Penguin Paddle
Penguin Paddle
Show Your Support for the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley
What do you get when you head up a ski slope in a giant black trash bag and then slide back down on your belly? You’ve got Holiday Valley Resort’s annual Penguin Paddle event, back for another exciting day of fundraising Saturday, February 25 form 11:00am-2:00pm.
This event sponsors the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP). For those not familiar with LASP, ellicottvilleNOW had the opportunity to speak with Assistant Director/Adaptive Ski Instructor, Sue Whistler about the program and the Penguin Paddle event.
eNOW: How did the Penguin Paddle come to be?
SUE: It began in 1987, when Bill Lounsbury, a ski patroller at Holiday Valley, lost his leg to cancer, but continued to ski using hand-held skis, inspiring all who knew him. After his death, many donations were made in his honor, and the money was used to start the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and chapter of Move United. The Penguin Paddle is now the program’s largest yearly fundraiser. It invites the young and old to don large garbage bags and slide down the bottom of Yodeler on their bellies like penguins.
eNOW: What goes on during the day?
SUE: In addition to the Penguin Paddle races, the day’s festivities include a buffet cook-out lunch, silent auction, and a raffle. The silent auction features over 150 items including beautiful gift baskets, ski and outdoor gear, home decor and gift cards from many of Ellicottville’s local restaurants and businesses. This year LASP is raffling off a 2023/24 Holiday Valley season pass, a pair of skis from The City Garage and a $400 gift certificate from Villaggio in Ellicottville.
eNOW: How does the event sponsor the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program?
SUE: Most of the students who participate in LASP require specially designed adaptive ski equipment which is very expensive. The proceeds from the Penguin Paddle help to purchase and maintain this equipment and to fund ongoing adaptive training programs for the 40 volunteer instructors as well as a scholarship program to support any skier regardless of their ability to pay. LASP is a 501C nonprofit organization.
eNOW: Can you indulge on the mission and principals of the program?
SUE: LASP is an all-volunteer program that offers lessons to persons with virtually all disabilities, both physical and cognitive. The LASP motto is “de-EMPHASIZE the dis-ABILITY”. If someone wants to ski, the enthusiastic Lounsbury instructors will find a way to get them out on the slopes. The focus is always on what a student can do, not on what they can’t. A single lesson usually involves two instructors and sometimes three depending on the severity of the student’s disability and the type of adaptive ski equipment required. Results vary but many students become skiers and virtually all of them experience a sense of achievement, excitement and freedom that helps them to gain new confidence to tackle other activities.”
eNOW: Do you have any other events upcoming?
SUE: We are currently working to set up a race day for our students at the end of the season in late March, snow conditions permitting.
eNOW: How can someone interested in helping out get involved?
SUE: The dedication of LASP’s volunteer instructors is essential to the continuing success of this program and new recruits are always welcome. Please visit the LASP website at www.lounsburyadaptive.org for more general information about volunteering, donating, scheduling adaptive ski lessons and of course, the Penguin Paddle. Hope to see you all on February 25!”
PENGUIN PADDLE SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:
• 11:00am - Food Tent opens for lunch
• 1:00pm - Penguin Paddle Races begin
• 2:30pm - Bidding on auction items closes
• 3:00pm - Raffle drawing.
Thank you, Sue, for taking the time to share your insight on the program and your enthusiasm for the Penguin Paddle event. And a huge thank you to the whole team of volunteers who make this wonderful event and the LASP program possible.
Follow @LounsburyAdaptive on Facebook and Instagram for more information about this year’s Penguin Paddle funrdaiser and a full schedule. Additional detals can also be found at holidayvalley.com.
