Photo by Nicole Dreon

Thursday, February 10, 2011 6:30 pm

Cedar House Sports Hotel, Truckee, CA

Along with working as a researcher for ESPN and the X Games, Nicole Dreon has been writing about sports for many years.  She is also infatuated with Africa.  On her recent visits to the continent, she wanted to meet women athletes and learn about their everyday lives.  Her presentation “Players on a Wild Continent” is presented by Squaw Valley Institute at the Cedar House Sports Hotel in Truckee, California on Thursday, February 10.

Instead of focusing on the doom and gloom, Dreon wanted to present a common thread like athletics that Americans could relate to.  “I wanted to show the women as strong, instead of weak.”

In the spring of 2010, Dreon traveled to the slums of the capital city of Kampala, Uganda where she met women who were training to become professional boxers.  “They are looking for a way out,” she said. “These are women who wouldn’t typically be noticed, but now they may have the chance to become Olympians or professional boxers.”

On her second trip to Africa in the fall, Dreon ventured into Western Kenya to the city of Iten, in the Rift Valley.  “Iten is the Mecca of running,” she said.  “Squaw Valley is for skiing, this place is for running.”  A highlight of her journey was spending time with Mary Keitany as she trained for the New York City Marathon.  Dreon also met with Sylvia Kibet who won a silver medal in the 2009 World Championships in Athletics.

She also spent a week in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, “the Congo”, with a women’s soccer team called the Lady Simbas.  This team was comprised of orphans and single moms.  Since they cannot afford to get an education or attend vocational school, Dreon is working with a female physician to raise money for the team.  To learn more and to donate money to the team, click to http://www.bringlight.com/projects/show/310.

For more information on Nicole Dreon’s “Players on a Wild Continent”, visit www.squawvalleyinstitute.org.

ALPENGLOW PRESENTS: WINTER WILDLANDS ALLIANCE BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL

Friday, February 4, 2011 – 7 pm

Sawtooth Ridge Café, Tahoe City, CA

The Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival “promotes the work of grassroots filmmakers who tell compelling and entertaining stories of backcountry non-motorized recreation and environmental preservation”.  Films focus on fun and magic in the winter backcountry.  For more information, click to www.backcountryfilmfestival.com.

There will also be an awesome raffle.  Proceeds benefit the Tahoe XC Winter Discovery Program!

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Photo by Adrian Ballinger from AlpenglowSports on Facebook

ALPENGLOW PRESENTS: ADRIAN BALLINGER

Thursday, January 27, 2011 – 7 pm

Sawtooth Ridge Café, Tahoe City, CA

Marmot athlete Adrian Ballinger presents his incredible story of Ama Dablam, the “Mattherhorn” of the Himalayas.  Adrian has climbed and guided the mountain eight times in the past decade.  With popularity of the expedition increasing, overcrowding and waste issue have also been increasing.  In 2010, Adrian led a major clean-up project at the mountain. Adrian shares photos and stories from his decade at Ama Dablam.  This free event is open to all ages.  A raffle will benefit the High Fives Foundation.  For more information, contact Alpenglow Sports at 530-583-6917.

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SQUAW PRESENTS: RICHARD LEVERSEE

Saturday, February 19, 2011 – 8 pm

Plaza Bar – Squaw Valley Olympic House, Olympic Valley, CA

Tahoe legend climber, backcountry skier and photograph Richard Leversee presents his show “Stonequest: A Transformational, Spirit-Centered Path from Climbing to Healing Massage”.  This free event will be at Plaza Bar, located in Squaw Valley’s Olympic House.  All ages welcome.

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SQUAW PRESENTS: JOHN MOYNIER

Saturday, March 19, 2011 – 8 pm

Plaza Bar – Squaw Valley Olympic House, Olympic Valley, CA

John Moynier provides ongoing inspiration with his Eastern Sierra mountain guide history, climbing and ski touring guides.  Enjoy his latest presentation.  This free event will be at Plaza Bar, located in Squaw Valley’s Olympic House.

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SQUAW PRESENTS: DAVE NETTLE

Saturday, April 23, 2011 – 8 pm  (not confirmed)

Plaza Bar – Squaw Valley Olympic House, Olympic Valley, CA

Lake Tahoe’s own world-traveling Alpinist Dave Nettle presents his slide show featuring his first major wall ascent in Greenland and more.  This presentation will feature incredible story-telling and awesome photographs.  This event will be at Plaza Bar, located in Squaw Valley’s Olympic House.

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SQUAW PRESENTS: TODD OFFENBACHER

Saturday, May 21, 2011 – 8 pm

Plaza Bar – Squaw Valley Olympic House, Olympic Valley, CA

Tahoe Local and well-known climber Todd Offenbacher is famous for creating new climbing routes and his incredible first ascents around the world.  His high-on-life attitude is contagious and inspirational.  This event will be held at Plaza Bar, located in Squaw Valley’s Olympic House.