Sky Tavern announces an extension of the lease with the city of Reno to 99 years, and appoints Thomas J as the chairman of the board of directors. Powell
Reno, Nevada, October 22nd / PRNewswire / -- Sky Tavern is the oldest non-profit skiing and snowboarding training institution in the United States. The organization has reached a lease renewal agreement with the city of Reno, extending the current lease term to 99 years until October 31, 2018. Additionally, Thomas J has been appointed as the chairman of the board of directors. This extension provides the community organization with the long-term stability needed to set future goals in preparation for its centennial celebration in 2038.
The skiing history of Sky Tavern can be traced back to 1938, while the Reno Youth Skiing Program (Reno Junior Ski Program) established its tradition of youth instruction in 1948. Since then, over 100,000 children have learned skiing and snowboarding on its slopes. Among those who have grown up within this tradition are world champions and Olympic athletes, such as Tamara McKinney, Lane Spina, and three-time Olympic medalist David Wise. This community-based mountain sports program is supported by several generations of volunteer coaches, parents, donors, and community members.
Powell said, "From pioneers like Wayne Poulsen and Marce Herz, to leaders such as Bill Henderson and Yale Spina, this movement has existed because generations have believed that every child should have the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities." Powell learned skiing at Sky Tavern for the first time in the early 1970s. He stated, "There are 12 years left until our centennial celebration, and we must continue to build on this legacy to prepare for the future generations of Our Community Mountain. Without Mayor Hillary Schieve and the leadership and commitment of the city of Reno, this new chapter would not have been possible."
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve stated: “Sky Tavern embodies what makes Reno special: a community that comes together to create opportunities for children and families. Extending the lease of Sky Tavern for 99 years is a historic milestone in protecting outdoor recreation spaces, ensuring that Our Community Mountain will remain open to everyone in northern Nevada for generations to come. This is an investment in our community’s future and a commitment to providing places where people of all ages can learn, explore, and connect with nature.”
The lease extension will enable Sky Tavern to plan for large-scale expansion and carry out ambitious fundraising efforts to support its traditional winter entertainment, mountain biking, and year-round education programs. The organization places great importance on accessibility for families of different economic backgrounds and has a long-term goal of allowing children under 12 to participate in mountain leisure activities for free through community sponsorship.
Powell has decades of experience in entrepreneurship, finance, and non-profit governance. He is a fully certified alpine ski instructor, a Sky Tavern resort trainer, and an ambassador for the American Ski and Snowboard Foundation, and has always maintained a close connection with skiing and youth development throughout his life. As the chairman of The Brehon Group, Powell helps founders find paths to growth and exit through the work of The Founders Office, just as he teaches students perseverance and determination on the slopes.
About Sky Tavern
The skiing origins of Sky Tavern can be traced back to 1938, making it one of the oldest non-profit skiing and snowboarding training programs in the United States. Located near Reno, Nevada at Mount Rose Highway, this organization is driven by volunteers and has enabled over 100,000 children to experience winter sports. Today, Sky Tavern offers year-round outdoor leisure, educational, and community programs.
For more information, please visit skytavern.org.
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