From bungee jumping to kayaking, disabled sport opportunities are many and varied

In September, Rick Hansen was invited to do something he had never done before. He was challenged by Rick Mercer to go bungee jumping with Whistler Bungee.

“Though bungee jumping was an intimidating activity, it was also a chance to once again challenge people’s perceptions about what is possible for people with disabilities,” wrote Hansen in his blog after the successful jump.

Whistler’s Pete Crutchfield was the first to complete a similar jump. Crutchfield, a quadriplegic, made the inaugural jump as part of his “I’m Not Dead Yet” day, marking the day he survived a broken neck in 1996. His jump paved the way for others.

“We’ve had several people with disabilities come out since then. At first Rick Hansen was pretty nervous, but in the end he thought it was amazing. It’s unbelievable to watch someone with a disability do this kind of stuff,” said Chris Rollett, Whistler Bungee owner.

Bungee jumping is just one of many adaptive activities offered in Whistler throughout the year. Thanks to the work of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP), locals and guests alike can try out everything from kayaking, canoeing, hiking and hand-cycling programs throughout the summer months.

In the winter people can also check out alpine and Nordic skiing as well as snowboarding.

“We wanted to give people a chance to try a variety of sport. It’s a chance for them to be integrated into able-boded programs,” says Chelsey Walker, WASP director.

Since his first jump, Crutchfield has come back to bungee jump a few times. After his first jump, Crutchfield reflected on his experience in an email to family and friends.

“There is no reason why each of you shouldn’t have an INDY (I’m Not Dead Yet Day) as well,” Crutchfield said. “You don’t even have to do anything ‘wild’ or ‘crazy,’ just enjoy the fact you’re not dead yet.”

WSL2010 to ensure the growth and sustainability of Whistler’s 2010 Winter Games venues

In the midst of the Paralympic period you may be wondering what will happen to Whistler’s venues. Keith Bennett is the man to ask.

As of April 1, Bennett, who is currently General Manager of Resort Experience for the Resort Municipality of Whistler will be moving to a full time role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Whistler 2010 Sports Legacies Society.

Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies is a not-for-profit society that will own and operate the Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park, the Whistler Sliding Centre and the High Performance Centre after the 2010 Winter Games.

Bennett is a long time Whistler resident and is deeply committed to the Sea to Sky Region and to sport development. For Bennett, what happens after the games is as important as what happens during.

“The three new 2010 Winter Games venues mean increased recreational and economic opportunities for the Sea to Sky Corridor. Our goal is to make these venues successful, which in turn will feed the economy and contribute to the provincial government’s objectives of doubling tourism and healthy living,” said Bennett.

Bennett is excited to be a part of this unique opportunity and he isn’t alone. He will be working with a passionate group of people, armed with diverse backgrounds in business, sport, marketing, sustainability and finance.

Bennett sees this as critical to not only ensure that the venues are economically viable but also environmentally sustainable.

“Great challenges are ahead, and we look forward to growing the legacy of these venues from their infancy,” Bennett said.

For more information check out whistler2010sportlegacies.com.

The Greentable Network establishes itself in our resort community

Hell’s Kitchen has come to Whistler, Julia Child has been immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen and Whistler is on the verge of establishing itself as a bona fide culinary destination. The guide on our journey is the Whistler2020 Greentable Network.

The Greentable Network is a growing group of leading restaurants and restaurant professionals who are making a conscious commitment to a shared goal: a deliciously sustainable future.

Food connects us all. Families bond and communities come together over the shared act of creating and enjoying meals together. Whistler is a growing spot for those who wish to take the opportunity to make mealtime a green time as well. André LaRivière brought the Greentable Network to Whistler and understands the important role food plays in creating a sustainable community.

“The ‘anytime, anywhere’ food system is in some ways remarkable in that you can get something from around the world and serve it to your customer in Whistler… but at what cost?” says LaRivière.

Greentable assesses an operation from multiple angles – menu, energy, water, waste, purchasing and others. The result is an investment in a more efficient operation that returns on many levels.

“Of course we need to do this. It takes time and energy but the cost is part of doing good business,” says Travis Talbot, Operations Manager of Players Chophouse and man on the edge of Whistler’s move to activate a more sustainable food sector. “When we got into Greentable, I thought it would be a simple certification process, and now my staff are telling me how to make the Chophouse a more sustainable operation.

Check out these Whistler2020/Greentable locations: Araxi, Black’s Restaurant & Pub, Moguls Cafe, GONE Eatery, Whistler Cooks, The Lift Coffee Co., Players Chophouse and Rosalind’s Pastry Shop.

Whistler 2020 Accelerated is written by a variety of contibuters daily. Betty Rebellato wrote yesterday’s article on bull trout.

When I grow up I want to be… old in Whistler by Kevin Damaskie

Whistler’s known as a youthful, energetic town, but what about Whistler the age friendly, senior supportive, energetic town?
As we focus on access and inclusion during the Paralympic Games, it’s important to make sure Whistler’s use of these powerful terms includes everyone, all the time, regardless of age.

I will get old. I will continue to want to live in Whistler. Where do I fit in?

According towhistler2020.ca, the age distribution of Whistler residents is less balanced than the rest of B.C., with fewer children, youth and seniors. Whistler’s age distribution is centered on a median age of 32 years, nine years younger than the provincial median age of 41 years. 15% of B.C.’s population is over the age of 65, whereas in Whistler, people aged 65 and over make up less than 4% of the population.

The 2009 population of Whistler is just over 10,000, and eventually we will all age. With accessible, resident-restricted housing recently developed at Cheakamus Crossing, and more planned at Rainbow, we are on the cusp of dealing with the affordable seniors housing question. What about services and support? The Vancouver United Way did some demographic research in 2007 that forecasted a 244% increase in the 65 plus age group in Squamish and the same increases in Whistler and Pemberton, by 2027.

Whistler’s Mature Action Committee is made up of dedicated seniors who continue to make our community more accessible.

This group is working with the Whistler Community Services Society to create a Seniors Outreach Worker position and has connected with the municipality to work together to create an “Aging in Place” component in Whistler’s updated Official Community Plan that will be developed over the next year.