Action for All first came to fruition in 2012.  Mike Bailey, the founder of Action for All, noticed a decline in the number of children participating in the action sports.  He wondered why families were no longer coming out to resorts and were told time after time that price was the mitigating factor. The cost of a typical day at a ski resort is too extravagant for most families in our area.  For example, the average cost for a family of four for one day on the slopes with rented equipment is typically around four-hundred dollars.  That does not include food or lodging. 

 

After coming to this realization, Mike sought a way to bring the action sports to children of all economic and social backgrounds.  Based on his own background, he knew that all children (regardless of their economic or social status) could benefit from the many positive advantages of participation in the action sports.  In 2013, Mike put together a board of like-minded individuals to pursue this mission.  Action for All received 5013c tax exemption status in 2013 just before their first trip to Massanutten Resort.

 

Through personal and commercial donations, we were able to offer lift tickets, rentals, and beginner lessons to participants. Each participant was asked to complete a survey a few days after the event and the results were gratifying. All participants expressed that they were satisfied with the program, enjoyed learning the sport, and would be interested in returning again.  Our initial trip to Massanutten was the first of many trips to come. 

 

Over the years, Action for All has continued to thrive and develop new and exciting programs.  We strive to offer opportunities for children to pursue the action sports on a year-round basis. Our summer programs include two skateboarding events.  During our skateboarding events, we provide lessons and all of the equipment free of charge.  In addition to skateboarding opportunities, we also offer trips to various ski resorts during the winter.  During our trips, workshops are offered to teach the fundamental skills of the action sports.  We are proud to offer opportunities for children to pursue skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and other sports such as bike riding and surfing.  In addition, Action for All is a family-oriented organization that offers other seasonal activities for participants and their families.  These activities include ice skating, snow tubing, hiking, and swimming. 

 

Starting in 2015, the board of Action for All developed an annual scholarship essay contest for deserving young athletes.  This contest promotes the belief that athletes should also be good scholars.  Participants are asked to write a one-page essay describing how the action sports have helped them overcome adversities in their lives.  The winners of the essay contest receive paid entry fees for all USASA (United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association) competitions.  Action for All has been happy to continue this tradition so that young athletes can have the opportunity to participate in competitions without the heavy financial burden on their family. 

 

We also provide two annual scholarships for young athletes to participate in the USASA Nationals Contest.  This event involves over 1500 different athletes from all over the country.  The cost to attend the USASA Nationals Contest is typically around $3,000 dollars.  Action for All has worked hard to raise awareness about the importance and influence of the action sports on the lives of young adults.  Through our publicity, networking, and successful outreach to the local community, we have been fortunate enough to have private donors cover the cost for two athletes to attend this event for the past two years.  We are very proud to sponsor two athletes at this prestigious event.