A Brief History of
Ignite Adaptive Sports.

Ignite Adaptive Sprots is a program offering unique skiing and winter sports recreation opportunities for physically and mentally challenged individuals. Founded in 1975 as an independent non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, we operate from our own facilities at the Eldora Mountain Resort. When founded Ignite was named Eldora Special Recreation Program or ESRP. Ignite started with just 10 University of Colorado disabled students and 7 volunteer instructors. After the 2010 season ESRP was renamed Ignite.

What we do.
Our mission is to provide integrated recreational opportunities for people with disabilities that will foster independence through the acquisition of lifetime skills. Ignite is also a member organization of Disabled Sports USA and Professional Ski Instructors of America Rocky Mountain Division (PSIA-RM).

We serve the disabled population with instructional programs in adaptive Snowboard, Alpine and Nordic skiing, which include downhill Sit-Ski, Mono-Ski and Pull cross country skiing. Sixty-five percent of our student population comes from Boulder County. Last Season the program supported over 1200 lesson sessions for more than 180 students. We have experienced a modest, but continuous growth, over the past 35 years that our program has been in existence. A scholarship fund has been provided so we can accommodate participants from all income levels. We charge a daily fee for our services that includes a ski or snowboard lesson, lift ticket and ski or snowboard instructor. Our instruction fee structure covers our day to day operational costs. However, we rely totally on outside financial support and fund-raising activities for our facility costs at Eldora Mountain, office equipment, ski equipment additions and replacement. These fundraising activities include numerous fundraising events, corporate/community support, and other special events.

Who we serve.
The students who take advantage of Ignite have special needs that cannot be met by traditional teaching methods. The students not only enjoy all the wondrous thrills of skiing, but feel the pride and satisfaction of accomplishment, and acquire an alliance with fellow athletes and volunteers. Their lives are enhanced physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Skiers of all ages and abilities take part in the many winter sports activities offered by Ignite. We provide the full student ski instruction program each weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) in January, February and March.

In addition, our race training program provides the opportunity to compete with other racers who have similar disabilities. This in turn inspires feelings of confidence. We work closely with Special Olympics and our racers participate in regional races and the Winter Special Olympics.

Who we are.
Our Program is the result of the committed efforts of over 100 volunteers. Ignite volunteers are the backbone of the organization. They are college students, parents and citizens from the community. They train, teach and volunteer their time to improve their skill in physical and therapeutic recreation, special education and most important, to be a part of this valuable experience. Some volunteers have disabilities or children with disabilities, but most of our volunteers say they participate because they want to share their skills and love of the sport. As a volunteer organization our primary objective is to provide adaptive winter sports training to the disabled community in a safe and fun environment where learning can take place.

Ignite offers complete instructor training for our volunteers. Volunteers receive extensive training in dealing with various student disabilities, teaching methods, adaptive techniques, operation of equipment and safety guidelines. We follow the American Teaching System offered by the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. The instructors are trained to recognize problem situations and conditions which may be created by medications and disabilities. This vital education not only assures a safe skiing experience, but also an enjoyable one. On-going training throughout the session is offered to maximize the instructor's personal skiing/riding, teaching ability and technical knowledge.

Ignite has an active board of directors and member committees that meet year round to support the program with strategy, planning and program management. Board members have been involved with the disabled community for years, some having children with disabilities, and others themselves disabled. The board members come from a wide variety of professions, which is a valuable combination of talent and enthusiasm.