Conquering the Slopes and Creating Memories

As the winter chill settled in, exhilarating energy buzzed through the air in anticipation of Spinal Cord Injury Ontario’s 23rd Ski and Snowboard Day, which took place February 15, 2024, at the picturesque Craigleith Ski Club.

This signature fundraising event was not just about hitting the slopes but a celebration of inclusion, philanthropy, and the sheer joy of winter sports.

Adaptive Skiing for All

One of the most remarkable aspects of this event is its commitment to inclusivity. Through partnerships with CADS Ontario and Track 3, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario offered adaptive ski lessons for its community members. These unique sit-skiing adventures enable individuals with spinal cord injuries to experience the thrill of skiing, often for the first time. Family members cheered on as participants conquered the slopes, creating unforgettable memories of empowerment and achievement. Even first-time skiers, unsure of what to expect, quickly shed their nerves and embraced the thrill of zipping down the hills, their initial jitters swiftly forgotten as they transformed into confident adventurers.

Bold Support and Generosity

The success of the Ski and Snowboard Day was only possible with the dedication of numerous volunteers and the generosity of sponsors. Their contributions helped raise funds for spinal cord injury initiatives, supporting vital resources, advocacy, and community support.

A Day of Inspiration

Participants like Andrew Bronee, a sit skier and Peer Mentor, found the event both physically and emotionally fulfilling. “This is my second year, and it’s much easier this time,” Andrew shares. “It’s a great workout, and I enjoy the after-workout. It’s a new learning experience for me.” Many others echo his sentiment.

Brian Alurralde, a first-time participant, encourages others to try skiing: “Give it a try, at least once. The adrenaline rush you get when you are navigating down the slopes is therapy. Once you get the hang of the motions, it feels as if you’re flying. Go out there and conquer a mountain; you’re unstoppable!”

Making Memories and Building Community

Another newbie, Vince, shared, “My first time here, I was a little hesitant. I’m used to wakeboarding, so it was instinct right away. I was carving and everything. It was sick,” he shared enthusiastically. “I will be back here next year, as well as at other events, too. It’s great meeting new people, and this is a new experience for me, too.”

Lauren, a second-time participant, admired the event, saying, “The volunteers here are amazing, both last year and this year. I have met a few more people this year, something I look forward to at SCIO events. I encourage anyone to try to sit-ski; the volunteers are amazing.”

Julian, who is experiencing sit skiing for the second time, expressed gratitude for SCIO’s support in providing this experience, stating, “Last year was my first time on a sit ski. I did not know what I was getting into. I gave it a shot, and it was amazing. There are lots of people here to support. The community, the support, and everything we are to each other. The fact that all the equipment is provided is amazing. I can’t say enough about that; it’s huge, it’s massive. It’s difficult for anyone with a disability who wants to get involved in sports because access to equipment can be very expensive.”

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“It’s about the social aspect, empowerment, building connections for future endeavours, and creating a support system within the community…”

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Rich, who has been living with a spinal cord injury for 32 years, has been involved with Spinal Cord Injury Ontario’s ski day for almost 20 years, co-emceeing with Joanne. Skiing has been a significant part of his life, as he was a ski instructor before his injury. Returning to the snow after his injury empowered him to experience the natural world again. He emphasizes that participating in the event goes beyond the activity itself.

“It’s about the social aspect, empowerment, building connections for future endeavours, and creating a support system within the community,” said Rich. Rich has seen firsthand the event’s positive impact on participants and their families, opening their eyes to the possibilities of sport and what they can achieve. He highlights that skiing is not just about the activity but also about social connections, empowerment, and building a support system.

To all our participants, both seasoned skiers and first-timers, your courage and enthusiasm inspire us. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. We invite you to continue this journey with us, exploring new possibilities and creating lasting memories on the slopes.

A profound and heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteers and sponsors! Your unwavering support and tireless efforts have made this event possible and ensured its impact on lives, making a tangible difference in our community.

As we look ahead to the future, we extend a warm invitation to all SCIO community members to join us next year for another unforgettable Ski and Snowboard Day. Together, we can conquer the slopes and make incredible memories.

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Thank you to our generous sponsors: