SkiTAM event a huge fundraiser for disabled team

More than 1,300 people and 100 sponsors joined members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team this March at Vail for three days of racing and fun as the 12th Annual SkiTAM fundraising event produced more than $1 million in financial support for team programs. Organized by CTAM of the Rocky Mountains, the event brings together the biggest names in the cable and telecommunications industry and provides over half the annual operating budget for the U.S. disabled program.
PARK CITY, Utah — More than 1,300 people and 100 sponsors joined members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team this March at Vail for three days of racing and fun as the 12th Annual SkiTAM fundraising event produced more than $1 million in financial support for team programs. Organized by CTAM of the Rocky Mountains, the event brings together the biggest names in the cable and telecommunications industry and provides over half the annual operating budget for the U.S. disabled program.
    "SkiTAM is the biggest supporter of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and it's because of their passionate dedication that we're able to continue to develop athletes who can compete and win on the World Cup and at the Paralympics," said U.S. Disabled Ski Team Program Director Sandy Metzger. "It's an event our athletes look forward to every year because they know just how big SkiTAM is for their team."
    From what began as an informal afternoon of skiing with U.S. athletes in 1988, SkiTAM took its modern shape in 1996 and rapidly evolved into what is now one of the country's best events of it's kind. Along with youth and adult races, the event also hosts a silent auction, a kid's film fest and awards banquet along with other on and off hill activities.
    "SkiTAM is a truly wonderful event," said U.S. Disabled alpine head coach Ray Watkins. "It's a lot like seeing your family again after a long hard season. Everyone involved cares about our Team just as they do their own family and I know our athletes feel completely privileged to have such a great group of people cheering for them both as fans and financial supporters."
    Highlighting the 2007 festivities was the personal commitment of Mike Hayashi, senior vice president of advanced engineering and subscriber technologies for Time Warner Cable, who pledged to shave his head for a $5,000 donation. But when Brad Washburn (standing) also volunteered his red locks for the cause, the bidding exceeded $10,000 and teammate Joe Tomkins (sit-ski) was happy to provide barber services at the awards banquet.
    "When you've got people shaving their heads to raise money for our programs, you know it's a good time," added Watkins. "Racing is just one part of this event, most importantly our athletes feel like celebrities even though they're out there with some of the biggest VIPs in the cable television industry."
    In addition to the more than $1 million donated by SkiTAM, the event also produced in excess of $500,000 through the Athlete Partnership Program (APP) designed to allow sponsors to choose an athlete and then personally support for the season. Both Stephani Victor (sit-ski), who captured the World Cup slalom, giant slalom and overall titles in 2007 and Tyler Walker (sit-ski), who won the inaugural gold medal in mono skier X at the X Games, are sponsored by Starz through the APP.
    "Without the sponsorship from Starz, I would have really struggled this season," said Victor, who also won the U.S. GS and SL titles. "They have been absolutely outstanding as a sponsor, it was a night and day difference after hooking up with them at SkiTAM in 2006."
    Symbolizing the success of the event, more than 25 of the current sponsors have already announced their renewal for the April 3-6, 2008, event set to be hosted again by Vail.
    For more information and race photos, check out www.skitam.com.