Team Powderhorn Notes from the Head Coach October 31, 2007
The Team
So far 24 athletes and 2 Training Partners have signed-up for the Team. The registration deadline is November 15 so few more might come on board. I had to post a special note on our registration page that we cannot accept any more bi-ski athletes for 2007-2008 season. That's because we don't have enough bi-ski instructors. One of our goals is to be very inclusive so please consider taking bi- and mono-ski clinics early in the season so we could accommodate bi-ski and mono-ski athletes and be truly an adaptive race team. Sean will post information about the clinics on our web site before Powderhorn opens.
Sign-Up By November 15
You can now sign-up for specific events online. Just go to teampowderhorn.org and explore. What's changed? Online Sign-Up (also a list of who has already signed-up) Resources Events for Volunteers Please sign-up as a coach and pick your dates by November 15. I might not be able to apply for your season pass after November 15. To qualify for a season pass you must commit to a minimum of 10 days in 2007-2008 winter season with the team. Powderhorn Resort is very generous with us: just 10 days, including outside events, is easily attainable. Important reminders: By accepting Powderhorn season pass you agree to act as the resort ambassador. You must adhere to CDA's and Powderhorn Resort's policies, rules and regulations.
Uniforms and Jackets: I Want One!
If you ordered a jacket before April 30, 2007, it's here. As previously posted, announced, discussed and widely published (you get the point...), team jackets and uniforms must be ordered by April 30 for the upcoming season. Order yours today for 2008-2009 season. Sean and Martin have the details.
Gene Taylor's: Deep Discounts for CDA
If you are a Team Powderhorn volunteer then your name is already on the list of people approved for discounts at Gene Taylor's. Those discounts cover ski/snowboard gear, accessories and tuning services: 40% off regular priced tune-ups 40% off labor rates pro forms on all ski/snowboard gear Gene Taylor's has invested heavily into some of the best new tuning machines. They now feature Montana of Switzerland machines with Crystal Glide Finish. Please recognize that such serious discounts are not your right but a privilege. Gene Taylor's offers those discounts as a way of supporting Colorado Discover Ability. Thank them and bring them some business. Don't wait till December to tune your gear unless you want to leave it there for two+ weeks. Now is the time to tune your skis and snowboards.
Unified Partner Program Eliminated
Special Olympics Colorado has eliminated the Unified Partner Program from snowsports. We will continue the program because I think there is a real value to having people with different ability levels working together on the team. We just learned about the change and Jim P. and I quickly renamed the participants in this initiative to "Training Partners." Please let me know if you can think of a better name for what used to be called a "Unified Partner Program." Training Partners will train with the athletes, travel to all events but won't race with the athletes during competitions (no more bib allocations for "partners.")
Party
We will kick-start the season with a party. When: Friday, November 2, 2007 Time: 6 pm to 9 pm Where: 740 Gunnison Ave (CDA office at the Center For Independence building) You are invited! Please RSVP to me (Martin) via e-mail or by phone at 970-254-0404.
Trip to Copper Mountain: December 1-2
Saturday-Sunday, December 1-2, 2007 Two days, one night trip for CDA volunteers. An easy, two day ski days in groups. We'll stay in condos in the main village and have lots of fun while getting ready for our teaching season. Yes, it will be a clinic... but an easy and fun one! Where: Copper Mountain Resort Sign-up deadline: November 9 You pay: $110 per person (regular price: $270). Includes professional instruction by Kevin Hoskin and Paul Simonetti, two-day lift ticket for Copper Mountain Resort and shared lodging (condos) at Copper. Financial aid is available - we want you to come train with us. » SIGN-UP TODAY FOR A COPPER TRIP
Support
Team Powderhorn is an ownership-based program. Check out our new Support page and see: what's in the bank account names of generous contributors where does the money go a really cool commercial (left margin) Please help promote this page. While the program is absolutely free to the athletes and Training Partners, it is not free. We spend $15,000 cash plus use about $20K worth of donated services. A vote with a wallet is the most meaningful sign for us that the community sees value in this program.
Team Powderhorn/TASP Race Development Camp in Telluride
Saturday-Sunday, December 15-16, 2007 Come to Telluride, Colorado to learn how to put on a basic race training day. CDA race coaches and Telluride Adaptive Sports Program have put together a race development camp for adaptive race coaches. We will focus mostly on designing training environment for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Day one: training drills, basic course setup. Day two: focused on intellectual disabilities. This will be a memorable experience. Suggested price: about $50. Price includes: shared lodging, two-day lift tickets, and training. Where: Telluride Ski Resort » Sign-Up Online
These news were brought to you by Martin Wiesiolek, the Head Coach. E-mail Phone: 970-254-0404 If you'd rather not receive e-mails from Team Powderhorn in the future, please reply with the word "Remove" in the subject line or call Martin at 970-254-0404.