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Connection – September 2024

Building Community

Melissa and Challenge Aspen tackled Spiral Point in Snowmass on a rainy day last month using a Grit Freedom Chair, an adaptive hiking tool which Challenge Aspen obtained through grant funding from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

It was stormy and threatening outside when the team set off. Certainly, not the ideal day for a hike, but in a way, it made the expedition all that much more epic. This crew was ready to take on the cold and the rain together, committed to supporting each other all the way to the top.

Melissa recounts, “as we hiked along, my team and I built a bond and got to know each other. By the time we reached the summit, we were laughing, singing songs, and enjoying snacks”.

At Challenge Aspen, we strive to build community and connection through shared experiences in the outdoors. Thank you Melissa, for letting us share in the joys and the challenges of this adventurous day with you.

Learn about Melissa’s journey of becoming a mountaineer in the film, “From my Window”

The Latest at Challenge Aspen

Trek & Ride: Fall Foliage

Jealous of Melissa’s epic day in the Grit chair? Great news! Challenge Aspen invites wheelchair users to the first ever Fall Trek & Ride, an adaptive hiking and biking event. Come demo our new off-road adaptive gear (or bring your own) to tackle the trails and bask in the glow of the changing aspen leaves.

GRIT Freedom Chair Adaptive Hiking Days
October 2 & 3
Morning hikes (9-11 am)
Afternoon hikes (1-3 pm).
Snowmass Village

*2 Grit Freedom Chairs available (19″ and 16″ seats). Contact Nate to reserve, ngillette@challengeaspen.org

Adaptive Mountain Bike Demos and Lessons
October 4th
9 am-12 pm
CMC Spring Valley Trails

An opportunity for wheelchair users to get a beginner lesson in one of our seated Reactive Adaptation Nuke off-road handcycles, which are set up for para or quadriplegics.

Community Ride
October 4th
12 pm – 3 pm
CMC Spring Valley Trails

Let’s celebrate fall on the trails together. Anyone, of any ability is welcome to join the ride. Food will be available on site after. *A tandem full-suspension mountain bike is available for anyone with a visual impairment interested in joining the community ride. Contact Nate to reserve, ngillette@challengeaspen.org. Cost to participate in all or any part of Challenge Aspen’s Autumn Adventure Days is $25 For questions and to RSVP: Contact Nate ngillette@challengeaspen.org

Youth Sports Giving Day

We’re participating in the first ever Youth Sports Giving Day! Did you know that youth with disabilities are 4.5x less likely to participate in sports and physical activity than their peers? Let’s work together to level the playing field and make sure every child has the access to the opportunities and accommodations they need to thrive.

Every donation made between September 4th-30th will be matched dollar for dollar.

This match is made possible thanks to generous support from The Daniels Fund, The Weld Trust, Denver Broncos Foundation, Alpine Bank, Rose Community Foundation, Strohm Link Family Foundation, Anschutz Foundation and other sponsors.

Fall Locals Program

Fall Locals Program registration is open.
Activity days start September 10th
*Scholarships available

This 6-week program offers bowling, archery and social opportunities for adults and teens with developmental and/or cognitive disabilities.

For questions contact Callie, cdickson@challengeaspen.org

Winter Volunteer Registration is Open!

A volunteer experience like none other. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Winter volunteer opportunities with Challenge Aspen available: HERE

Contact Erin with questions, eloftus@challengeaspen.org

Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities (CAMO)

Western Slope Socials
Fly Fishing & Archery Camp Out
September 14-16
Only a few spots left!

Two days of fly-fishing and/or archery instruction in Basalt. Learn to shoot, or dial in your skills for archery season at our private range featuring static targets as well as a walk through 3D range. Fly-fishing instruction is done on the Roaring Fork River or the private stocked pond on-site.

The Challenge Aspen Golf Classic

An enormous thank you to everyone who came out to support Challenge Aspen at the Golf Classic last month at the Snowmass Club, and a special thank you to Presenting Sponsors, Clarks Market and the Wilhelm Family, as well as the many supporting businesses who helped make this event a success.

Thanks to you we surpassed our fundraising goal! 🥳

We hope you had fun and learned something new with the on-course adaptive activities, and had a fabulous day out on the green with new friends and old.

We’re Hiring

We’re Hiring for Multiple Positions

Challenge Aspen is hiring for multiple positions. Learn more and apply at the link below.

Email info@challengeaspen.org with questions

Challenge Aspen in the News

Challenge Aspen Announced as a Giving Network Grant Recipient

The Giving Network has awarded $575,250 to 15 local nonprofits, including Challenge Aspen, that are filling gaps and needs in the community. A heartfelt thank you to the Giving Network for believing in the work we do and supporting our mission.

Read More
10 Interesting Findings from State of Play Colorado: Aspen to Parachute

Data collected from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative found that more collaboration and resources are needed to accommodate youth with disabilities in our region. Read more and learn about how Challenge Aspen is working with schools and local partners to support youth with disabilities.

Learn More

Community

Kyle Coon Competed in the Paris Paralympics
Congratulations to local athlete Kyle Coon who recently competed in men’s visually impaired triathlon at the Paris Paralympics! Kyle and his guide came in 7th. We are so proud of you! You can continue cheering on the best adaptive athletes in the world through September 8th. All Paralympic events will be streaming on Peacock.
Aspen Sister Cities

Aspen Sister Cities recently received the Innovation in Business, Trade, and Professional Exchange award for their 22-year partnership with Bariloche, Argentina. Through this collaboration, Challenge Aspen exchanges professional and volunteer adaptive ski instructors, and donates equipment to support Desafio Bariloche.

Congratulations to Aspen Sister Cities on the award and for helping us establish a lasting partnership with Desafio Bariloche so many years ago!

Learn More
Aspen Film Festival
Unstoppable

Thursday, September 20th
5:00 pm
The Isis Theatre in Aspen
$30 General Admission

Unstoppable is the true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), who was born with one leg but whose indomitable spirit and unbreakable resolve empowered him to defy the odds and pursue his dreams. With the unwavering love and support of his devoted mother, Judy (Jennifer Lopez), and the encouragement of his coaches, Anthony fights through adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team. But it will demand everything he has, physically and mentally, to achieve his ultimate quest to become an NCAA Champion.

Aspen Croquet Cup

A community event and fundraiser to support local non profits which are chosen by sponsors and teams. Come root for the teams who will be donating to Challenge Aspen, or make a team of your own.

September 22nd
11:30 AM – 4 PM
The Aspen Meadows