Providing life-changing experiences to their clients for over a decade.
Steamboat Springs has a long-standing heritage of world-class summer and winter recreational activities. The pure joy that comes from being able to wake up each morning and experience all that Steamboat has to offer is something that every person deserves. STARS was created as a program to ensure that any one could have the opportunity to participate in one or all of Steamboat’s varying activities.
History
In search of a program that would provide winter recreational programs and equipment for people with disabilities, a group of parents, ski instructors, and management for Steamboat Ski Corporation came together to form STARS. They’ve since expanded their programming to include summer recreational programs as well as scholarships.
STARS has been using sports and recreation to help teach self-confidence, social skills, and independence for the children and adults that participate in their programs.
It’s not uncommon when up on the mountain for a day of skiing to see volunteers in their signature red STARS jackets working with adaptive skiers of all ages. With over 200 volunteers and 16,000 volunteer hours STARS has been able to provide 3,280 lessons and serve 528 clients.
Here at The Porches we have someone very special to our staff that has been participating the STARS programs in recent years. We caught up with Drew to learn more about his experience with the program.
Drew Boglioli
23-year-old Drew Boglioli has been visiting Steamboat his entire life. When his parents decided to purchase a home at The Porches back in 2003 he had no idea Steamboat would one day become his full time residence.
Through the STARS program, Drew has been able to meet tons of great mentors, make friends and has gained the confidence to participate in national races outside of the STARS program.
How did you become involved in the STARS program?
When I moved to Steamboat full time a few years ago, I was working with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to find a job and asked them about ways to meet people. DVR suggested STARS as an opportunity to meet new people. When I went to the STARS office to find out about programs I met Craig, who was the director at the time, and he suggested that I might be a good fit for the ski racing program.
What events do you participate in?
I race at the advanced level in giant slalom and slalom. We participate in the Special Olympics at the regional and state levels in those areas. STARS also has a summer camp that I have gone to for the past two summers.
For a few weeks during the summer, they have a softball program and we get together once a week to practice. After playing on The Porches softball team last summer I have really improved my skills.
What do you love most about being involved in the STARS programs?
One of the best things about STARS is that everyone is nice and friendly. I like that I have people to ski with on practice days. When we go to regionals and states we are all there as a group and hang out together and support each other.
Interested in learning more about STARS or making a donation? You can visit their website here.