On January 9, 2011, Squaw Valley, USA kicked off its second season with SkiDUCK, a new national non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of disabled and underprivileged children by sharing the joys of skiing and snowboarding. In its first of nine on-slope events this season, about 45 financially underprivileged children (ages 7-18) from Tahoe Women’s Services, Fallon Youth Club, and Stockton Unified School District spent a day on the slopes learning to ski or snowboard, for FREE!
SkiDUCK founder Clint Lunde said “We’re very excited to work with Squaw Valley, USA and our other participating Tahoe resorts (Kirkwood, Sugar Bowl, and Tahoe Donner) again this season, and we’re grateful for their generous donations of free lift tickets, rentals, and lessons to kids who otherwise may never have the opportunity to learn to ski or ride.” With the resorts’ support, SkiDUCK provides today’s youth the amazing beauty of the mountains and the rewards of learning an engaging and invigorating sport. The children and teens build positive 1:1 relationships with peers and volunteers and develop a new sense of self-confidence and esteem.
One of the event’s volunteers, Squaw Valley resident and UnofficialSquaw.com Founder Tim Konrad told us “I’m still buzzing from a great day on the hill. This was my first opportunity to take part in a SkiDUCK event at Squaw Valley 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 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.
