Volunteer members of the SaskTel SEND Challenge Cup Ski Team
(From left to right: Mike Hecker, Mark Flaman, Amy Alsop, Garth Hecker and Norm Reimer)
Photo credit: Hartland Jessome

For the past 11 years, Gord Poulton has been on a mission you might say. The former SaskTel employee has been the driving force behind the annual SaskTel Challenge Cup ski race held at Mission Ridge near Fort Qu’Appelle.

The event is the highlight of the winter long adaptive ski program. It’s a program of the Regina Ski Club where individuals with disabilities like cerebral palsy, spina bifida and spinal cord injuries have the opportunity to take to the slopes and enjoy the sport of skiing. The Challenge Cup race places four able-bodied people teamed with one disabled person.

Gord’s involvement dates to 2002. His son unfortunately broke his back in an accident and was confined to a wheelchair. Looking for a way to keep his son active, Gord restarted the adaptive ski program and approached SaskTel for support and for volunteers. SaskTel has been involved as title sponsor ever since.

This year’s race took place on February 27, 2017 and featured a SaskTel Team of volunteers sponsored by the SaskTel Employee Network on Disabilities (SEND).

For one member of the team, the opportunity to volunteer in the SaskTel Challenge Cup has left quite an impact. Mark Flaman has volunteered as a member of the SaskTel team for several years. Because of the impression working with those with disabilities has had, Mark decided that he would take on a more active role. This past season Mark became a full-time volunteer of the adaptive ski program.

“Gord asked me to volunteer, and once I became a regular volunteer, it began to grow on me a whole lot more,” said Mark. “There are a lot of less fortunate people out there, and some could sure use a helping hand. Even if it means something as simple as looking after their disabled children for an afternoon.”

Mark is now working towards his certification as a visually impaired ski guide. As a volunteer, Mark ensures the disabled skier gets to the hill, skis with them for the day and then gets them back home. He says it’s well worth the time.

“When I see the smiles on their faces going down the hill, and enjoying the outdoors that most of us take for granted– it is easy for me to know that this is the right thing to do.”