Meet a Student
and Volunteer
Father/Daughter Duo
If it's Sunday, expect to find volunteer Dell Bleekman and student Grace Bleekman at World Headquarters.
STUDENT
Grace, 11 years old
Alpine skier for three years
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To freeze people! I would freeze my little brother.
If you could have any animal or creature as a pet, what would you pick?
A French Poodle. They're really cute and I've always wanted one.
What is your favorite summer activity?
Going to the beach with my family or swimming.
Where did you go on your last trip or vacation?
We went to northern California to visit Nana and Papa, who live near Lake Tahoe.
If you came across a jukebox, which song/musician would you play?
The Beatles.
What is something that you always carry with you?
A book.
Would you rather play a game, read a book or watch a movie?
I think play a game, because I love family game night to play board games and do puzzles.
What is your favorite part of the day when you come up to Eldora?
I have lots of favorites! Going up the chairlift, skiing down and having cocoa in the trailer.
VOLUNTEER
Dell, in his 2nd year as an alpine instructor,
earned his PSIA Alpine Level 1 certification last year.
Why do you volunteer?
Grace had such a great year - and Finn was such a great motivator - that I was compelled to join.
If you could be a superhero, who would you be?
My dad is my superhero, and he skied with our two kids two years ago at age 82. He taught me how to ski and climb, and now I'm continuing the circle. That's pretty cool.
In high school you would most likely find me:
On the tennis court, on the slopes of various Tahoe resorts, or climbing in Yosemite. Maybe in English class.
Where is your favorite place to be while at Eldora?
The trailer, naturally. It's just such a friendly place to hang out.
Describe yourself in one word.
Sleep-deprived (that's two words but at least is hyphenated)
If your life story was made into a movie, what would the title be and which actor would play you?
"The Absent-Minded Teacher" Fred MacMurray
How do you spend your weekends during the off-season?
We climb a lot, hike the Flatirons. The kids love to bike so that's always fun.
Describe your favorite moment or experience while
volunteering with Ignite.
I enjoy meeting new students for the first time, discovering if what I've created in my mind after reading their background file remotely fits the human in front of me. It's a good reality check to keep preconceptions to a minimum.
Congratulations to all the athletes who competed at the Special Olympics at Eldora Mountain Resort on Monday, February 10. Several athletes from Ignite Adaptive Sports raced alongside local competitors in alpine, cross-country and snowshoeing events to qualify for the state finals at Copper Mountain on March 2.