by Bud Keith
In the early 60's, President Kennedy drew attention to the nation's need for a higher level of physical fitness. Also during the 60's, environmentalists drew attention to our nation's great outdoors and the joys and benefits of getting out into nature. In the early 70's, a series of national laws established civil rights for disabled people to have access to the physical environment and to participate with nondisabled folks in society.
In 1974, the time was right for a Norwegian-born ski instructor to talk about teaching blind folks to enjoy cross country skiing in Colorado. He not only started talking. He wrote letters and made phone calls, and recruited other folks on both sides of an ocean to make his idea a reality.
Olav Pedersen is a friend and a legend to us long time veterans of Ski for Light. While our memories and friendships are strong, they have had no physical location that others can visit. Now that has changed!
Three years ago, on October 24, 1997 Olaf was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame. This year, on September 30, 2000, Olav was also inducted into the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame. With these two ceremonies, his name and that of Ski for Light have become legendary in American skiing history. Both inductions are recognition well deserved!
Although Olav has never been an officer of Ski for Light, he has received more recognition than anyone else in the organization. His skill was to find plenty of willing supporters to turn his dream into reality. Olav has often talked about making waves or ripples in the snow. Like a man who throws a stone into a pond, Olav has been able to watch the ripples spread for 25 years. Olaf has been called "The Father of Ski for Light." Earl Woods, father of Tiger Woods, has just published a motivational book entitled "Start Something: Any Kid Can Make A Difference!"
Thanks again "Father Olav," for what you started. You and your kids certainly have made a difference in the lives of thousands of folks.