The 2007 Ridderrenn Team was composed of two visually-impaired skiers, Renee Abernathy and Chris Leghorn, and two guides, Willie Aldrich and Mark Cullen. Here are some of the thoughts and memories they shared after their trip to Norway.
The Ridderweek was, for me, a fabulous experience! Norway is a beautiful country and the people incredibly openhearted. In so many ways I could feel the similarities between Ski For Light and the Ridderweek. It's easy to see how SFL was born out of the same wonderful spirit. Being in a whole new culture brings a fabulous dimension to this experience. I so loved hearing all the different languages around me and meeting folks from around the world with a common purpose. I think one of the things I love best about both SFL and the Ridderrenn is that, regardless of nationality, disability, non-disability, and life circumstance, we all come together ultimately to share in what matters most: meaningful human connection. I feel that my "family" has been greatly expanded while in Norway.
Thank you, Ski For Light for honoring me with this great privilege. I'm planning to attend the event again sometime in the future.
This season I will have been skiing for fifty years. I really wanted to do something special this ski season. Little did I know how special it would be.
Being a member of the 2007 Ridderrenn Team representing SFL in Norway was really a wonderful experience for me. Of course, the best part was becoming better acquainted with my teammates and also the other attendees who are involved with SFL. Seeing old friends and making new friends from other countries is also a great part of the experience.
The ski trails were in great condition. I, on the other hand, was not in such great condition. Chris and I skied many kilometers together on all the training days and really had a fantastic time skiing and laughing.
I also guided her during the biathlon on Wednesday and we had great success. We ran into an American friend of hers, Meg, from many years ago who is now married to a Norwegian who works at the Health Sports Center in Beitostolen. We decided it would be better and also great fun for Meg and Chris to ski together in the Thursday competition. During the Ridderrennet event on Saturday, Meg’s husband, Reidar, guided Chris.
They had great success both days. I had the honor and privilege of guiding Knut, a stand up mobility-impaired skier. I was so happy to have made myself available when they needed an extra guide.
He won a gold medal on Thursday, and like everyone on Saturday, we survived the very difficult conditions. Skiing with a MIP really does give you even another perspective on the human spirit and determination.
Of course the food was too good and too plentiful, and the people of Norway are so friendly and kind.
I'd like to sincerely thank the Executive Board of SFL for selecting me to be a member of the 2007 Ridderrenn Team, Marion Elmquist for being a guide for all of us in Norway, and the contributors to SFL and attendees of SFL events for there support.
MANGE TAKk!!!
My trip to the Ridderrenn was a once in a lifetime experience. The week spent skiing at Beitostolen was so much fun. I was able to ski using waxable skis for the first time. I learned about waxing skis. I participated in the biathlon and thoroughly loved shooting. And I was a very good shot! In the actual biathlon, I hit ten of ten and was thrilled to do that and have a good race time. I stretched myself in improving my ability to ski. I improved my best time by almost cutting it in half.
Thank you Marion for all your hard work and help. I am grateful to Ski for Light for allowing me to experience the Ridderrenn.
It was all everyone has said who has been there, and then some.
I could not think of a more compatible group of skiers. I loved Christine’s smile at the least pleasures. I just cannot say enough good things about Renee, her Southern folksy way of speech, her great sense of humor, and what a joy to be around. I had roomed with Willie before and we get along like brothers. Having been there in the past, he was able to help with sight-seeing and the like. The four of us seemed to enjoy each other’s company and had a great time all week long.
I will be forever grateful to SFL for sending me.