Ski 2 Freedom Foundatio: Aims and Objectives
Ski 2 Freedom Foundation is a small independent and international non-profit organisation, with charitable purpose, which was founded in 2007 by Catherine Cosby, mother of a profoundly disabled daughter (Rett Syndrome) and enthusiastic winter sports supporter, to make snow-sports and the mountains more accessible to skiers with a disability, special needs or lift-long illness and to give new skiers the confidence to try it.
Ski 2 Freedom’s Objective
To provide an international resource of comprehensive information on all the elements associated with the mountains in winter, which meets the specific needs and requirements of people with a disability, special need or illness so that they, their carers, family or friends can have an independent choice of location and activity.
Ski 2 Freedom’s Aim
To enlighten all members of society, regardless of nationality or social background, as to the social and well-being benefits that can be gained by children and adults with a disability, special need or life-long illness who participate in snow-sport and mountain activities.
These benefits bring education, self-expression, self-confidence, a discovery and improvement of existing and new skills, integration and rehabilitation, opportunities for employment and volunteering not just for people with an existing disability, special need or life-long illness or for those who may at anytime suffer a life-changing experience affecting their physical or mental health but for all members of our society worldwide.
The Foundation is meeting and working with many different elements within the winter sport and mountain sector, these include ski instructors (some of these individuals are themselves disabled), ski schools, local, regional and national tourist authorities, other charitable organisations working within the snow-sport sector who provide specific holidays and days out on the mountain either in winter or throughout the year, charities and foundations which support the interests of disabled people, medical professionals, specialist equipment manufacturers and winter holiday companies. It is this opportunity to work with and on behalf of these people which gives Ski 2 Freedom the chance to enlighten others to an activity which promotes inclusivity and interaction within our society.
The Founder and Director is Catherine Cosby, mother of a profoundly disabled daughter and enthusiastic winter sports supporter.
We passionately believe that taking part in snow-sport activities is not only wonderfully therapeutic but it also greatly improves self-confidence off the slopes too. Ski 2 Freedom encourages as many people as possible, regardless of age, nationality or background, to experience the exhilaration, joy, challenges and freedom of the mountains.
Feel the wind your face
We encourage families to go on a snow activity holiday together, children and young people to enjoy their
independence on the slopes, students to go away with their friends and individuals to travel independently or join up with a group.
Snow-sports for everyone whatever your disability or special needs.
To help you plan your snow-sport activities ‘adventure’ we have a rapidly growing extensive Directory of information. The Ski 2 Freedom Snow Sport and Mountain Guide for Disability and Special Needs provides an international resource of comprehensive information on all the elements associated with the mountains. Meeting the specific needs and requirements for everyone so that they, along with their family, friends or carers can have an independent choice of location or activity.on snow/winter sports stations and resorts, their snowsports facilities, the levels of instruction and the accommodation in these resorts that is appropriate for various disabilities or special needs - in fact, everything you need to know to help you to plan the best experience ever in the mountains.
Where?
We are truly international and provide winter sports information about activities and locations worldwide including Austria, France, Germany, Scandinavia and Switzerland.
Ski 2 Freedom Foundation is an organisation for everyone, young and old, for families, friends and carers. Our organisation is independent and although we have first hand experience of some resorts and what they can offer, there are many we do not yet know personally. We can, however, direct you to organisations, experts, accommodation lists and businesses that make up the component parts of each holiday for people with a disability or special need so that you can find out more.
(The organisation is registered in England as a company limited by guarantee No. 6253579. UK charity status has been applied for and is pending. The Foundation will be registering an office both in France and Switzerland within the next few months.)
For more information contact:
Catherine Cosby
Director and Founder
catherine.cosby@ski2freedom.com
www.ski2freedom.com
UK 07980 691372
0844 855 2303
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