Small Champions Celebrates 30 Years of Adaptive Sports in Vail

Aspen —Small Champions has spent thirty years turning a handful of local kids into skiers, and now it’s trying to convince the rest of us that its legacy is worth preserving. The nonprofit marked three decades of service with an event last Saturday, July 18, at the Brush Creek Pavilion. The gathering wasn’t just a party; it was a status report on an organization that has grown from three volunteers and ten children into a multi-sport institution.

The figures illustrate that growth. In April 1996, Gracie Goodwin, Ron Byrne, and Barbara Gardner gathered ten local children with disabilities to teach them how to ski. There was no paperwork, no board of directors, and no organizational charts. Just three people who loved skiing and had the compassion to share it.

Fast forward thirty years, and Small Champions offers bowling, swimming, golf, snowboarding, and equestrian therapy. The group expanded beyond ski season to cover all four seasons. They secured partnerships with Vail Resorts, which provided space and instructors, and Kathy Mikolasy, who continues to offer the equestrian therapy program.

Mark Noble, the current board president who has held the position for eight years, led the review of these achievements. He noted that the program’s impact is visible in families like his own. His daughter, Kendall Noble, participated in Small Champions, graduated from university, and is now a productive member of the community.

“‘I have seen firsthand the positive impact Small Champions has on a young person with a disability,’” Noble stated. “‘I am the proud father of Kendall Noble, who was a member of Small Champions, graduated from university, and is currently a productive member of the community.’”

The organization’s leadership history reflects its stability. Connie Miller, a former ski instructor, served as the first president of the newly organized board and drove the program for 25 years. Kara Heide, who created Vail’s adapted ski program, brought her experience and extensive network to the organization.

One significant announcement from the celebration was a change in executive leadership. John Weis, the current chief executive officer, will step down at the end of 2026. He has led Small Champions for 14 years, a tenure that covers most of the organization’s recent expansion.

The event featured families, volunteers, program participants, and some of the original pioneers. The growth was described as an avalanche — slow but gradual, attracting talented adults and generous donors who provided the capital to start the program. Once membership exceeded 20, the organization began branching out into other sports and forming new alliances.

For locals, this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about access. Small Champions has effectively subsidized and structured recreational opportunities for children with disabilities in Vail for three decades. The transition of leadership from Weis to a new director by 2026 suggests continuity rather than disruption. The financial model, built on donor capital and corporate partnerships like Vail Resorts, appears sustainable enough to support the expanded list of activities.

The practical bottom line is that Small Champions has moved from a niche ski group to a comprehensive community resource. It remains operational, staffed by experienced leaders like Noble and supported by long-standing corporate allies. For families in the valley, it means continued access to adapted sports without having to build the infrastructure from scratch every few years.