SAM Magazine - VAIL, Co., December 11, 2007 -Vail's SOS Outreach, formerly known as the Snowboard Outreach Society, has been named by Vail Resorts to be the administrator of the ski company's Diversity Program. The Diversity program is spearheaded by Vail Resorts to introduce Denver and surrounding residents to the mountains. The announcement by Vail Resorts marks a turning point for the 14-year-old SOS, as it moves from a focus solely on snowboarding to skiing and snowboarding.

SOS Outreach mentors and teaches disadvantaged and underprivileged youth valuable life skills and core values through three programs: Learn To Ride (LTR), the University Program, and the Diversity Program.

The LTR program features five days, where the youth receive professional on-snow instruction and are provided with complimentary equipment. The LTR program focuses on one of the five core values each day: Courage, Discipline, Integrity, Wisdom and Compassion. 25 LTR youth from Eagle County will be participating in the launch on Saturday.

The University program is part of a four-year curriculum, which incorporates community service and life skill workshops. The youth also have mentor,s known as Sherpas, who help them set and achieve personal goals.

In 2008, SOS Outreach expects to serve over 3,000 youth at 30 mountain resorts in eight states around the country. They will provide more than 90 sessions during the 07-08 season, with over 15,000 program days. 600 volunteers support programs nationwide to create an adult to youth ration of 1 to 2.5. \