2020 has been an unusual year for everyone.  Who would have thought 4 months ago that we would all be practicing social distancing and wearing mask? Not me.  I miss the day to day in person contact with the staff, volunteers and especially the participants at ASPNC (Adaptive Sports Partners of The North Country).  The safety of all especially the athletes is our primary concern.  This year Sunrise Ascent will look different but it definitely needs to happen for everyone's well being.  Sunrise Ascent is the primary fundraiser for ASPNC and what keeps the programs/activities available year round to enrich the lives for peolpe with disabilities.

     This is my third year participating as a mule for Sunrise Ascent and I will be hiking and walking for Team Walking Strong.  Marsha is an incredible woman and will be celebrating her 75th birthday on July 25. This is her sixth year participating in Sunrise Ascent.  

    In lieu of our traditional hike up Mount Washingtion Auto Road, Sunrise Ascent 2020 wil be virtual this year.  Each Team will be fundraising for their Team like every other year but the althletes and mules will be tracking their activities remotely throughout the month of July either manually or with a group app.  ASPNC will have weekly contest for the Teams to motivate the Teams to stay active.  Thomas Shovlin, the executive director of ASPNC has set a goal for all the Teams combined to raise $200,000 and all the Teams combined to walk 62,888 miles.  On August 2 ( the day the Teams usually walk up Mt. Washington) there will be a car ride/parade up the auto road instead. The volunteers for ASPNC have a saying when things don't go as planned "WE ADAPT".  That is exactly what the pandemic has made all of us have to do and I am proud and happy to be part of a great organization that has adapted to make this important event happen. Please us us reach our goals.  Thank you.