The 10th annual Vermont Adaptive Charity Ride presented by Long Trail Brewing has gone virtual this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The event raises critical money for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ year-round adaptive sports programs, athletes and adaptive sports equipment. It normally brings more than 1,000 people to the Killington region in June each year.

As part of this year’s virtual event, U.S. Freestyle Ski Team Members Hannah Soar and Alex Lewis, plus three more alumni from the Killington Mountain School, will bike 100 miles this coming Saturday and collectively have pledged to ride an overall goal of 2,000 miles by June 20 in an effort to raise funds and support Vermont Adaptive’s programs and mission.

“I am super excited to get involved with Vermont Adaptive,” said Soar, who grew up skiing and training at Killington Resort. “I found it amazing how many ways this organization can help get people with various disabilities out on the hill. Now that I have some time off due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I thought it would be a great time to get involved and show my support. My friends and I joined together to plan a 100-mile bike ride in support of Vermont Adaptive for April 25, we are super excited to support this amazing non-profit.”

Now through June 20, participants are encouraged to set a personal goal and then ride a road or mountain bike, as well as walk, run, roll, join virtual exercises classes, horseback ride or any other active event while still social distancing. Weekly contests and prizes, plus fundraising incentives are in place to help motivate and incentivize participants to be active for an important cause. Through participant fundraising and dedicated sponsors, the event has grown to be the largest fundraising event to support the organization’s annual operating budget, participant scholarships, lessons, expensive adaptive equipment, and more. The goal for 2020 is to raise $300,000.

“Vermont Adaptive serves a vulnerable population that is stuck inside right now,” said Jeff Alexander, director of strategic partnerships and the director of the event. “Our community will need us more than ever and will need to get outside and play. we anticipate an increase in programming demand due to the fact that our participants and they people we serve have been stuck indoors. So, for those in a position to help, we hope they will register for this year’s Virtual Vermont Adaptive Charity Ride. The support and fundraising will help more than ever now as we prepare to return to our important adaptive sports programs as soon as we can.”

To culminate the Virtual Vermont Adaptive Charity Ride, event organizers will host a full day of Facebook live streamed music from local and regional artists, raffles, adaptive athlete interviews, interactive activities, and lots of prizes on Saturday, June 20, the date of the original on-site event.

“We are happy to bring a new and exciting way to celebrate the 10th Annual fundraising event while keeping the community we love healthy and safe, and continuing to raise the funds critical to our adaptive sports programming,” said Alexander. “We will be unable to join together physically at Long Trail Brewery but we are determined to celebrate this event with a cool virtual ride party on June 20. We have lots of fun things planned, and the road back to play starts now.”

Traditionally, the event includes a large silent auction, which also will be online this year and include many items from local and regional businesses.

Registration is $40/person with a $150 minimum fundraising requirement. Participants who raise $150 or more will receive a Participant Appreciation Package with event tee, pint glass and more. This year, the first 500 people to raise their minimum fundraising of $150 also will receive a Killington Ticket Voucher valid for one day of skiing or riding during the 2020-21 ski season or one day of mountain biking during the 2020 summer season. Not valid during Peak Dates and subject to Resort Operating Schedule.

This year’s sponsors included: Long Trail Brewing Co., Killington Resort, Townline Equipment, Lookout Tavern, AARP Vermont, Cabot Creamery, Nokian Tyres, Ski Vermont, Till I Die, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center, Velofix, Sun Common, Kinco Gloves, Bike-On, Garneau, Darn Tough, Turtle Fur, People’s United Bank, Bag Balm, 802 Cars, Honey Stinger, and more.

To learn more and to register, visit https://charityride.vermontadaptive.org

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