Athletes racing with the local team included Phillip Kellum, Grace Kirpan and Christopher Riley of Moretown, Gabriel Teran of Montpelier, Bennett Townley of Williston, Josh Bartold of East Montpelier, and two new members, Lelia Volmer of Craftsbury and Felicia Stefani of Plainfield. This year marked the 40th Games, with a new record of over 400 athletes participating in Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G, Snowboard, XC skiing, and Snowshoe events.
Competing in novice events, Josh Bartold took home two fifth-place ribbons and a silver medal. Competing in the intermediate category: Phillip Kellum took home two gold medals and a bronze; Gabriel Teran won a gold, silver, and bronze medal; Bennett Townley took home a bronze medal and a fourth- and fifth-place ribbon; Christopher Riley won two silver medals and a fourth-place ribbon; and Grace Kirpan took home a silver medal and a fifth- and sixth-place ribbon.
In her first year competing, Felicia Stefani had a spectacular beginning and won two gold medals and a bronze. The team’s other new member, Lelia Volmer, took home three participation ribbons.
The athletes and parents extended gratitude to coaches Henry Erikson, Norm Staunton, Rich Reisner and the volunteers at VASS who helped coach this season. To become involved coaching and supporting VASS, contact Maggie Burke at www.Vermontadaptive.org.
