The Resort Municipality of Whistler has been
named Sponsor of the Year by the Disabled Skier’s Association of B.C.
The award was presented to the RMOW at
Monday’s council meeting by the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP).
“Whistler is incredibly proud to be named Sponsor of the Year by the Disabled Skier’s Association of B.C. Whistler is also incredibly proud to be hosting the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games along with Vancouver,” said Mayor Ken Melamed. “Not only will we have the chance to host this truly inspiring event, but we will build a legacy of enhanced accessibility and capacity in hosting adaptive sports — something our community has already embraced.”
“The close ties between WASP and the RMOW speak to our local government’s tremendous support of adaptive sport in Whistler,” said Chelsey Walker, WASP executive director. “Whether it is the generous funding of our operations or program support, media relations or collaboration on the Accessibility Advisory Group, the RMOW has become a valuable supporter and partner to WASP.”
WASP, which operates year round recreational programs for people with disabilities, became a society in 2005. Since then, the non-profit has benefited from municipal support and the Community Enrichment Program, with the latter earmarking $57,000 this year.
The funds have seen WASP recruit an executive director, fund general operations, pilot four summer programs, start an adaptive cross-country program and produce an adaptive alpine race development program. Further, the society’s Scotiabank Learn to Ride Program has grown from 515 to 1,024 lessons a year.
Brian Forrester, executive director with DSABC, praised Whistler for its progress in accessibility. “Without the unwavering support of the RMOW and the entire Whistler community,” he said, “this would not be possible.”
