12/18/2024 – To be a volunteer at Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is to embody tireless dedication, strong leadership and a big heart. To strive to empower athletes with disabilities is reflected through every highly-trained instructor. The most outstanding volunteers in 2024 were Evan Fennelly, Aharoni Zisling and Barb “Babs” Heath. Named 2024 Volunteers of the Year, these three recipients embody the traits, legacy and memory of Jim Hutchinson, a long-timer Vermont Adaptive volunteer and leader, who left a tradition of empowering people of all abilities through sports and recreation as well as a commitment toward supporting the organization.
“This year, just like any other year, we recognize those who go above and beyond our expectations” said Erin Fernandez, executive director at Vermont Adaptive “We are so grateful and so proud to have a strong organization and even better individuals that make it all happen.”
Evan Fennelly has volunteered at Vermont Adaptive since 2018 and this past winter spent nearly every weekend volunteering and teaching more than 30 lessons at the organization’s Sugarbush Resort/Mt. Ellen location.
“Evan’s commitment, energy, and enthusiasm are the embodiment of what makes a great volunteer,” said Sarah Keith, program coordinator. “Evan has also been instrumental to the success of the Sugarbush Sunday Ski Team for the past few years, consistently arriving early to help set the gates for the racers to train. His dedication to the racers is both impressive and admirable.”
According to Keith, Fennelly almost always has a smile on his face, and is someone who seems to be unable to pass up an opportunity to support those around them. He even took time off from his regular job to help with many of the camps held at Sugarbush last winter, and is constantly seeking out new training opportunities to learn more about teaching and tethering biski lessons. His willingness to learn more about adaptive sports, the equipment, and flexibility to teach any lesson has made him an invaluable instructor at Vermont Adaptive.
Aharoni Zisling has volunteered at Vermont Adaptive since 2019 and offers his time and talent year-round, for both summer and warm weather programs. His friendly personality, big smile, stature and huge heart greets everyone with enthusiasm and ready to seize the day. He helps in every discipline of adaptive Snowsports lessons, as well as volunteering for major fundraising events for Vermont Adaptive including the Vermont 100 and the Vermont 50. Zisling is a veteran and also helps on all Veteran Ventures events when available.
Barb “Babs” Heath has volunteered with Vermont Adaptive for four years. She is a year-round volunteer, helping with skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, biking, and paddling. Usually just a text away, Heath is willing to come by on short notice and fill in any gaps we have in the schedule. She is always enthusiastic and full of energy, as well as full of crazy stories about adventures they get up to on their own.
“I look forward to the texts, emails and videos she sends me detailing her latest escapades,” said Betsy Hoffmeister, program coordinator. “She is dedicated to learning new skills and just last year achieved her PSIA Alpine Level 1 certification. Her curiosity and excitement are contagious.”
To learn more or become a volunteer, visit www.vermontadaptive.org/volunteers/
