Hello everyone, and welcome to the first edition of “The Weekly Stoke”. This new weekly blog will cover it all: seasonal updates, SYNC merch, and of course, hearing from your favorite SYNC athletes. My job is to keep you in the know and entertained so you can always be stoked on SYNC. 

Just so you all know who you will hear from, my name is Parker Biele, and I am so excited to be embarking with you all on this new blog and video journey, the Weekly Stoke at SYNC Performance. I am currently a senior at Boston College and am working at SYNC this year in Vail, Colorado. Like many of you, I have constantly been adapting to the uncertainty of Covid-19 with this year’s ski season. I am lucky to be able to train and work with a great group of college skiers out here while keeping you all informed on some stoke worthy ski racing news.  

For our legendary first blog post, (which will be legendary) I’m going to channel our inner Holiday spirit and direct your attention to where you can give back. As we put the nail in 2020 and think back on the year, our first and foremost priority at SYNC Performance is to make sure that you and your families are staying safe and healthy during these times. If you are able to rip the resort or bash gates remember to be grateful and maybe consider how you can help out by giving back to those who may not have the same opportunities. So, if you are interested in providing a little holiday cheer to some epic foundations and SYNC Partners here is a quick guide!

High Fives Foundation: 

Based out of Truckee California and started in 2009, this nonprofit organization focuses on providing hope and protection from life-changing injuries. Their vision is to become the leader in education and resources for life-changing injuries in outdoor sports. This holiday season you can participate in their new campaign “Helmets are Cool” and raise money to make sure everyone is always protecting their heads. It’s true people - helmets are cool so protect your noggin and donate to High Fives!

Donate here to the “Safety Net of the Outdoor Community” https://support.highfivesfoundation.org/campaign/high-fives-foundation/c85509 

BRASS Avalanche: 

This year your donation can provide avalanche training and awareness resources to the ski community. A foundation that is truly close to my heart, the BRASS Foundation focuses its efforts on greater education and the evolution of snow safety systems. Not only can you donate to this great cause, but you can also look into participating in Avalanche 101 a short course to give you a glimpse into the importance of Avalanche training. 

Donate here because “your donation could save a life” 

https://brassavalanche.org/contact/

YesKidsBoston: 

Since we all love to ski so much why wouldn’t you want to help get more people out onto the mountains we all know and love! Yes Kids Boston, is a nonprofit that focuses on creating opportunities for youth to get inspired by enjoying the outdoors. They provide leadership and life lessons to help young kids build confidence so they can reach success through life’s challenges. 

Donate here to help over 1,600 kids learn to ski and become a leader in their community 

https://53810.thankyou4caring.org/ 

SOS Outreach:

Let’s hear it for the kids! Here is another great opportunity to help a local Colorado outdoor program provide to over 60,000 youth in the area. They focus on bringing the kids straight to the slopes so that they can develop confidence in themselves and step out of their comfort zone. The goal is to provide a chance for kids to unlock their true potential. 

Donate here before December 31st and it will be matched up to $85,000 by Vail Resorts CEO, Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam.

https://www.sosoutreach.org/give/

Kelly Brush Foundation:

Started by a Middlebury Alumni in 2006 after her spinal cord injury at an NCAA race, the Kelly Brush Foundation focuses intensely on ski racer safety. They provide resources and protection so that every ski race has the safest venue possible. In addition, the KBF foundation works to make living an active lifestyle with a spinal cord injury a reality. 

Donate here to help create opportunities for “an active lifestyle that fuels a healthy body and mind, allowing us to be the most full version of ourselves.”

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E254512&id=2

 

These are just a few great SYNC Partners you can donate to this holiday season that will help make our ski community a better place for everyone. So take a second to check them out and here at SYNC Performance we will be stoked if you choose to donate! 

Catch you all next week -- Parker