In a recent article featured in the Battleboro Reformer, Chris Garofolo reported that Vermont wants to make snowboarding the official state sport – a piece of legislation introduced by students from Swanton Central School. Other states such as Colorado and New Hampshire already have official state sports. No surprise, Jake Burton Carpenter, founder of VT-based Burton Snowboards, is a proponent of the bill. According to Carpenter, he’s “ecstatic” and “can’t think of a better way to promote activity throughout the world.” The bill is currently stalled in the state legislation due to more pressing concerns.

I realize the significance of state’s being assigned with a bird or flower, but why do we feel it’s necessary for a state to identify itself to a specific sport? I’m from Maine, so would lobstering be considered the official state sport?

Click here to read the full article: http://www.reformer.com/ci_12061875
List of Official U.S. State Sports: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_sports

Image Courtesy WildSnow.com

WildSnow.com takes a first look at the new iPhone App: AVi. As WildSnow blogger Dave D writes: “This new application for iPhone is the self-proclaimed perfect avalanche beacon. No longer will you sigh as you strap on your clunky beacon. If you haven’t noticed, no one ever leaves their iPhone behind, or begrudgingly takes it with them everywhere they go.”

Too bad Dave doesn’t have an iPhone; he’ll just have to go the “enlightened” route of “Jesus is My Beacon.”

Story Here: WildSnow.com

Nearly 450 vets are gathered in Snowmass Village, Colorado this week to participate in alpine and Nordic skiing and numerous other adaptive recreational activities and sports during the 23rd National Disabled Vets Winter Sports Clinic.

The clinic is open to U.S. military service veterans, offering neuropathy help with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, neurological problems and other disabilities.  The clinic offers the inspiration to take their rehabilitation to a higher level through positive physical, mental, and social experiences and challenges in a beautiful mountain setting.

Events include adaptive alpine (downhill) and cross country skiing, scuba diving, sled hockey, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, rock climbing, trap shooting, archery, snowmobiling, gondola rides, trips to the hot springs, plus educational and instructional workshops.

The Roaring Fork Vally Sportsman’s Association, www.rfvsa.org, hosts the vets for the annual shoot and barbecue at the public shooting range in Basalt this week.

Participants are instructed in trap shooting. Some sit, some stand, some are blind in one or both eyes. All have an opportunity to test their coordination and speed and have fun in an informal game of trap.

Cindy Lyons was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves.  She came to the clinic last year for the first time while she was in a wheelchair and it was then that she discovered she could walk again after was confined to a wheel chair for the prior eleven months. Cindy is a sharp shooter on the pistol range also.

A highlight of the DAV shoot is the famous wild game barbeque put on by the Rifle, CO Elks Club. Fare included elk tenderloin, venison meatballs, rabbit and rattlesnake sausage, wild boar brats, buffalo burgers, bbq chicken, jerky and summer sausages. Dessert included pies, cakes, brownies, and strawberry layer cake.

It was incredibly humbling and uplifitng to spend the day with all the amazing people who shared with me their good conversation, stories, and challenges. The day was a great success. Everyone had fun, stayed safe, and looked forward to the next event on their list for the week.