Grant strengthens outdoor program for those living with disabilities
Increases accessibility to skiing, snowboarding
Nov. 10, 2021
Those living with disabilities now will be able to continue enjoying the winter pastimes of skiing and snowboarding with the funding of much-needed new equipment.
Founded in 2011, the volunteer-based Moving Mountains Adaptive Program provides alpine skiing and snowboarding lessons to individuals living with physical and/or cognitive impairments of all types.
Through its Fueling Futures community investment program, Enbridge recently awarded a $22,865 grant to the organization to help purchase new equipment.
“Skiing and snowboarding can be exhilarating,” said Howard DeLano, Board Member, Instructor and founding partner for Moving Mountains Adaptive Program. “Our lessons provide healthy activity and inspire the individuals to continue to push themselves on the hill to do things they never thought they could do.”
Howard and Denise DeLano explain that 18-20 active volunteer instructors use a multitude of different types of equipment and techniques “that best allow us to meet the needs of the individual and foster opportunities for each participant to develop and grow.”
The Michigan-based organization recently began collaborating with Michigan ski areas. Outreach programs have begun at Indian Head in Wakefield MI with a goal of serving the Western Upper Peninsula, and Marquette Mountain in Marquette MI to host participants from the Northern Upper Peninsula.
Southeastern Wisconsin Area Adaptive Ski Program collaborates on training and best practices, while Options for Independent Living in Green Bay donated equipment. Additionally, the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Hospital in Iron Mountain, MI, the Superior Alliance for Independent Living, in Marquette; and the Action Club (Kiwanis International) in Iron Mountain each have supported the program through information, contacts, collaboration and/or student referrals, and have clients and members who participate in the program.
‘Proud to support’
“Moving Mountains Adaptive Program provides a wonderful resource to the community, especially those living each day with disabilities,” said Emma Cook, Enbridge community engagement advisor. “We are proud to support its efforts throughout the region and help participants enjoy some wintertime fun while gaining a measure of independence. Enbridge tries to improve people’s quality of life when it comes to supporting important programs like this or to moving energy and powering Michigan.”
Since its inception, the organization has provided approximately 500 lessons to students of all ages and the Delanos see that continuing.
“We have deep relationships with our students and their care givers as well as the structures that support these individuals,” said Denise. “Our results have spoken for themselves and the program continues to grow as more individuals become aware of the opportunity that Moving Mountains provide.”
Moving Mountains is committed to making skiing/snowboarding accessible to all individuals who desire to participate. Through the generosity of their donors, community grants, such as the Enbridge Grant, volunteers, and the support of Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort, Moving Mountains seeks to reduce the financial burden that a day on the snow may place on a student and their family.
“We are fortunate in that many individuals and organizations show their commitment to the mission of the Moving Mountains Adaptive Program, and we appreciate greatly that Enbridge is one of them,” said Howard.
