Tawatinaw Valley has launched an initiative that aims to eliminate barriers to snow sports for those living with disabilities.
The Tawatinaw Valley Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) program officially kicked off on Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Tawatinaw Valley Ski Hill. The program runs weekly from now until the end of February on Sunday afternoons and welcomes people of all ages living with disabilities to try out downhill skiing and snowboarding, virtually free of charge.
This marks Tawatinaw CADS’ first year as an official non-profit society with their pre-existing programs steadily growing in momentum – the adaptive ski program, which launched last year, as well as the annual slide and ride event, which launched three years ago.
Brad Giroux, president of Tawatinaw Valley’s CADS non-profit, was introduced to the idea about four years ago and is passionate about eliminating some of the barriers that have prevented those living with disabilities from experiencing the joy and freedom of Canadian snow sports.
Giroux, who has been skiing since the age of nine, found that exact freedom for himself on the hill and is passionate of sharing that feeling with others not as advantaged as him. “The whole intent of why we set this up is that we want to bring the joy of outdoor snow sports to people that wouldn't normally get that opportunity,” he says.
The adaptive ski program launched one year ago with certified instructors officially joining the team. This allowed them the capacity and resources to welcome one athlete last year— a 14-year-old girl with autism. Autism looks differently on everyone as individuals fall on a spectrum of varying degrees of intensity, which is why tailoring teaching styles to the athlete is so critical for the instructors and volunteers involved.
Brad stresses how rewarding it was to witness that athlete learn and progress over the four weeks he worked with her. “It was so much fun working with her. Trying to bring that joy and see it on her face was what made [the hard work] so worthwhile.” Though he admits rose-coloured glasses may be at play, he recalls the first day teaching her on the hill as sunny and clear—perfect conditions to fall in love with the winter sport.
All staff continuously update their understanding and knowledge of disabilities and safety in the sport. Brad and the other instructors have been a staple of inspiration on the hill for athletes, instructors and staff alike, evident in not only the smiles, but also the increasing number of volunteers coming out to help the cause.
Giroux says that the team ensures adequate resources, volunteers, and equipment when considering how many athletes to accept into the adaptive ski program. Each athlete is accompanied by one certified instructor and one trained volunteer for the day. "We try and make it a positive experience just to raise the awareness of what we're trying to do here at our little tiny hill."
This is the program’s second year and will welcome three athletes— two individuals with autism and one with a disability requiring a sit-ski to safely try out the sport.
A sit-ski is an adaptive piece of equipment featuring a bucket seat suspended over two skis. The design allows turns to be made by leaning one’s body in either direction with the help of two outriggers attached to one’s hands. The experience typically costs around $250 for a day, with a new sit-ski costing over $2000, emphasizing the additional financial constraints that those with disabilities face.
Tawatinaw CADS currently rents one sit-ski and offers it in both the adaptive ski program and the slide and ride event. The non-profit organization also accommodates each rider on an individual basis using adjustable outriggers, ski adaptations, and even custom-fitted foam for an easier ride.
For those unsure about the weekly commitment attached to the adaptive ski program, they also offer a one-day slide and ride event— this year will mark the fourth slide and ride event and will be held on March 2nd.. In the case of weather cancellations, this date will be moved to March 16th. Attendees will have the chance to try out skiing or snowboarding for a single afternoon, without the longer-term commitment.
“It's just wonderful to see all the people out there trying it,” says Giroux of the overall atmosphere of being part of slide and ride events in years past, adding “the smiles and the laughing makes it all worth it. Also meeting other instructors from around the province is just a great way to network.”
The initiative is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, instructors, and staff who selflessly dedicate their time to the cause, as well as community donations. Giroux says this has been quite an extensive project in the making, with numerous individuals behind the scenes working hard to get it off the ground for over seven years.
For those interested in getting involved or volunteering with the Tawatinaw CADS program, please contact [email protected].
