Arnold Schwarzenegger spends the weekend with After-School All-Star kids at Mammoth
The infamous Arnold Schwarzenegger was spotted at the Mammoth Lakes in California, USA, this weekend, from April 29 to May 1. The Austrian-American was accompanying a group of 60 under-privileged kids for a weekend of skiing at the resort.
Running a non-profit organisation, the After-School All-Star (ASAS), with the help of his wife Maria Shriver, Schwarzenegger had been making an effort to help the disadvantaged children since 1992. The programme provides comprehensive after-school programmes to the at-risk kids with working parents to incorporate academic support, health and fitness activities and enrichment opportunities.
For the past three years, the Mammoth Lakes act as host to 60 ASAS students for an enjoyable weekend. The 60 lucky kids are selected for the all-expense paid trip to Mammoth, based on their performance in school, regular attendance and academic improvement and leadership qualities. The experience is a memorable one for the children, as this is their first exposure to snowboarding and skiing down a mountain. This year, the CEO of Mammoth, Rusty Gregory, had invited Schwarzenegger as the guest of honour for the weekend.
The former Governor of California shared his passion for skiing with the kids in the spring-time snow conditions at Mammoth. Talking to a journalist at the resort, the 63-year-old said, "Sports in general are a very important component for the kids. When you promise them you are going to take them on a ski camp, they get into a high."
According to Schwarzenegger, the intended motivation for such programmes is to inspire children to put in more effort and do bigger and better things. Talking to the participants last year, he said, “There are many, many people that have been there to help me along the way ... Life is about everyone getting an equal chance and everyone helping each other. That's why it is our responsibility to do everything that we can, so that you can have the same joy.”
The Austrian-American finds it easy to sympathise with the unfortunate kids because he had experienced the hardships in his early life as well. He recalled that the biggest highlight of his youth was when his family bought a refrigerator.
A former professional bodybuilder, actor, model, businessman and the 38th Governor of California, there are few who are unfamiliar with Schwarzenegger. While he is regarded as one of the best action hero in history, considered to be in the same league as Sylvester Stallone, Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme, there are few who are aware of the fact that the “Terminator” is also a fast and relentless skier. His reputation on the skis caused Sun Valley to name one of their intimidating black-diamond-runs after him.
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