First-of-its-kind program emphasizes whole body health
KILLINGTON—This summer, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports will offer the first-of-its-kind C.O.R.E. Connections five-day wellness program. Announced June 12, this new program is made possible and supported by the Bowse Health Trust, a department of Rutland Regional Medical Center. The week-long program, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, will be offered once in June-July and again in August.
The first program is from Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3. The second program will be held Monday, Aug. 3 to Friday, Aug. 7. Additional weeks will be added this winter and continue into the future. All ages and abilities are welcome. The cost is $225 per person per program, and scholarships are available. The programs begin at Vermont Adaptive’s permanent headquarters at the Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge at Pico Mountain. Day trips to various recreational locations are included in the week’s activities.
“Each program will emphasize whole body health,” said Megann O’Malley, the program’s coordinator. “Activities will include lifestyle analysis, goal setting, nutrition, local farm-to-table initiatives, personal fitness abilities, and mindful programs like creative art, music sessions, adaptive yoga, and guided breathing exercises. The goal is for participants to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and then incorporate those habits into their daily lives. We’re thankful to Bowse Health Trust for providing the funding for us to launch this new, important program in the Rutland region.”
Other activities, which will be determined based on schedule, transportation, weather, and participants’ needs, may include adaptive canoeing, kayaking cycling, swimming, games and outdoor hiking adventures, therapeutic horseback riding, and more. Transportation to off-site locations is provided. The program concludes with a family BBQ and celebration of accomplishments. After each program, all participants will be encouraged to stay active and involved on a regular basis in Vermont Adaptive programs in order to work together toward long-term healthy lifestyle goals.
“As funding becomes available, we hope to launch this program statewide,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director for Vermont Adaptive. “There may be flexibility in the dates, groups of 10 or more should inquire to schedule an event.”
The program fee includes all activities throughout the week. Participants are responsible for bringing their own bag lunch. For more information or to preregister, visit www.vermontadaptive.org or call O’Malley at 802.786.4991 ext. 28.
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a 501c(3) non-profit organization, offering statewide, year-round sports and recreation to individuals with physical, mental or cognitive disabilities of all ages. Headquartered at Pico Mountain Ski Resort in Killington, it is the largest non-profit in Vermont to offer daily, year-round sports and recreational programming to people with disabilities.
