CARRABASSETT VALLEY — The Sugarloaf Ski Club, the Sugarloaf Regional Ski Education Foundation and the Ayotte Fund are now accepting applications from young alpine skiers, freestyle skiers, cross-country skiers and snowboarders for financial assistance for programs this winter.

These funding organizations hope to foster both recreational and competitive snow sport activities. While there will be some children who take part in competitions, it is also hoped these funds will encourage children to develop a healthy outdoor interest in a lifelong sport which is such a significant part of both work and play in the region.

Programs include the Minicuffer and Bubblecuffer programs, SAD #58 Punch Pass Lessons and the Sugarloaf/Carrabassett Valley Academy Program.

The Sugarloaf Ski Club Community Fund administers money from its own fund as well as funds appropriated by the town of Carrabassett Valley to aid SAD #58 children who participate in weekend programs, both recreational and competitive, at Sugarloaf Mountain.

The SRSEF funds also include resources from the Brook Gallup Fund for snowboard athletes, and the Amos G Winter Fund, the Dan McKay and Mike Waddle funds for entry fees and out of state travel for Maine competitors that are generally awarded for spring events.

Amos G Winter was noted for his encouragement of local girls and boys who wanted to ski. The Brook Gallup Fund commemorates a young snowboarder who grew up in Kingfield. The Ayotte Fund, in memory of Dick and Martha Ayotte, has also served many local SAD #58 skiers and snowboarders for a number of years.

The scholarship grants are partial, and are intended to help those who might not be able to participate without some assistance.

Applicants must complete an application form and include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or other unrelated adult. A common single application form is now used for all programs and funds, and will be considered by a joint committee at one time.

Application forms, are available on line (www.sugarloafskiclub. org), and will be available at the Sugarloaf Ski club office, at the Competition Center on the mountain, at local schools and at Ayotte's Country Store.

They will be due Nov. 14 (postmarked) and should be mailed to: Sugarloaf Ski Club, Village West #13, Carrabassett Valley, Maine 04947.