As many of you know my family and I spend much of our winter skiing in Vermont. Almost every Friday night, from Thanksgiving through April, my family and I make the 4-hour trip to our home away from home in Mount Snow.  I put on my first set of skis when I was almost 3 years old. I have been skiing every winter for the past 10 years with my parents and my sister Leah. Although I still can’t understand why I have to get up so early in the morning to get out there, once I am out on the mountain there is no better feeling in the world. The great instruction that I have received from my coaches and my parents has taught me how to ski, but has also taught me how to overcome challenges, be responsible and independent. It has also taught me how to enjoy the great outdoors. It is one of the few sports that a family can do together.  I am very fortunate that my parents have given me this opportunity and that I have the ability to participate in the sport of skiing.

    For my bar mitzvah project I will be skiing in the “Ski til You Drop-A-Thon”, Saturday, February 4th, to raise money for The Ability PLUS Adaptive Program in Mount Snow. I will be skiing from 10am to 2pm.  This program is designed to help people with physical as well as cognitive disabilities learn how to ski and enjoy the sport. The program is run by hundreds of volunteers who provide thousands of lessons for people with disabilities who, along with their families and friends can experience the joy of inclusion in mainstream recreational activities. Ability PLUS and each of their Affiliate Programs are open to everyone. They teach and work with people regardless of their age or disability.

I am asking you to sponsor me for this event.  All the money I raise, with your support, will help cover the financial cost of providing adaptive sports and recreational opportunities so that they may serve all who wish to participate, without regard for economic circumstance.  For further information go to the website www.abilityplus.org and click on about us.

Thanks! 

Spencer