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| 1/31/2008 |
Searchmont Resort Launches Ski Program for Athletes with Disabilities |
For Immediate Release: January 31st, 2008
Searchmont Resort Launches Ski Program for Athletes with Disabilities
Non-profit organization secures new equipment and trains staff
Searchmont Resort is excited to announce the launch of a NEW ski program for athletes with disabilities, this Saturday, February 2nd.
Searchmont Resort was the recipient of a generous donation of specialized skiing equipment from former Snow School Director Jim Anderson. The equipment includes a sit-ski for athletes with disabilities and outriggers for single amputees.
“The equipment was donated with the hopes of creating fully accessible programs at Searchmont Resort. Providing opportunities for students and athletes with disabilities in the Algoma region is our ultimate objective”, says Jim Anderson. “The next step is to establish a club with willing volunteers who are interested in learning to assist and teach these athletes and ultimately secure more equipment.” Will we not have paid staff on board to do this?
A number of Searchmont Resort’s Snow School staff received training on the use of the equipment earlier this year. They will work with the program’s first participant who takes to the slopes this Saturday.
Diane Morrell of the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario, in Sault Ste. Marie, will be working with the Resort to develop a full blown program. “This is a very exciting initiative for Sault Ste. Marie. In the past, recreational opportunities for persons with disabilities have been limited. Thanks to the forward thinking of Searchmont, persons with disabilities will have the opportunity to participate.”
The Accessibility Advisory Committee of Sault Ste. Marie commends the management of Searchmont Resort. “Opportunities to participate in winter sport have been limited. This program provides an activity inclusive of persons of all abilities.” commented Ann Marie McPhee, chair of the committee.
“We are grateful to Jim for providing this equipment and for his work getting the program off the ground”, says Resort Inside Operations Manager Dan Missere. “We plan to first offer this opportunity to students as part of our education program and then to expand its use as we secure more volunteers and ultimately more equipment.”
Anyone interested in participating in the program (athletes or volunteers) is encouraged to contact the Searchmont Snow School at 781-2340 ext. 2353 or snowschool@searchmont.com
In operation for over 50 years, Searchmont Resort is the major winter tourist attraction for the area generating a significant annual economic impact for the city and employing approximately 130 employees. The Resort promotes active living to children through school-sanctioned programs across Algoma and is an important lure for the recruitment of medical and other professionals to the area.
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Searchmont Resort Contact:
Dan Missere
dan@searchmont.com
781-2340, ext. 2245
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| 2/26/2008 |
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For Immediate Release February 26, 2008
Ceremony honours Peggy and George Green
42 years of volunteer commitment to alpine ski racing
Searchmont Resort – On February 9, 2008, the Searchmont Ski Runners held a dedication ceremony for Peggy and George Green. A new race start building was named the “PG Green” in honour of their commitment to alpine ski racing over the last 42 years.
Peggy and George Green founded the Searchmont Ski Runners in 1967 with Bud Smithers. Since then they have volunteered their time at every local, provincial, national, and international alpine ski race at Searchmont Resort. During this time, George has also served in positions with Alpine Ontario and was instrumental in securing Northern Ontario Division status for the Searchmont Ski Runners in the 1970’s.
Peggy Green can be found in race headquarters handling administrative requirements that start long before the first racer is on course. Peggy’s office has moved from a small shack at the bottom of the double chair lift (where racers used to ski through the door to get their time) to the present two-storey building built in 1994. Whether organizing race bibs, gatekeeper cards, results, volunteers, or out-of-town teams, Peggy has been instrumental in keeping races on time and in order.
George Green can be found at the start hut where he has made every racer feel like they are the one everyone is waiting for. With sincere encouragement, a last-minute check of their equipment, and a dried apricot for energy, George has sent thousands of kids and adults, from age 5 to 85, out of the start gate.
“This is absolutely crazy”, say the Greens, “we love it though. We’ve been truly fortunate to go through three generations of local kids up here. It’s been fun for us. Not many old guys like us get to hang around with so many great young people.”
Kevin Brechin and Gilles Labelle built the PG Green along with corporate donations from Christie Camper Sales and Dumanski Office Interiors. PG Green can be seen to the right of tower three while riding the double chair (also known as “no rock”). The dedication ceremony can be viewed at www.searchmont.com. |
| 3/5/2008 |
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For Immediate Release March 3, 2008
Searchmont Ski Runners win Nancy Greene Finals
Lift breakdown doesn’t stop team effort
The 2008 Nancy Greene Finals were hosted by the North Bay Ski Racing Club at Laurentian Ski Hill this past weekend. Over one hundred alpine ski racers aged 9 to 11 years competed for five Northern Ontario alpine ski clubs including Timmins, North Bay, Sudbury, and two clubs from Sault Ste. Marie.
“Conditions were very icy on the first day, something our kids aren’t used to this season”, said Jeff Priddle, head coach of the Nancy Greene division of the Searchmont Ski Runners. “But they put together a real team effort to win the cup.”
Things got interesting when Laurentian Ski Hill’s only chairlift broke down on Saturday afternoon. Race organizers arranged for school bus transportation for coaches and racers so the event could continue on Sunday. Marisa Knox, race chair stated “We probably have the only ski hill where people can be transported by road from the bottom to the top of the hill. We’re grateful to all the volunteers who helped us keep things on time.”
Racers contributing to the Searchmont Ski Runners team win were Chandler Simpson, Carter Simpson, Conner Brechin, Lindsay Virene, Ryan Zago, Jonathan Kidd, Hannah Priddle, Sophie Priddle, Alex Gelmych, Sarah Gelmych, Jacques Tiessen, Danielle Day, Charlie Elder, Emily Elder, Beau Greensted, Zak Greensted, Emily Real, Andrew McMaster, Jonathan Caruso, Emerson Foster and Aryton Foster.
Assistant coaches were Matt Horbatuk, Devin Labelle, George Payne and Pamela Day.
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| 10/4/2008 |
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| 2/3/2009 |
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Searchmont ski runners bring home the hardware
Win twenty-two out of thirty-two possible medals
Congratulations to the Searchmont Ski Runners K1, K2, and J teams who won twenty-two out of thirty-two possible Slalom medals this past weekend in North Bay and Sudbury.
The Northern Ontario Division (NOD) National Points Race Series featured fields of approximately thirty female and thirty male Alpine athletes aged eleven to fourteen years from Searchmont, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Timmins, and Sudbury. Points from these races are used to determine qualifying athletes for the Provincial Championships later in the season.
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Athlete
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Division
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North Bay Results
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Sudbury Results
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Nicole Foster
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J1 Girls (15-16 yrs)
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2 silver
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1 silver
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Meaghan Horbatuk
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J1 Girls
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2 gold
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Kaili Labelle
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K2 Girls (13-14 yrs)
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1 silver, 1 gold
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2 gold
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Graham Pavelich
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K2 Boys
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2 silver
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1 silver
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Lindsay Virene
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K1 Girls (11-12 yrs)
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16th, 15th
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10th, 29th
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Liam Brechin
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K1 Boys
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1 silver
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5th, 9th
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Jeffrey Horbatuk
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K1 Boys
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5th, 1 bronze
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1 silver, 1 bronze
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Chandler Simpson
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K1 Boys
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1 silver, 10th
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1 gold, 1 silver
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Palmer Simpson
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K1 Boys
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2 gold
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1 gold
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Ryan Zago
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K1 Boys
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6th, 6th
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6th, 5th
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| 2/4/2009 |
Searchmont Resort Expands Horizons for those with Spinal Cord Injuries |
Searchmont Resort Expands Horizon for Locals With Spinal Cord Injuries
No Limits helps those with physical disabilities enjoy the slopes
Searchmont Resort has officially launched its No Limits Ski Club this season. The only one of its kind in Northern Ontario, No Limits is a club specifically designed for persons with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities.
Volunteers at Searchmont Resort recently picked up a child's sit-ski to open the mountain to all children during school visits. A sit-ski awards a skiing experience to persons with quadriplegia, paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and bi-lateral amputation. Resort inventory also includes two adult sit-skis and two sets of outriggers to assist persons who have a single, lower limb amputation. In most cases, persons can ski independently (without an instructor or volunteer) once skill and individual comfort are achieved.
Three certified instructors and seven trained volunteers are currently working with No Limits Club members. "This is really taking off", says Jim Anderson of Searchmont Resort's Snow School. “We have adults and children coming out every weekend! We already need many more volunteers and instructors so we can expand the program." Searchmont Resort provides a free lift ticket to volunteers on the day that they help so they can ski for free in the morning and work the program in the afternoon.
Diane Morrell, Regional Services Coordinator for the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario, suffered a spinal chord injury that led to paraplegia. Her son, a volunteer with No Limits, recently joined her on her skiing adventure at Searchmont. "It's important to have the opportunity to participate in activities with your family and friends. Isolation is often a side effect of having a disability”, says Morrell. “I don't know if I can ski independently but it will be a great goal to work towards!"
John Fedorchuck is wheelchair bound with MS. Fedorchuck exclaims, "I was flying! [down the Main]. They [instructors and volunteers] helped to arrange safety and comfort for me. I have MS and this program helps to make me feel like a regular fellow! I am not in a wheelchair when I am on the hill!"
Heard from the kids carving up the slopes was "Awesome!!”, "I want to go faster!", "This is so cool!!". All of these whoops were amongst screams of delight - from the adults as well.
No Limits runs every Sunday afternoon until March 22, 2009. The cost of a membership is $100 per participant per season. This fee includes liability insurance (through mandatory membership with the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers [CADS]), use of the equipment on a booking schedule, instructor and/or a trained volunteer, and a half-day lift pass.
If you are interested in joining No Limits, volunteering, or if you require further information, please contact Virginia at 800-663-2546 or 705-781-2340, ext.2340.
Searchmont Resort has an estimated direct and indirect local economic impact of $15.3M; employs approximately 140 full and part-time employees; is one of the top winter tourist attractions in Northern Ontario; helps attract employers and professionals and their families to the area; focuses on better and healthier Ontarians; serves as a regional training centre for up and coming competitive alpine athletes; is located next to the TOPS trail; and continues to be supported by a partnership of the SSAI volunteer Board, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, CDC, EDC, Tourism SSM, Searchmont Ski Runners, Searchmont & Area Freestyle Alliance, Sault Ski Racers, chalet owners, Our Mountain Members, angel investors, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Fed Nor, and Alpine Ontario.
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Media Contact:
Dan Missere, General Manager
705-781-2340, ext. 2245 |
| 3/4/2009 |
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Mealey's Sault Ski Racers Take Home The Cup!
News Release for SooNews.ca
Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 3:16PM
Timmins was host this past weekend to the Northern Ontario Alpine Ski Division Nancy Greene League Team Finals Race at Kamiskotia Snow Resort . Over 80 Athletes from ages 6-12 from Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Sudbury, and Timmins participated in this great event.
Conditions were chilly at temperatures from -25 to -35 in the mornings, but it didn’t keep the kids from running hot on the snow . The Sault Ski Racers Team ran the best times earning them the Cup and Winners of this Event. It was a fabulous team effort by all the kids involved.
Racers contributing to the win included Avery Marcoux, Abigail Wolfe, Candace Huard, Tayte and Ashe Nowak, Alexis Mezzomo, Joycelyn Gignac, Hannah and Graham Derrer, Alec Real, Zack Maville, Mathew Farrell, Conrad and Austin Nori and Mary Beth Prevost .
The kids would like to thank their mentor and Head Coach Brian Mealey, along with their assistant coaches, Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick, Dave Dutkiewicz, Nicole Gignac and Jason Willett. They would also like to thank Searchmont Resort for their support in their ski training, along with Timmins Ski Club for hosting the event and all the volunteers that helped to make the event possible.
An Extra special mention to Skis and Bikes for sponsoring The Nancy Greene Ski Racing League .
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| 6/10/2009 |
Another Searchmont Ski Runners Award |
Congratulations to James Horbatuk of the Searchmont Ski Runners who has been awarded Alpine Ontario's Official of the Year.
The Robert S. Shore Official’s Award is awarded to an Alpine Racing Official in recognition of his/her commitment to leadership, safety, fairness and having significant impact on successful race delivery while promoting the sport of Alpine Ski Racing and volunteerism in Ontario.
Hard earned and well deserved!
CLICK HERE FOR HIS NOMINATION |
| 11/27/2009 |
No Limits Receives Grant |
David Orazietti, M.P.P. Sault Ste. Marie
News Release
November 27, 2009
ORAZIETTI ANNOUNCES $45,710 TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE LIVING IN SAULT STE. MARIE
McGuinty Government Investing In Healthy Communities
Queen’s Park – The McGuinty government is providing residents in Sault Ste. Marie with the opportunity to get healthy and stay healthy through new programs being delivered by local organizations with a $45,710 investment through the province’s Healthy Communities Fund David Orazietti, MPP announced today.
“By investing in organizations to expand recreational opportunities for children and the disabled we are helping to improve physical fitness and foster important community connections,” said Orazietti. “Local health promotion organizations best understand the needs of our city and will now have more resources to build a stronger, healthier Sault Ste. Marie.”
Ontario’s support will help residents in Sault Ste. Marie gain access to the following programs:
- $15,284 for the Sault Family YMCA to hire a project coordinator to work with the Algoma District and Huron Superior Catholic District School Boards to identify the most appropriate schools to be used as community hubs and to develop a plan for delivering after-school programs
- $30,426 for the Barrier Free in Algoma Association to purchase equipment and train volunteers to develop and deliver an adapted waterskiing and adapted downhill skiing program for persons with disabilities;
“We are very happy to receive this funding. We provided a pilot project last year and now we can build on that success and make our programs grow by offering the sport of adapted alpine skiing and adapted waterskiing to even more people with disabilities,” said Diane Morrell, Barrier Free in Algoma Association partner.
The province’s Healthy Communities Fund (HCF) provides support to not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, public health units, aboriginal and first nations organizations who form partnerships to deliver projects focusing on at least two factors that improve health. These may include: physical activity, sport and recreation, healthy eating, tobacco free living, injury prevention and mental health promotion.
“The support that we are receiving will help us develop a plan that will determine how we can provide fun and engaging programs and services for children and youth, in their own neighbourhoods, during times when schools are not in session," said Martin Wyant, CEO of the Sault Family YMCA. "We are really pleased to have received this support from the Ministry of Health Promotion and are proud to be working in partnership with the Algoma District School Board and the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board to improve services for kids in our community”.
“The McGuinty government is committed to improving the overall well-being of individuals and their broader communities. Our Healthy Communities Fund supports collaborative projects that will help Ontarians enhance and maintain their most valuable asset – their health,” said Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion
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Contact David Orazietti at (705) 949-6959.
Constituency Office: 726 Queen St. E., Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2A9 Tel: 705-949-6959 Fax: 705-946-6269
Queen’s Park: Suite 6522, 6th Floor, Whitney Block, 99 Wellesley Street West, Toronto ON M7A 1W3
Tel: 416-314-6467 Fax: 416-314-6470
Email: dorazietti.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org |
| 2/16/2010 |
Heart for Haiti raises $4,000 |
UPDATED FEB 17: fundraising tally at approximately $4,000
MEDIA RELEASE February 15, 2010
Big Hearts Light the Mountain at Searchmont
$3,000 raised for Haiti relief effort
Searchmont Resort – Families and friends of all ages hit the slopes Sunday for a special night of operation. Heart for Haiti at Searchmont Resort this past Valentine’s Day raised approximately $3,000 for the relief effort in Haiti.
Lift tickets and rentals were available by donation and a Torchlight Tribute lit the Mountain in the shape of a heart. Donation jars and a silent auction also contributed to the funds raised. Many staff at Searchmont Resort donated their wages from the evening.
Proceeds from the event will be handled by the Canadian Red Cross who assisted with the event along with the O.P.P. Searchmont Resort thanks all who supported the event. Photos and video will be posted on the website.
Searchmont Resort has an estimated direct and indirect local economic impact of $15.3M; employs approximately 140 full and part-time employees; is one of the top winter tourist attractions in Northern Ontario; helps attract employers and professionals and their families to the area; focuses on better and healthier Ontarians; serves as a regional training centre for up and coming competitive alpine athletes; is located next to the TOPS trail; and continues to be supported by a partnership of the SSAI volunteer Board, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, CDC, EDC, Tourism SSM, Searchmont Ski Runners, Sault Ski Racers, Searchmont & Area Freestyle Alliance, chalet owners, Our Mountain Members, angel investors, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Fed Nor, and Alpine Ontario.
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