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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 |
| 2/22/2010 |
Grade 4/5 Snowpass |
For immediate release Feb 22/2010
Contact: Colin Chedore, President
Ph: 705-445-9140
E - cchedore@skicanada.org
Canadian Ski Council
This march Give your kids an unforgettable holiday and Give yourself a break!
Pick up a Grade 4 or 5 SnowPass and keep your kids entertained all March break.
March break is almost here and we all remember what it was like as a kid, when it seemed like the break would never come, and then once it was finally here it seemed like there was nothing to do! This year don't let your child spend all March break inside, pick up a 4th or 5th Grade SnowPass and get your kiddies out on the hills!
Skiing and Snowboarding are two of Canada's most exciting winter sports and a great way for your kids to have fun, and stay active with their friends. These sports are easy and safe to learn and with your child's SnowPass they'll get everything they need to become a pro!
For the low price of $16 (admin fees only) each pass contains up to three free lift ticket coupons at each of the participating ski/snowboard areas plus fantastic deals on rentals and lessons. On top of all that, your child also gets coupons for great deals on lessons and rentals at more than 30 ski/snowboard areas.And that's not all, some coupons can even be used next year - just another way we are keeping them on the hills longer!
Applying is easy and open to any child in grade 4 and 5 (or who was born in 1999-2000). Just visit us online at www.snowpass.ca, upload your child's picture, enter your payment and their proof of age, and a SnowPass will be sent straight to you. Depending on where you live in Canada, each applicant will receive either an Eastern or Western SnowPass Booklet. With over 150 different participating ski/snowboard areas across Canada 97 in the East (Ontario to Newfoundland) and 58 in the West (Manitoba to B.C) - everyone has the chance to get in on the deal!
So this year, give your child a March break they'll never forget! Give them an opportunity to discover a new sport and who knows, maybe in a few years Canada will be cheering them on for the gold!
Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass information and applications are available online at www.snowpass.ca or www.passeportdesneiges.ca. You can also pick up an application form from Grade 4 or 5 elementary school teachers and at Sport Mart, Sport Chek, Sports Experts, and Intersport stores Canada-wide.
# # #
For more information on the grade 4 and 5 SnowPass program, contact the Canadian Ski Council, tel: 705-445-9140, e-mail: info@skicanada.org, web: www.skicanada.org |
| 8/11/2010 |
Duane Buchanan, 1936-2010 |
Staff, volunteers and friends of the Searchmont Ski Association are mourning the loss of Duane Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan was a founding member of the SSAI Board and worked endless hours in keeping Searchmont Resort open not once but twice.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Buchanan's family.
For the complete soonews story click here |
| 8/18/2010 |
Brigitte gets engaged & retires |
http://canski.org/olympian-brigitte-acton-retires-from-canadas-alpine-ski-team
All the best for your future Brigitte! Hope to see you on Searchmont slopes!
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| 11/15/2010 |
Assoc. of Ont. Snowboarders Schedule |
AOS 2010/11 schedule
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| 1/22/2011 |
Searchmont Skier wins trip to CADS Festival in Kimberly, B.C. |
Searchmont Skier wins trip to CADS Festival in Kimberly, B.C.
Nicky Asam is heading west with his father to participate in the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers (CADS) Festival in Kimberly British Columbia March 13th to the 18th. Nicky is receiving one of only two bursaries awarded by CADS from applications received from across the country. Nicky applied by writing a letter explaining why he wanted to attend, what he will bring to the Festival and CADS – and what he hopes to take back to Searchmont and the No Limits Adaptive Ski Club. You can read Nicky’s letter here. To read the Club's support letter click here.
Nick has been a member of the No Limits club since it’s inception in 2008. He encourages other students to trust their ski guide and lets them know what to expect when they get out on the hill. Nick is an excellent ambassador and is always happy to talk about “rippin’ it up” in a cheerful and friendly manner.
Nick’s father, Sean Asam has also been a valuable member of No Limits Executive Team. He has assisted in the operational aspects of our club as well as on hill operations. Sean has been instrumental in training and as an instructor. Sean is at Searchmont every weekend providing lessons to other students as well as spending time skiing with Nick.
Congratulations Nicky!
The No Limits Adaptive Ski Club is a volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring that all people of all abilities have the opportunity to try the sport of alpine skiing. Their goal is to provide an opportunity for anyone to try downhill skiing in a safe and fun environment.
If you are interested in joining No Limits, volunteering, or if you require further information, please contact the SearchmontSnowSchool at 800-663-2546 or 705-781-2340, ext.2353 or the Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario and Dianne Morrell at 705-759-0333
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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| 1/24/2011 |
Ski Runners Red Hot in the Cold |
MEDIARELEASE: Searchmont Ski Runners
January24, 2011
Ski Runners Red Hot in the Cold
A trip east to North Bay and Sudbury proved very worthwhile for members of the Searchmont Ski Runners (SSR) as the team collected fourteen medal finishes at at pair of slalom events.
The big weekend began for the Ski Runners on Saturday at Laurentian Ski Hill in North Bay. In the Girls K1 event Avery Marcoux and Alexis Mezzomo finished 1-2 to set the stage for a successful road trip. In the Boys K1 Division, Jacques Thiessen, who hails from Elliot Lake, gave SSR a second place finish just ahead of teammate Connor Brechin. In the K2 group, Liam Brechin captured the gold medal ahead of teammate Palmer Simpson. The Junior Division, SSR's Elliot Wolfe placed third.
OnSunday, the Ski Runners were at the ADANAC Ski Hill in Sudbury. Despite very cold conditions the boys were red hot in capturing six medals. In the K2 Division Liam Brechin and Palmer Simpson encored their Saturday effort with a 1-2 finish in the slalom. In K1,Connor Brechin grabbed the silver ahead of teammate Jacques Thiessen. In the Junior race Elliot Wolfe picked up his second bronze of the weekend. In the Girls K1 slalom, Avery Marcoux captured the gold medal while Tayte Nowak claimed the bronze.
Mac Marcoux, a visually impaired competitor, performed admirably in hisfirst races where he used a guide skier. Mac's older brother B.J., a former SSR racer, led Mac through the course in both of the slalom events. Mac is currently training with the Searchmont Ski Runners in hopes of qualifying for a berth on the Canadian Paralympic AlpineSki Team.
Over30 Searchmont Ski Runners between the ages of 8 and 15 participatedin the two Northern Ontario Division events.
Meanwhile in Thunder Bay, SSR's Carter Simpson competed at the Ontario Winter Games Special Olympics group. Carter finished second in his race. He was accompanied by his coach Mya Park.
The next competition for the SSR K2 Division racers will be next week in Collingwood for the Wilcox Cup at Georgian Peaks.
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| 1/26/2011 |
A.O.S. SBX Race Goes Saturday |
A.O.S , Searchmont Resort and S.A.F.A team up to host a provincial points Boarder Cross..
SEARCHMONT RESORT will host some of the best SBX (Snowboard Cross) racers in the province on Saturday, January 29th, 2011. The event is being held in conjunction with the Association of Ontario Snowboarders (AOS) and the Searchmont and Area Freestyle Alliance (SAFA).
Athletes will compete head to head on the challenging Searchmont course featuring banked corners, rollers and jumps and will be attempting to qualify for the Provincial Championships being held at Mount St. Louis in Barrie later this year.
Since its introduction as an Olympic sport in 2006 Snowboard Cross has gained a steady
rise in popularity among both spectators and participants. It has been described as Motocross on snow.
Rider Registration and Qualifying heats will take place on Saturday morning with the main racing beginning at 12:30pm.
About Searchmont Resort
Searchmont Resort is owned and operated by the Searchmont Ski Association Inc. (SSAI) a non-for-profit community run organization. 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, chalet owners, Our Mountain Members, angel investors, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Fed Nor, and Alpine Ontario.
About The Association of Ontario Snowboarders (A.O.S)
The Association of Ontario Snowboarders was incorporated in 1998 to function as the
Sport Governing Body for snowboarding in Ontario. The AOS sanctions, monitors and
About The Sault and area Freestyle Alliance
Established in 2007, S.A.F.A's mission is to foster the development of young athletes in a fun
and controlled learning environment in preparation for competition in the local, provincial,
national, and international, events." |
| 1/26/2011 |
Local Skier Takes Silver at Provincial Special Olympics |
Click Here for Full Soonews.ca article. |
| 2/18/2011 |
Strong Start for Ski Runners at Mealey Classic |
MEDIA RELEASE: Searchmont Ski Runners
February 18, 2011
Strong Start for Ski Runners at Mealey Classic
The Searchmont Ski Runners produced six first place finishes on the opening day of competition at the 2011 Mealey Classic being held at Searchmont Resort.
Thursday action saw two Super Giant Slalom (Super G) races held under unseasonably mild conditions. However, hill remained in good shape for the competition which includes over 150 athletes from alpine ski clubs in Sudbury, Timmins, North Bay and Collingwood.
In the K2 Division female races Hannah Derrer of the host team captured gold in both races ahead of Caitlyn Kusnierczyk from Sudbury. In the first race Ski Runners teammate Lindsay Virene captured the bronze. In the 2nd race Hannah Wilcox of North Bay was third. On the male side, Palmer Simpson beat the field in both races. Scott Duhan of Timmins was second in both races while third went to SSR's Liam Brechin in race one and North Bay's Madison Eggert in race two.
In the Junior Division, Elliot Wolfe of the host team won a pair of golds ahead of Devin Wittig of Timmins. Jenna Godbout of North Bay won both female races ahead of Sudbury's Jennifer Hare.
In the K1 Division, Alanna Walker from the Craigleigh Ski Club in Collingwood took the gold in both female races. Avery Marcoux had a third and second place finish respectively. Abigail Wolfe was third in race two while Chianti Brown was second in the first Super G. In the male race the Georgian Peaks Club out of Collingwood swept the podium in both races. Justin Alkier won the first race ahead of teammate Henry Luel and the reverse result came in race two. Jake Mealey took third in both races.
Racing continues through the weekend at Searchmont Resort. |
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