MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Winter 2020

70 Glenn Clarke, an Adaptive ski instructor with Blue who has been with the program since its inception. “Those who have skied all their lives and have suffered a traumatic injury or degenerative disease, and kids who have cognitive disability or congenital birth defect. These individuals and their families feel that skiing is something that has passed them by. Sit-skiing puts a life-long skier back on skis or gives families a winter activity they can do together.” Glenn has taught Adaptive skiing for over nine years and has seen first-hand the positive effect the program can have on those with visible and non-visible injuries. “Skiing is often a generational activity and it’s important to carry on the tradition. You see so much joy when families are able to include someone who might otherwise not be able to ski.” Jocelyn Richards was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and has required the use of a wheelchair for the last four years. “I had been athletic all my life and have been involved in sports since I was able to walk,” she says. “I was researching Adaptive skiing at Blue and decided to book a lesson. A group of friends came out with me too. It was so wonderful to just get out and ski but it was almost more fun to then go have a beer and chat about your day on the hill. To be part of the gang again.” The program at Blue is focused on the needs of the participants as students are matched up with teaching strengths of the instructors. “There are instructors that have stronger skills in some areas, for example instructing those that are visually impaired,” Jack explains. “I’ll follow-up with a student or parent to go more in depth about the disability so that instructors can prepare a lesson plan tailored to the student’s needs.” A disability isn’t always something we can see. Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression and learning disabilities can all create barriers to participating in sport. What is it about spending a day at the hill that resonates with people with a non-visible injury? “It’s the fact that they can do it,” says Terry Sears, former head coach of Special Olympics at Blue. “Something that is out of reach suddenly becomes achievable. It’s empowering and gives a sense of accomplishment. There’s just so much gratitude.” COURTESY BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT