Advanced skiers can ride the highest rated slopes , which are called black hills .
Intermediate is the next highest level of skier , and they typically compete on blue rated hills , which is directly below black .
There are also , starting with least challenging , the bunny hill , yellow hill and green hill .
The distance during competition depends on the advancement of the skier and the rating of the slope .
So , how is it that two South Georgia natives ranked high enough in a winter sport that requires such precision to navigate those graded slopes , especially when they live in a state without snow , to be selected as one of the nation ’ s representatives ?
The answer is simple : Colquitt County has a phenomenal special needs program . It takes multiple skiing excursions a year , and each trip averages between 8-13 individuals in the program who participate .
“ There are a couple regulars , like Spence and Hughes , who go on every trip ,” said McKinney . “ But , mostly we rotate who goes on which trip so everyone has the chance .”
With that said , there are still requirements to be eligible for the ski trips .
“ Good behavior is a must ,” said McKinney . “ If they aren ’ t able to have control and good behavior in their classroom or job then they aren ’ t allowed to participate . They have to show us we can trust them to go on the trips .”
Right now the number of attendees can ’ t exceed 13 for two simple reasons : first , that is the number of helmets the program has available ; and two , the cost of the trip adds up fast .
“ At first we were able to rent all of our equipment ,” said McKinney . “ But we had to start buying the helmets after the NIS started making certain requirements .” The required ones are $ 200 a piece . “ We want to give everyone in our program the chance to ski if they want to ,” said McKinney . “ But as much we wish we didn ’ t have to , we do have to have that cut off number because of finances .”
“ We are a not-for-profit program so we have to raise the funds ourselves ,” said PJ Jones who is also with the Colquitt County special needs program . “ Those who participate never pay anything for any
18 MoultrieScene MAY 2024