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New Organization Expands Mountain Access For Blind and Visually Impaired Skiers and Snowboarders
DENVER, Colo., February 7, 2002 -- Visually impaired skiers and snowboarders have a new opportunity to hit the slopes thanks to Foresight Ski Guides, a non-profit organization launched in Colorado this season. The aim of the new organization is to provide one-of-a-kind, affordable, and flexible services for blind or visually impaired skiers and snowboarders. Initially, services will be available at Vail Resorts, with eventual expansion to resorts elsewhere in Colorado and nationwide.
Foresight Ski Guides, Inc. was founded by 44-year-old Denver native Mark Davis, who lost his vision in 1999 from multiple sclerosis, a disease he has battled for six years. A lifelong skier, Davis formed the organization to help other visually impaired people experience the freedom of skiing at an affordable price.
“Although a number of resorts and organizations provide ski services for people who are blind or visually impaired, few do so on an affordable basis or with the necessary flexibility,” says Davis. “Our aim is to provide ‘one-stop service’ for blind or visually impaired people to fully enjoy a winter mountain experience.”
Foresight: Filling a Need
Davis was devastated when he lost his vision in 1999. He had been at the height of his career as a vice president of a bank and now found himself completely dependent on others. He describes this as a terrifying time. The following year, Davis discovered the Colorado Ski School for the Blind where a trained guide helped Davis get back on skis.
“It was sort of like going from ultimate despair to ultimate enjoyment,” recalls Davis. “In a very short time I was able to do something I was good at. It was an awesome, awesome experience. I started getting my life back together.”
When the Colorado Ski School for the Blind folded, Davis searched for alternatives, but found nothing, and so formed his own organization. Foresight’s focus will be to arrange for trained volunteer guides to accompany the skier or snowboarder on the slopes. For a once-a-season donation of $50, participants will be entitled to four days of guided skiing, with lift tickets, equipment rental, and assistance for lodging and transportation. Grants, corporate sponsorships, and charitable donations cover the remainder of the expenses.
Foresight is funded in part by Betaseron® Champions of Courage, a program supported by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that recognizes the accomplishments of people with MS and provides support for their inspirational activities. “Mark is an inspiration to us all,” said Eric Simons, chairman of the program and a Foresight volunteer. “Not only has he shown that MS will not keep him from doing what he loves, but he is also dedicated to helping others with visual impairment enjoy the same experience.”
Various corporations, including Vail Resorts, Vail Sports, and Vail Cascade Spa and Resort have also pledged corporate support. Most recently, Foresight received a grant from the Denver Foundation. "Vail has historically supported adaptive ski programs as part of our commitment to our guests,” said Bill Jensen, Senior Vice President of Vail Resorts, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of Vail. “We recognize and understand that snow sports can provide a life-changing experience to visually impaired people and with Vail Resorts' expanded opportunity to partner with Mark Davis and Foresight, this will only broaden the benefits of skiing and snowboarding to those who are visually impaired."
In addition to notifying blind or visually impaired skiers, snowboarders, and their families, Davis is also looking for volunteers to act as guides and hosts on the mountain. An application is available at the Foresight website www.foresightskiguides.org or by calling toll free 866-860-0972.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that randomly attacks the central nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord, wearing away control over the body. Symptoms may range from numbness to paralysis and blindness. Though no cure yet exists, there are now therapies available that can impact underlying disease course as well as manage symptoms. MS affects more than a third of a million people in the U.S. alone, with someone being newly diagnosed virtually each hour.
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Foresight Ski Guides, Inc., is a Colorado corporation with tax-exempt, non-profit status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For information about Foresight, visit the website or call Mark G. Davis, President, at (303) 860-0972.
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Contact: |
Liz Garman Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM Telephone: 202/363-3378 E-Mail: info@championsofcourage.org |
