01/25/2012 0 Comments Contact Our News Editors

By Angelica Blenich

When Tathan McCutcheon glides down the hill his whole face lights up.

It’s not unusual for the six-year-old to have a smile on his face, but when he’s got a pair of skis on, Tathan has an extra sparkle in his blue eyes.

A Grade 1 student at Archie Stouffer Elementary School, Tathan is a happy boy. Diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, it is rare to catch the six-year-old without a grin.

While the neuro-genetic disorder has left Tathan non-verbal, words are not necessary to understand the joy he feels when skiing down the slope at Sir Sam’s ski hill.

Tathan has been given the opportunity to learn how to ski through the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS) program, a volunteer-based organization pairing up individuals living with mental or physical disabilities with instructors.

In existence in Haliburton for approximately 10 years, the program was started by Margaret and David Turney and Theresa Duzman, with support from the Bishop family, who own and operate Sir Sam’s ski hill.

Today the club has close to 30 people involved, including 11 instructors and clients who travel from as far as Bracebridge and Toronto, according to program director Terry Maher, who has been involved for the past five years.

“I was out having a beer on the deck one day and the program director, Theresa Duzman, drafted me in,” said Maher, a retired educator.

For Tathan, who lives in Moore Falls with his older brother Tegwyn and parents Bethann and Sean, the commute to the hill may be long but the distance is well worth the outcome.

“It’s just great, I couldn’t ask for a more supportive, caring group of people. They’re just awesome. I just love it,” said Bethann.

Even though it was only Tathan’s second time out on the hill, the comfort with the instructors was evident in the six-year-old’s demeanour.

“He’s got four adults working with him and he’s smiling the whole time. He’s a superstar,” said Bethann.

One of those instructors is Sheila Graham, who skied backwards down the hill with Tathan as he positioned his skis in a snowplow and smoothly glided along.

“That was just the biggest rush,” exclaimed Graham when they reached the bottom.

The program is run thanks to Maher and the dedicated instructors who all volunteer their time, along with support from Sir Sam’s ski hill, which lets the program use the facilities free of charge.

“The Bishops have been more than accommodating, we can’t thank them enough,” said Maher.

The director is hoping to get more volunteers involved with the program as it expands.

“We need good, strong, younger people who are capable of stepping in,” said Maher, who has many good things to say about those who already dedicate their time.

“They bend over backwards.”

This year the instructors were provided with new red coats thanks to McKecks and Sharpley’s Source for Sports.

For the instructors, participants and Maher, the program is all about getting outside and having fun.

“We teach the basics. We have an acronym, SFIT, which stands for safety, fun, independence and teaching. The kids like that,” said Maher. “The major component is to have fun.”

Those interested in getting involved in the program, whether as an instructor or participant, are encouraged to contact Maher by calling 705-457-9604 or by email at terrymaher@sympatico.ca.

There is a one-time fee of $35 for participants to cover liability insurance. All other expenses are covered by the organization.

The program runs every Sunday at Sir Sam’s until Feb. 26, with an optional session on March 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There is no age restriction for the program.