His huge method at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City was an inspirational image to every kid strapping their feet to a snowboard. But Ross Powers (Okemo, VT) influence in the sport transcends what he can do on snow and directly affects athletes looking to go somewhere in the sport thanks to the Ross Powers Foundation.

"World-class competition, especially the Olympics, should feature the best athletes with the greatest drive, commitment, and determination," Powers said. "Unfortunately, given how expensive wintersports can be, too often these events feature the best athletes with the greatest drive, commitment, and determination—with a certain level of financial backing."

Powers decided that in order to help the best riders advance he needed to take a hands-on approach.

"My foundation is set up to bridge that gap for people who are showing potential to get to the next level," Powers said. "Some of the people who have come through the program are Danny Davis and Michael Goldschmidt."

After hearing about a Stratton Mountain School student who was unable to continue at the mountain academy due to financial limitations, the Olympic gold medalist made a donation so that the student could remain in training.

To Powers, the student being unable to train at the school may have changed the direction of the student's life. But, as it is, the boarder was able to go on to a long career in the sport.

"That story is how my whole foundation got started back in the day. Tyler Emond, who went on to make the U.S. Team, needed some help to go to the Mountain School and Scott Palmer asked me if I would support him," Powers said. "I donated some money to help do that. He went on to achieve good things. He now coaches the Park City Snowboard Team."

The Ross Powers Foundation raises money through donations as well as through fundraising events and, since 2001, Powers has committed all of the revenues generated from his annual snowboard camp at Okemo Mountain to the Foundation.

"It feels great for me to help out and then come see these guys do what they've accomplished," Powers said. "Whether it's making it onto the U.S. Team or just helping a kid follow his dreams to the local stuff, it will hopefully improve their lifestyle."

To learn more about how you can help with the Ross Powers Foundation, visit http://www.rosspowersfoundation.org/.