Ski or Snowboard Shadow Volunteers Needed

Posted on: January 9, 2009 | admin | Comments Off | Print Article | Rate Post:

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I have recently accepted a position as T.R.A.I.L.S. coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center. Our mission is to promote choice, independence and quality of life for persons and families living with disability. The TRAILS program focuses on facilitating recreational opportunities for people of varying degrees of physical and/or mental challenges.

One of our activities involves coordinating a trip to CHALLENGE ALASKA which provides adaptive ski or snowboard lessons and lodging for our consumers. I had the opportunity to go on a weekend trip to Girdwood in mid-December and can tell you it was most rewarding to witness the sense of accomplishment and enjoyment experienced by participants.

We are planning another trip February 27 – March1 and are soliciting volunteers who would be willing to accompany us as trained “shadows” during that weekend. To become a shadow one must already ski or snow board at least well enough to maintain control going down the easier slopes (Chair 3, which is located adjacent to the Challenge facility) and be willing to come to Girdwood for a day of training beforehand (Martin Luther King Day January 19).

The benefits are huge:

1) Witnessing the thrill of a challenged person experiencing a new sense of accomplishment.

2) Lodging at the Challenge facility for only $10/night during volunteer time.

3) Having the opportunity to learn and improve your own skiing without the cost of a lift ticket. Also, they have gear so you do not necessarily need your own; though plan on bringing it if you have it.

4) Having a great time!

5) It is a great match for the KPOC motto of “GET OUT AND PLAY!”

Anyone interested in coming up with me for a day of training, please reply as soon as possible as we are trying to arrange a date in late January or early February to get about 6-8 volunteers trained.

Thanks,

Laura

Laura Brooks

homer5@peninsulailc.org

T.R.A.I.L.S. Coordinator

(Total Recreational And Independent Living Services)

Peninsula Independent Living Center

PO Box 2474

Homer, AK 99603

Phone: 907-235-7911 or 1-800-770-7911