Teammates Gathered in Support of the National Sports Center for the Disabled
April 11, 2023 – Lakewood, CO —In March 2023, Encore Electric was invited to participate in in the 47th annual National Sports Center for the Disabled Wells Fargo Ski Cup. Each year, company teams throughout Colorado gather for the ski cup to raise funds and awareness for the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) while racing against each other on the ski hill.
The Encore Electric team raced and won in the Architects, Engineers and Contractors (AEC) Challenge, taking home the “Outrigger Trophy” and the name of the fastest contractor on the mountain, taking on former winners and others in the industry, such as Hensel Phelps and Martin/Martin.
“We were honored and humbled to win,” said Jim Nottingham, vice president of risk management & general counsel. “None of us had ever competed in an alpine race, but we were able to use teamwork and perseverance to get the victory. The race benefits an incredible cause and it was amazing to have our families there to cheer us on. We look forward to defending our title next year!”
“I can’t say enough about my teammates,” said Chris Cole, vice president and ski team captain. “After being left for down and out on Saturday, we came back to win overall on Sunday, in classic competitive Encore style!”
This year’s Encore Electric racing team consisted of Chris Cole, Jeffrey Engelstad, Jessica Linder, Marlin Linder, and Jim Nottingham. Completing the racing crew was NSCD athlete and professional ski racer Tom Overton.
Overton began skiing with the NSCD more than a decade ago following an injury impacting his spinal cord. Through his involvement with the organization, Overton was reconnected with his love of skiing and outdoor activity following his accident and has maintained his dedication to competing with and raising awareness for the NSCD and their mission.
“The National Sports Center for the Disabled provides its athletes with a great sense of camaraderie through the opportunity to compete and spend time with like-minded people,” said Overton. “We have built a great community that gives people of all skill levels the chance to be active, whether they want to be able to go for a hike or compete on a highly skilled level.”
“I am proud to be a part of an organization that encourages a culture of excellence both internally and in our community,” said Project Engineer Jessica Linder. “The 47th Annual Wells Fargo Ski Cup was an incredible opportunity to support The National
Sports Center for the Disabled while racing alongside my Encore teammates and NSCD athlete Tom Overton, who personifies the remarkable resiliency of the human spirit. I wish the best of luck to Tom in his upcoming competitions, and I look forward to defending our title in 2024!”
For Encore Electric teammates the race marked more than just an opportunity to compete, but a chance to gather with fellow community members to support our people and the mission of the National Sports Center for the Disabled. The team plans to return next year for a chance to defend their winning title.
The NSCD was founded in the 1970s after Hal O’Leary, NSCD founder, began working as a ski instructor for amputees from Children’s Hospital of Colorado through the Winter Park Ski School. After teaching his first group of students, Hal became determined to help more people with disabilities access adaptive sports and outdoor activities, leading him to start the NSCD.
Since its founding nearly fifty years ago, the NSCD has empowered thousands of athletes of all abilities through adaptive innovation to reconnect with the joy of recreation and outdoor experiences.
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