The Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre’s primary summer fundraiser has seen a drop in sponsorship support, and the organization is now asking the community to help save its event.
ForeAbility, the fundraiser at SilverTip Golf Course on Sept. 14, raises money to provide sport opportunities for those with physical, developmental or cognative challenges across the Bow Valley and beyond.
“Foreability has been one of our main fundraisers for the year and contributes a big part of our funding. It keeps us going,” said executive administrator Vick McCulloch. “It provides funds for programs and lessons throughout the year.”
For example, this summer, RMA had more than 20 children in its youth programs, and many more in its lesson and experience classes. Funds raised will also subsidize the program, and purchase more adaptable equipment, such as trail riders and kayaks. They also try to meet the requests of any of their members, as they add new sports continuously.
“In the summer, we have a ton of different programs for kids in the Bow Valley and Calgary – hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis, swimming, Frisbee golf. We have lots of multi-week programing, and the funds raised keeps the price low for programs. We want to provide them at a low cost,” McCulloch said.
“By providing adaptive and affordable mountain sports and recreation activities, we are able to increase the self esteem, independence, health and general well being of our participants.”
New activities are continuously added to their programming, which increases equipment demand.
“Every year we expand the amount of equipment we get. This year, we need to get more kayaks to make it more accessible for people,” McCulloch said.
This year, McCulloch would like to raise $25,000 at ForeAbility, and she said there are many sponsorship opportunities still available. The group is looking for everything from silent auction donations to team entries to hole sponsors. If they don’t reach their goals, they will need to find new ways to raise that money.
“There are lots of ways to get involved as a team or an individual. We are looking for sponsors for the day, who will be featured at the event,” McCulloch said.
The event will include many special events, including the $1million shootout challenge. Those who aren’t golfers can also join the event for dinner and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m.
Over the years, numerous sponsors have supported the charity, but McCulloch said times are tough and they are noticing the pinch.
Thankfully, in the past, local communities have stepped up and they’d love to see that again.
“We have had a lot of great support from local businesses in the past. We’ve made connections to parents and family members that want to support us in one way or another.”
She said the programming has helped numerous participants gain more skills and confidence in the Rocky Mountains, providing programs for those who might not otherwise get a chance to move outdoors.
“We see it especially with kids in our winter program, those who have a narrow ability to ski or snowboard, to gain the confidence to do the run on their own,” McCulloch said. “It’s a freeing experience.”
Those interested in taking part in the event or becoming a sponsor can find info at www.rockymountainadaptive.com.
