Penguin Paddle Continues to Bring Support
Penguin Paddle Continues to Bring Support
Lounsbury Adaptive Program Continues to Receive Great Support from Annual Event
Photos / Lounsbury Adaptive
Belly down! Holiday Valley and the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP) just celebrated the 40th annual Penguin Paddle, both a staple in Ellicottville’s snow sports mecca and a fundraiser for a great cause. The event took place on February 24th, 2024.
The race itself is almost as fun to watch as it is to do! Racers head up the mountain with their trash bags fitted over their snow gear, and then race to the bottom on their bellies, like penguins! As somebody who has Penguin Paddled at Holiday Valley for years, I can tell you it’s much harder than it looks, but it’s always a highlight of ski season! The race is usually paired with a cookout lunch, silent auction, and raffle, with this year’s highlights being a pair of skis and a Holiday Valley season pass!
“Holiday Valley has always been incredibly generous, and they also raffle off a groomer ride!” said Sue Whistler, the program director for the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program. “We also had a wine wall. For twenty-five dollars you get a couple bottles of wine, you’re not sure what they are, it varies from year to year.”
Sue and her husband moved to Ellicottville in 2007 and were very drawn to the Lounsbury Program. “I don’t personally have anyone in my family with any major disabilities, but it just seemed like a wonderful way to give back to the community and a sport we love,” commented Sue.
The kindness of donors is the reason that LASP’s Penguin Paddle is able to power its sweepstakes every year, and donations at large support the Lounsbury Program’s commitment to inclusion and empowering those with physical disabilities to participate in snow sports.
Bill Lounsbury, a Holiday Valley ski patroller, lost his leg due to cancer in 1987. That didn’t stop him, however, and he continued to ski using handheld skis. Following his passing, empowered members of his community made donations in his honor, which helped start the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program. Today, donations like these help other skiers to get the equipment they need to participate and enjoy the mountain. “Funds go to purchasing and maintaining adaptive equipment, as well as for training and certification programs for our forty adaptive volunteer instructors. We also have a scholarship program, so we never turn anyone away based on their ability to pay,” added Sue.
The Penguin Paddle event itself is the Lounsbury Program’s only fundraiser, and it’s a big one. The event is always such a fun way to come together and be with friends and family at Holiday Valley. But there’s also a message within the Penguin Paddle racing.
“The paddle itself is definitely one of the most humbling things I’ve ever done, it makes you aware of how difficult life can be for people struggling with disabilities,” remarked Sue. “Each of our students have a precious gift to share with all of us. That gift is their ability to inspire and humble everyone they meet with their courage, strength and indomitable spirit,” she added.
We all know how tough this ski season has been with the weather, and I think I speak for most of us when I say that a little more cold and a couple more flurries would have been nice. “I think the major challenge this year was the season in general. Mother nature wasn’t as generous, and she definitely threw us some curveballs!” said Sue. That didn’t stop WNY from getting both their turns and paddles in, however, and this year’s Penguin Paddle was still very successful. “We had a wonderful turnout, and all indications are that we were very successful this year.”
Next year, the Penguin Paddle is sure to be just as fun-filled as ever! “Come next year!” Said Sue. “It’s gonna be bigger and better than ever, and we’re always looking for new volunteer instructors!”
If you’d like to learn more about the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, you can check them out at lounsburyadaptive.org. There, you can become an athlete, volunteer, or donate to help “deEmphasize the disAbility” (lounsburyadaptive.org). And if you couldn’t make it this year, not to worry! Penguin Paddle will be back next year, iconic black trash bags and all!