Funds will be used to support equipment, training and program support for our Whistler Watersports Program. WAS’ programs serve children and youth living with a variety of physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities. Based at Alta Lake, our watersports programs provide skilled coaches and adaptive equipment designed to help people of all abilities to participate in paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing.

Program Schedule:
Our programs run for 8 weeks throughout July and August with three additional weekend camps.

Weekly Programs
Kayaking Youth & Adults, estimated 14 participants per week
Canoe/Paddleboard Youth & Adults, estimated 14 participants per week

Camps
• Camp #1: Spinal Cord Injury Youth Camp, estimated 15 – 20 participants
• Camp #2: Spinal Cord Injury Adult Camp, estimated 20 – 25 participants
• Camp #3: Soldier On Veterans Camp, estimated 15 participants

Funds will be used to support 3 areas of our program:
1) Purchase of a new motorized safety boat (plus pump and dolly) and equipment replacement. The boat is a key safety aspect of our program due to the high winds on Alta Lake, inclement weather, potential equipment issues and the variability of participants abilities. We will also use funds to replace 6 pairs of water shoes.
2) Volunteer and staff training. Our staff and volunteers work with youth and adults with a range of physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities and developmental delays, as well as Autism and ADHD.
We are requesting funds to help support costs associated with disability training, watersports training and first aid training. These include Lakewater Leader (up to 10 people), Open Water Safety Course (up to 10 people), Paddleboard training (up to 10 people), and First Aid (4 people). Disability training will be done by WAS staff and volunteers.
3) Funds will also be used to hire one Watersports Assistant Instructor for 11 weeks.