Plymouth State students seek big air, big support for autism

By Matt Boxler

Two Plymouth State University marketing students are putting their love for snowboarding together with their desire to help others by launching the first “Airing for Autism” contest, a jam fest for snowboarders and freeskiers to be held Friday, Feb. 27 at Waterville Valley.

Proceeds from the $20 registration, open to anyone on snowboard or skis, will benefit the Autism Society of New Hampshire.

The students, senior Kevin Matte, 22, and junior John Ingham, 20, aren’t doing all this extra-curricular work for classroom credit, although they’re sure to earn A’s across the board from many autistic friends and family for whom they’ve developed a great admiration.

“Kevin and I came up with this contest for a few reasons,” said Ingham, a Marshfield, Mass. native. “We have always had the dream of creating our own contest that would also benefit the lives of others. We have both personally developed relationships with autistic friends and family, and we believe that they deserve the same amount of attention and education as every other student.”

In addition to being a marketing major, Matte, of Pelham, N.H., is studying professional communications and web technology at Plymouth State. He has developed a greater understanding and respect for autism through his work during the summer with autistic children at a local school. Ingham’s experience with autism comes from close relationships within his own family and with family friends.

“There is just not enough money put into the education and well-being of these great people,” says Matte. “Therefore, we have taken it upon ourselves to help raise money to benefit the Autism Society of New Hampshire.”

About 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism, according to the society’s web site. Autism is a complex developmental disability resulting from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. Typically, children and adults with autism have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and organized activities. Those diagnosed with the disorder exhibit symptoms that range from severely impaired to highly functioning.

“We wanted to be the first to host a snowboarding event for autism to help inspire others to do the same across the country,” Ingham says.

The two undergraduate friends also share a love for snowboarding. Matte has been riding for 14 years. He learned at Sunday River, Maine, and now rides in New Hampshire at Waterville Valley and Loon. When he graduates, he hopes to pursue a career in snowboarding, possibly developing snowboard events and coaching.

“I would like to stay in the sport, whether going somewhere with my riding or working in the industry,” he said.

Ingham, who learned to snowboard 12 years ago at Ragged Mountain and Waterville Valley, also intends to build a career in the sport as a competitive rider, filmmaker and coach.

Right now, however, their visions are clearly focused on Airing for Autism. It’s not easy, however, as they try to balance a full academic course-load at a very busy time during the semester.

“Waterville Valley has been kind enough to allow us the use of their terrain park for a good percentage of the day,” Ingham says. “Also, they have helped us gather some positive public relations to help us further benefit the cause.”

Registration for the event will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Event Yurt at Waterville. The contest will follow in a jam format at the resort’s Exhibition terrain park, including separate heats for male and female snowboarders and skiers.

“Our biggest challenge thus far has been organizing sponsors and donations,” Matte says. “We have not yet gathered the amount of donations we had planned. We are hoping that in the following weeks to come we will gain more sponsors and generous donations. We want to get as many competitors as possible.”

For more information on “Airing for Autism” or to make a donation to support the cause, contact Jamie Cobbett, events coordinator at Waterville Valley, or visit the Autism Society of New Hampshire’s web site at: http://www.autism-society-nh.org/.