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Discovering
Ability Through the Magic of Snow Sports
Track
3 is a story of success. Success not only for its growth over the past years,
but for the hundreds of young people with varying disabilities, who, through
the challenge of skiing and snowboarding, have discovered that in spite
of their disability, they could live an active life.
Track
3 started in 1972, with a few amputee students and some hand me down equipment.
The name Track 3 comes from the three tracks left in the snow by an amputee
skiing with one ski and two outriggers. The program was funded by the
Easter Seal Society, but was operated by a small group of dedicated volunteers.
Some are still involved with the program today.
Since the program proved so successful to amputee youngsters, it was not
long before those with other disabilities were introduced to the program.
Once instructor-training methods were developed to teach these skiers,
they too began to benefit in the same way as the amputees.
In
1987 a group of volunteers involved with Track 3, decided to separate from
the Easter Seal Society, and incorporate as the 'Ontario Track 3 Ski Association
for The Disabled'. Their mandate… "To provided the best possible
program for youngsters with disabilities, using only current ski equipment
and fully trained and qualified instructors, support staff and ski technicians."
To further this goal, Track 3 created its own Board of Directors, charged
with keeping the organization constantly looking and moving forward, and
to remain financially viable.
Over
the years, Track 3 has more than met its mandate. The organization has
developed a training system with detailed manuals that correspond to a
graded instructor training program. Track 3 has their own trained, experienced
course conductors to help enable new volunteers to work with the children
on the hill. On an average year close to 80 new recruits receive level
one training, and 30 or more instructors strive for level 2 and 3 certification.
Although we are fortunate enough each year to recruit new volunteers,
we also, for various reason i.e. work, family, school etc. lose some volunteers.
Each year we try to maintain and expand our volunteer base. This sometimes
presents a lot of challenges but we always seem to continue to move forward.
It
is now almost 20 years since Track 3 stepped out on its own. It is working
with skiers and snowboarders with a wide variety of physical and mental
disabilities. The program has grown so much that new ski schools had to
be developed. Currently Track 3 has 16 programs at 16 different locations.
Over 450 volunteers actively participate in these programs, to ensure that
the students get the best instruction we can provide. With their on going
support, and the addition of new and energetic volunteers, the future of
Track 3 looks bright.
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