Netcracker Supports Adaptive Spirit 2022
Netcracker and champion alpine skier Andrew Kurka participated in the annual event to raise funds for adaptive sports and promote collaboration across the telecom industry.
Adaptive Spirit was held on April 7-10 in Vail, Colorado, by Adaptive Spirit, a nonprofit trade association for the telecommunications industry. Telecom companies and adaptive athletes from around the world gathered at the annual networking and fundraising event to help build relationships and raise funds for the U.S. Paralympic Ski and Snowboard Team.
Netcracker participated in networking sessions, technology roundtables and ski races throughout the event alongside Andrew Kurka, U.S. Paralympic gold medalist and longtime Netcracker partner. Andrew first began his journey with Netcracker twelve years ago in 2010. Since then, he has won over a dozen gold, silver and bronze medals at the World Cup, World Championships and Winter Paralympics in downhill, giant slalom, super-G, super combined and parallel slalom events as one of the world’s foremost alpine skiers. Kurka’s achievements don’t end at sports; he also mentors underprivileged youth and aspiring adaptive athletes throughout the world.
When asked about his longtime participation in Adaptive Spirit, Kurka had this to say: “Adaptive Spirit is about making a difference in equality for athletes around the world. You are not confined by the world around you, and you can go beyond what you were raised with.”
Highlights of the event included:
Youth and Adult Ski Races
Participants of all ages competed side by side in downhill races against professional skiers. Netcracker hosted a refreshment tent at the bottom of the race course to refuel the racers with water and snacks as they finished their runs and chatted with other competitors.
The Silent Auction
Everyone was eager to place bids on a huge range of donations to raise funds for the racing and training costs of the U.S. Paralympic team. Attendees bid high and won big with snowboards, skis, a signed Denver Nuggets basketball, beautiful mosaic paintings, the latest Apple technology and Team USA apparel.
The Show
On the last day of the event, select athletes were recognized with featured video montages and awards. Andrew Kurka was among the athletes honored with the Victory Incentive Program Leadership Award for Alpine Skiing.
Click here to learn more about how Netcracker, Andrew Kurka and Adaptive Spirit are helping to create positive change in telecommunications, sports and beyond.