Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, the largest nonprofit in Vermont to provide year-round sports and recreational programs to people with disabilities, was awarded the prestigious 2024 Bill McCollom Community Award by the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, recognizing its transformative contributions to Vermont’s skiing and riding community. The award celebrates Vermont Adaptive’s commitment to accessibility and empowering youth and adults with disabilities to experience outdoor sports and recreation.
“It is a true privilege to receive the Bill McCollom Community Award,” said Erin Fernandez, Vermont Adaptive’s executive director. “This award highlights our work, but also the community and spirit of inclusion that is defining Vermont. This recognition is a testament to our dedicated staff, volunteers, participants, and families, as well as our resort partners and generous donors who make it all possible.”
The award ceremony, Saturday, Oct. 19, was held during the museum’s Hall of Fame induction at Killington Resort’s K-1 Lodge. Fernandez and Emily Cioffi Winchell, president of Vermont Adaptive’s board of directors, presented the award to Laura Farrell during the ceremony.
“I am one of those very lucky people,” said Farrell, who founded the organization in 1987. “I had a dream, and all of these people have made it stronger and better over the years and kept it going. I am so lucky and so thankful.”
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has pioneered adaptive sports in the East, offering inclusive programming in skiing, snowboarding, paddling, cycling, mountain biking, Veterans’ programs, and more. The organization remains at the forefront of adaptive recreation, fostering self-confidence and independence for individuals with disabilities.
For more information, visit vermontadaptive.org.
