From the Ski for Light Bulletin - Spring 2010
Ski for Light 2010 was filled with the magic that seems to happen at every International Event. This year, SFL welcomed some 240 people and the usual contingent of guide dogs. But numbers only tell part of the story; the rest comes from a lot of generous, courageous and enthusiastic people. First, some high-lights from 2010 Event chair, Cara Barnes.
"On Tuesday there was a ribbon cutting at Soldier Hollow to dedicate the Ski for Light Trail as a permanent part of the Soldier Hollow cross-country trail system. SFL President Marion Elmquist did the honors with "skissors" made from a pair of child's cross-country skis.
That evening participants were treated to a local improvisational comedy group. It was a fun-filled show which included a lot of audience participation. On Thursday evening participants had the opportunity to take in some other local talent. Some chose to travel to Salt Lake City to hear an open rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, while others chose an evening program by two nationally known story-tellers; Debi Richan and Mary Gay Ducey.
A revival of Friday Fun Day included a BBQ and a crazy hat contest. Esteemed judges Tim Byas, Richard Epstein and Chrissy Anderson had a difficult time choosing among all the great hats, but did manage to award some prizes although it is unknown whether any bribes were involved.
And let's not forget about skiing, skiing, skiing! The trails were wonderfully groomed and the weather was nearly perfect for optimal skiing conditions."
Well, my story is a bit odd, but amazingly I gained my confidence after doing my first flip on skis. The first day, when I built up enough speed on the practice hill, I was going great! My guide had taken off her skis because she had not expected me to fly so fast, but just a tiny unbalanced moment threw me into a downward spiral! lol. She was racing alongside, and I think received a few laughs from spectators. After that impact, I thought, "If I can take a spill like that and get up without any damage, I can do this! From that moment, I used mind over matter to tackle the first ski experience I had ever had. I loved every moment of the challenges, excitement, and victories. The week in Provo was not just a sporting event for me, but a healing week. So many past moments of doubt about what I can or cannot do were flushed away that week, and I only have gratitude and awesome memories from the absolutely incredible organization known as Ski for Light. Lastly, I would like to say that I plan on attending next year and bringing several more people with me!
One of my nicest memories from the 2010 Ski for Light International was cheering for skiers crossing the finish line. I was still feeling great from having completed the 5 K course without falling, a first for me. I was standing with my awesome guide and others, leaning on the wooden railing of the deck above the last few meters of the course. The air was crisp and the sun was bright and almost too hot in our faces as the names of the skiers were announced. I cheered for everyone, but I cheered especially loudly for those I knew, friends I'd made during this amazing week! We'd spent such lovely times soaking together in the hot tub, socializing in the bar, chatting on the bus and sharing meals.
As a first time participant, a lot of things made the week unforgettable, but the most compelling part was the incredible people I met. The generosity of the guides and other volunteers was so beautiful, and yet when I said so, each one answered that they got as much out of it as the participants. Having been there, no one could doubt that they meant it. Cheering as friends I knew crossed the finish line, I was struck, as I had so often been, by the guts, determination and sense of adventure that we all share. Frankly, I've never met so many interesting, accomplished and likable blind people before. As skiers passed whose names I didn't recognize, I thought how little time there had been to get to know everyone. I can't wait to attend next year, renew friendships, and meet more dazzling and fun people. Thanks to everyone who makes this excellent event happen.
SKI FOR LIGHT - AN INSPIRING EXPERIENCE
After mulling it over for the last few years, knowing that it was something that I really wanted to do, I finally signed up and did it! "It" was to be a guide at the Ski for Light International event in Soldier Hollow, outside of Provo, Utah. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding weeks of my life! I was nervous at first, wondering if I would be a good enough skier to guide someone who was totally dependent on me. But I reasoned that I have had years of experience as a North Star Ski Touring club member from Minnesota. Al Volkers, the North Star's champion SFL participant, has attended for nine out of the last eleven years. He was my source of encouragement, as well as that of our other new North Star participants, Dee and Rob Anderson, Julie Nelson and Mike Jubert. We were all proud of Al when he was given a round of applause for bringing in so many new recruits, and Minnesota was recognized as the state that had the most volunteers. The experience was not only gratifying as a volunteer. It also made me much more aware of our blind community and what they accomplish in spite of what we as sighted consider extremely challenging obstacles, and the many things that we take for granted! One night at dinner I sat between two men, both lawyers. One had been blind since birth and the other partially blind since high school. It's hard to imagine the challenges they faced during that educational journey. And skiing! Many of them (men and women) could give Al Volkers a run for his money!
The SFL philosophy is to have all participants and guides mingle and interact throughout the week, at the ski area, during meals, and at the many social events (including three nights of dancing!). By the end of the week, you're not sure who is blind and who is sighted! The interaction is an important part of learning and better understanding the needs and challenges of the blind community. Everyone benefits from the experience. As I told my ski participant, LeAnn, who has been blind since birth, "You have taught me so much more than I could have ever taught you". It was truly an uplifting and inspiring week.
I had the privilege of guiding Jeff Knox this year at Ski for Light. Since Jeff is such a strong skier, my role was more simply lifeguard than guide. Becoming his friend and admirer during the week was a laugh-filled adventure that left me refreshed, refueled, and in awe. I am in awe that after falling out of a tree twenty years ago and becoming paralyzed from the waist down, Jeff has not only overcome the accident personally, but has a rare wealth of energy and talent which he draws on to inspire fellow participants. Here is an example of his gift:
It was race day, and since we were the first pair out on the 5K course, there was no traffic. So for the first time all week, we could let it rip. I could barely keep up with Jeff, in spite of repeating to myself my mantra - "You have legs. Use them." We were both spent at the glorious finish line. But instead of high fives, quenching of thirst, and general basking in his accomplishment, Jeff did an immediate 180, and sped back out on the course. He wanted to go back a couple of kilometers to intercept his sitski buddies, and talk them through the last part of their race, lifeguard in tow. So off we flew. Consequently, his buddies probably finished a little faster, smiled a lot more, hurt less, and definitely felt the love. And I am a better person for having witnessed it. Thank you , Jeff!
And finally, we at Ski for Light would like to thank and honor all the "worker bees" who gave so generously of their time, elbow grease, ingenuity and technological skill to make the Event the success that it was; it couldn't happen without you. And hats off to everyone who participated so fully in this year's event; we look forward to doing it all again next year in Colorado. And stay tuned for details about next year's Event; for the latest updates, you can always check our web site: www.sfl.org.
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