It took rounds of ski limbo, jumping jacks and a snowsuit conga line to get into the top 10.
Now, Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports – which operates on Grouse Mountain – is seeking more votes in hopes of winning the $100,000 grand prize, which would help the accessibility organization boost its operations.
Until March 23, you can vote for VASS as “Canada’s most invested ski community” on the website of Mackenzie Investments, which is furnishing the competition. The top-three finalists will be announced via CBC Sports on March 25, and the winner on April 1.
So, what makes Grouse Mountain’s VASS so great?
The organization puts on 1,700 lessons a year for people with disabilities, and makes a difference in people’s lives on and off the hill, said Anne Bethune, 33-year president at VASS.
“We have a really wonderful organization that does phenomenal work,” she said. “And I think the judges would see that if we get down to the top three.”
Bethune added that VASS is the only adaptive club in the top 10, and 100 per cent of the prize would go to the organization.
“It would go towards a capital project for our home base, and to program operating expenses,” Bethune said.
Operating for more than 45 years on Grouse, VASS is an incredible organization that truly makes a difference in the local community, said Michael Cameron, president of Grouse Mountain Resort.
“VASS Magic is not only about what happens on the mountain, but the important impacts that the program has on both the students’ and volunteers’ lives,” he said.
The second-place community will receive $20,000, with third place receiving $10,000, and $2,500 will go to each of the other top-10 finalists.
Stay tuned to VASS’s Instagram page for updates on its progress in the contest.
