guests with disabilities attracted to Sun Peaks. ASSP continued to work with the Sun Peaks sports school with their growing numbers of out of town guests again this season, sharing the passion for all. Promotion of the work done here was captured by Local CFJC TV and CBC Francophone Radio network generating significant interest in adaptive lessons offered at Sun Peaks.
The resort was showcased at the recent Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing (CADS) National Festival and Para-Alpine Championships with ASSP acting as host committee, supporting students and athletes, their coaches and instructors, from all over Canada. During this week-long festival, ASSP hosted the Warren Miller/Robert Redford movie fundraiser, The Movement, and a toonie slalom race as well.
A most significant highlight was in ASSP instructor Gerry Tremblay receiving the National CADS Instructor of the Year award. Gerry takes leave from his job in Vancouver each season to teach students here all winter. This is a well deserved award of national recognition.
ASSP gained charitable status this season and continues to fundraise to purchase adaptive equipment, provide scholarships and comprehensive instructor training. The charity’s next plan is to buy a building to house their equipment, stage their students, and run their training courses.
The Adaptive Sports program continues to grow in its student and instructor base and enjoys the reputation of a successful program for skiers and snowboarders with a disability. This is due to a very dedicated group of volunteers who work hard both on the snow and behind the scenes on behalf of the students, as well as the continuing support of the Sun Peaks Resort Corporation management and staff.
Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks thanks all those who continue to ensure this mountain is for all.
For information contact [email protected] or visit adaptivesportsatsunpeaks.org
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