Atlas and SOS Outreach Bring Snowshoeing to Under-Privileged Youth

Atlas and SOS Outreach Bring Snowshoeing to Under-Privileged Youth
– Atlas Donates Snowshoes to Assist SOS Outreach Programs in Helping At-Risk Youth Learn to Make Better Choices and Live More Productive Lives –

Seattle, Wash. (November 13, 2008) – Atlas Snow-Shoe Company and SOS Outreach – the Edwards, Colo.-based not-for-profit that organizes snow sports programs for under-privileged youth – have joined forces for the first time this winter to help build character and self-esteem in at-risk and underprivileged kids. Atlas donated more than 30 snowshoes to SOS Outreach to help the organization expand its winter outreach programs. The snowshoeing clinics are part of SOS’s University III curriculum for participants who have been in the program for four years. The program focuses on leadership, vocational development and planning a successful future.

“Snowshoeing is an ideal means for expanding the winter sports experience of SOS’s participants,” said Graham Gephart, Atlas marketing manager. “It’s a low-impact sport with great fitness benefits that allows participants to experience backcountry environments on their own terms.”

The snowshoe program will be included as part of the SOS curriculum at Vail and Beaver Creek, Colo. In winter 2008-09, SOS Outreach anticipates growing its programs to reach more than 4,000 participants on snow at 40 ski resorts nationwide.

Research demonstrates that under-privileged youth with risk factors in their lives are more likely to engage in drug & alcohol use, suicide, school drop out, teen pregnancy and violence. By building resiliency & protective factors through the introduction of snow sports, SOS is improving the likelihood that participants in their programs will live a productive and successful life. Physical activity keeps youth engaged in healthy recreation, builds social competencies and meets physical, mental and emotional needs.

“SOS Outreach is proud of the partnership that we’ve created with Atlas Snow-Shoe Company to help us achieve our mission,” said Arn Menconi, SOS Executive Director. “The donation from Atlas will enable SOS to expand our health and wellness clinics for our long-term University participants. Program participants will learn to appreciate the outdoors and stay active through the winter.”

ABOUT ATLAS SNOW-SHOE COMPANY
Dedication to the winter journey motivates Atlas to deliver the most technically advanced, high performance snowshoes available today. Atlas brought snowshoeing into the modern age by developing Spring-Loadedâ„¢ Suspension, the first snowshoe innovation in more than 40 years. With 19 patents and counting, Atlas continues its quest to design superior snowshoe products for the outdoor hiking and fitness enthusiasts and deliver the best overall snowshoeing experience possible.

ABOUT SOS OUTREACH
SOS Outreach, formerly known as the Snowboard Outreach Society, this grassroots, 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 1993 in Vail, Colorado, to help at-risk and underprivileged youth (aged 8–18) build character and self-esteem. SOS’s primary goals are to strengthen resiliency and protective factors in participants’ lives to reduce harmful behaviors such as violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, school drop out, and drug & alcohol use. The organization’s efforts are supported by a vast network that includes mountain resorts, winter sport manufacturers, volunteers, donors, and others. For more information, visit www.sosoutreach.org

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For more information about Atlas Snow-Shoe Company’s products and programs, visit www.atlassnowshoe.com or call 206-805-4800, x 1408.