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Press Release

Kidski Program Enters Fourth Season

BIG SKY, Mont. - Kidski, a non-profit organization seeking to bring area disadvantaged youth to Montana mountains, has announced the kick-off to its fourth season of fundraising in efforts to support a successful program for the Winter 06/07 season.

In the past two years, Kidski has enabled over 60 children to reach the objective of its mission: to build self-esteem, social awareness, and a love and concern of the outdoor environment in underprivileged area youth, ages 6-13, through experienced mentorship and unsurpassed instruction in snow sprts on local mountains.

Through area business and corporate sponsorship, private donation, and large amounts of time given by dedicated volunteers, "we have managed to make a difference to kids in the area that would otherwise never have known the joy that achieving their goals through physical activity can bring," said executive director, Matt Dodd.

Kidski is now working hard towards the goal of increasing the number of youth they can serve, and would like to enable between 35-40 kids to join them on the mountain for four weekends of ski/snowboard instruction, teamwork and wholesome fun with strong role models. The challenge of learning a healthy new skill or sport can help aim a child in positive directions that can be seen in all aspects of their progress towards responsible adulthood, with the added benefit of an early instilment of the love and care for the natural environment.

The chance to help area youth that may otherwise never be able to enjoy the wonders of their own backyard has driven many in the area to commit time and financial assistance to the program.

"We're hoping to see an increase in the number of folks looking to pitch in this year," said Dodd, "and we plan on making that as easy as possible!"

Interested parties should look for upcoming fundraisers, and can go to www.kidski.org to make tax-deductible donations in any amount.

We'd like the kids to go forward with the knowledge that goals are attainable, challenges can be overcome, and that no matter where you are or where you come from in life, you can take these lessons and apply them. Just because a child's family lacks the financial means to experience all that the mountain can teach is no reason to keep a child out of the backyard playground and classroom. Lessons learned on the ski hill can apply throughout a child's life ? skills learned stretch far beyond the physical, and once self esteem starts building upwards it can help a child exceed in all areas of life.

Find more information on Kidski Program