Vermont Adaptive experiences

In early February, Team Run 2 Empower members Maria, Vin and Kevin joined me (and Vermont Adaptive) at the US Association for Blind Athletes (USABA) Ski Weekend at Pico.  Even having some experience with guiding a visually impaired runner over the years, the USABA weekend was a learning experience for me.  The best part was having Maria, Vin, and Kevin each learn to guide athletes also!

(Kyle and I, on our way snowshoeing up Pico)

Vin and Kevin each had their own experiences learning to guide from other Vermont Adaptive volunteers while guiding downhill skiers.  Each of them shadowed for the morning session, but were taking the lead guide position in the afternoon.

Likely one of the most challenging things we did that day was to participate in the adaptive shooting range - which was target practice for visually impaired athletes.  The riffle was set up without a sight, but instead had computer locating when you were on the target and made a louder and sharper noise through a headset as you got closer to the center of the target.  It was freakin' hard!

(Participating in target practice for visually impaired athletes)

The first shot, I still tried to look down the gun and aim it towards the lit targets in front of me.  However, I found that I needed to block out my visual input and simply listen to the headset to hone in on a location to shoot.  And you know what?  I was terrible - I didn't hit one shot (but I was pretty darn close on several...).  I didn't feel so bad when I learned that Vin, who was on a National Champion shooting team in high school, didn't hit any targets either.

(Maria participating in the target practice for VI athletes)

As I reflect on my day at Vermont Adaptive - I am always amazed at how these Vermont Adaptive athletes adaptive to achieve the same goal or task that we all accomplish.  If they don't have visual input, then they rely more heavily on their auditory input for the same thing.  (For example, I recognized a Vermont Adaptive athlete that I had skied with for a day at last year's USABA weekend.  While I recognized her on sight, the moment I went over to say hello, she recognized my voice and knew immediately who I was.)  Of course, I am equally amazed by how fearless these athletes are while skiing downhill at high speeds, or by watching Kyle let loose and bomb a downhill on the trails.  At the end of the day, it's a reminder to forget about the challenges that each athletes has and remember the incredible accomplishments they achieve!

(Kyle, Maria and I at the top of Pico)