BELLAIRE, MI --
Michigan Adaptive Sports will head to the slopes for their 34th annual adaptive ski race, the Stieler Cup, at the Shanty Creek Resorts’ Schuss Mountain on January 29-30, 2011. MAS is a non-profit, volunteer organization, enabling persons with disabilities to experience recreational activities.
The Stieler Cup originated by William E. Stieler, the first amputee 3-track skier in Michigan. He started running the cup for amputees in 1977, now the cup is awarded, regardless of disability, in recognition competitive excellence. Because of Shanty Creek Resorts’ continuous support of adaptive skiing, the race has almost exclusively been held at Schuss Mountain for its 34-year history.
Two other cups are awarded at the race, the Grace Meyers Memorial Cup and the John C. Fields Memorial Cup, which are presented to honor skiers and/or snowboarders with great spirits of accomplishment.
MAS offers assisted skiing to wide range of participants with physical and cognitive disabilities. All participants receive appropriately adapted ski equipment and the support of certified instructors and MAS volunteers.
MAS makes it possible for experienced or inexperienced skiers to have fun on the slopes regardless of their disabilities. Jayne Uber, a quadriplegic from Ann Arbor, skied with MAS for the first time last February.
"As a former skier, I would have never dreamed that I would have the chance to enjoy the thrill of skiing again. Adaptive skiing allowed me to enjoy that rush again," said Uber.
View this video from an event at Crystal Mountain to see the skiers in action, http://www.wildweekendtv.com/adv_video_featured.asp?id=226.
For more information about Michigan Adaptive Sports, visit MichiganAdaptiveSports.org.
