Kirkwood, CA – Kirkwood Mountain Resort has partnered with SkiDUCK (Skiing and snowboarding for Disabled and Underprivileged Children and older Kids), a grassroots national non-profit organization, to bring disabled and underprivileged children to the slopes. The California ski and snowboard resort provides the youth participants with free lift tickets, rentals and lessons “so they have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the mountains and the sheer joy of riding on snow,” according to SkiDUCK founder Clint Lunde.nLaunched during the 2009-10 season with a small handful Lake Tahoe resort partners, SkiDUCK aims to enrich the lives of disabled and underprivileged children through teaching and sharing the joys of skiing and snowboarding. Children and teens (age 7–18) build positive relationships with peers and volunteers through one on one interaction and develop a new sense of confidence and self-esteem through their on-snow accomplishments.
Jon Copeland, director of Kirkwood’s Ski and Board school, has seen the impacts of the SkiDUCK program first hand. According to Copeland, SkiDUCK joined forces with Kirkwood half a dozen times during the 2009-10 season, bringing groups of 10 to 25 children each trip. Copeland adds, “SkiDUCK gives these kids, some of whom have never seen snow, an opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have. We’ve even seen a handful come back to Kirkwood with their mentors for another day on the hill.”
Youth clubs come from as near as Lake Tahoe and Reno or as far away as Elko and Yerington, Nev., and Stockton, Calif., to participate in SkiDUCK programs. “And we hope to expand to other ski resorts, cities and other states in the seasons ahead.” says Lunde.
One of the event’s volunteers, Lake Tahoe resident and UnofficialNetworks.com Founder Tim Konrad says, “I’m still buzzing from a great day on the hill. This was my first opportunity to take part in a SkiDUCK event and it really opened my eyes to this amazing organization and the work they’re doing. They’re bringing smiles, positive energy and good times to kids that are all too often surrounded by negative influences. I have no doubt that SkiDUCK is going to change kids’ lives in positive ways.”
SkiDUCK partners with various Boys and Girls clubs and at-risk youth service organizations from Western Nevada and Northern California. Since many children outside the mountain environment don’t have proper attire for their day on the slopes, they’re seeking donations of youth ski or snowboard clothing and gear (including goggles, helmets, jackets, snow-pants, gloves and mittens). If you’re interested in donating, volunteering or learning more about SkiDUCK visit www.SkiDUCK.org or call (775) 287-6464.