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Helping enrich the lives of disabled athletes

Published in BP’s US Lower 48 Onshore News March 13, 2015

Ask Production Technologist David Smith for a highlight of his job with US Lower 48 Onshore and he’ll tell you that it’s his efforts through the Durango Operations Center Local Contributions Committee, which recommends BP grants and coordinates volunteer activities with non-profit organizations in southwest Colorado.

His involvement with the committee since joining the Durango team 17 years ago has opened up a number of opportunities to personally connect with local non-profits, including the Durango-based Adaptive Sports Association (ASA).

“Serving on local boards and being involved int he community has been the best part of career with BP,” Smith said.

Most recently, Smith, West Business Unit (BU) Area Manager John Mummery, and a number of BP employees volunteers to support ASA’s 17th annual Dave Spencer Ski Classic. The event was held at the Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort from Feb. 27 to March 1. Through corporate sponsorships, as well as entry fees, donations and fundraising and donations by members of the 31 competing ski teams, the event set a new fundraising record of $104,000.

“As one of the event’s long-time Gold sponsors, we try to make sure that we have high participation from BP employees,” Mummery explained. “Being involved in the community helps us build strong local relationship with our stakeholders.”

Like Smith, Mummery enjoys the volunteer work and recognizes the value of BP. Mummer and his wife have volunteered to help cater a Saturday meal that is an important feature of the Ski Classic for the last 10 years. This year they served meals to over 200 participants.

Smith served as this year’s BP volunteer coordinator and organized the L48 competitive ski team, a diverse cross-functional group of West BU employees and family members. They included: petroleum engineer Nathan Churchwell; material management specialist Jason Fugate; Fugate’s son, Daisun; Southeast Production Team area authority Dylan Parker; and facilities engineer Catherine Finley.

As Durango non-profit events go, Mummery said that the skiing event is one of the most fun…

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