Deep Creek Lake Lions to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of its Blind Skier Program

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Nov 03, 2022, 08:34 ET

SWANTON, Md., Nov. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Deep Creek Lions Club will be holding a Gala event for the 50th anniversary of the Blind Skier Program on Tuesday February 7th, 2023 at the Wisp Resort. Since 1973, the Club has been providing visually impaired youth with the opportunity to learn to downhill ski through this program. The Club intends to celebrate the achievements of volunteers and participants during this event, as well as recruit new members and raise funds to continue the program for another 50 years and beyond.

Two Sighted Guides flank a Blind Skier with an additional sighted observer on the right.

A Blind Skier participant with two high-school aged Sighted Guides

The event will feature an inspiring presentation by Brian McKeever, a Canadian cross-country skier and biathlete, who is the most decorated Paralympic cross-country skier ever with a career total of 13 gold medals and 17 medals in all. At age 19, McKeever was diagnosed with Stargardt disease (a form of macular degeneration), and is now legally blind and skis with a sighted guide.

In addition to Brian McKeever's inspiring presentation, the event will offer a silent auction, a delicious dinner, cash bar, music, an awards program, and other special surprise events to commemorate this momentous anniversary.

The event will provide many opportunities for high-quality content generation with video, audio and still images. The Lions Club has an active and strong social media presence on Facebook and Instagram with worldwide brand recognition.

The gala event will be held during the week of a typical Blind Skier program, so there will be ample opportunity for video and interviews of the Blind Skier program in operation the day before and after the event. In addition, Mr. McKeever will be offering a cross-country ski clinic on the day following the gala event, providing additional chances for coverage.

The location of the gala and the Blind Skier program is the Wisp Resort, easily accessible from population centers in the mid-Atlantic, with ample high quality lodging options.

Visit BLINDSKIER50.COM for more information on the event and deepcreeklions.org regarding the Club's mission and activities. Call us at 323 325-5466 or email at [email protected] with questions about covering this unique and special event.

SOURCE Deep Creek Lake Lions Club