Blind Skiers See The Light
By Stephen Michael Kerr, Thu Dec 8th

About three hours west of Denver lies Snow Mountain Ranch, oneof the top cross-country ski centers in the United States. Knownas the "YMCA of the Rockies", it boasts a large ski chalet andover 90 kilometers of packed and groomed trails. From January 30to February 6, 2005, the center will host the 30th annual Skifor Light International event, a week that brings blind andmobility-impaired adults together with sighted ski instructorsfor cross-country and fun social activities. Participantscome from the United States, Norway, and several other countriesto either learn for the first time, or improve onpreviously developed skills. The first Ski for Light was held inNorway in 1964, and was so successful that a nonprofitall-volunteer organization was formed. Chapters began spreadingto other parts of the world, and the program was firstintroduced to the United States in 1975. The idea is to providethe blind and mobility-impaired a chance to experience thefreedom and benefits of physical activity through cross-countryskiing. At the beginning of the event, each skier is paired withan instructor/guide, according to experience level. Beginnersare taught basic fundamentals of the sport, while more advancedskiers work on improving their techniques and endurance. Skiersnavigate the slopes in pre-set tracks or grooves in the snow,while their instructors ski on a parallel set of tracks. Theguide advises when to change direction, speed up and slow down,and describes any changes in the level and direction of thetracks. Skiers with mobility impairments use sit-skis, whiletheir guides give instructional tips and offer physicalassistance if needed. In addition to cross-country skiing,mobility-impaired participants also have the chance to learn thesport of sled-hockey during the week. The sighted instructorsare volunteers from all over the United States who pay their ownway to attend, just like the other participants. Duane Farrar, ablind skier and chairman of Ski for Light's Public RelationsCommittee, says their role is vital to the success of theprogram. "They are there because they love cross-country skiingand wish to share that love with someone like myself whootherwise might not have the opportunity to experience the sportand the exhilarating sense of freedom that it brings," Farrarexplains.

The highlight of the event is a 5-K rally and 10-K race,complete with national

anthems and Olympic-style finish line.Skiers get the chance to showcase the skills they've learnedduring the week over a measured distance, but don't have to becompetitive or athletic. The only thing asked of them is to giveskiing a try, and have fun. Mary Kozy, a blind clinical socialworker from Chicago, was a bit apprehensive when she attendedher first Ski for Light in 1978. But it didn't take her long todiscover the joy of learning to ski, and meeting other peoplewith positive attitudes. "After attending Ski for Light, Icaught the "if I can do this, I can do anything" attitude, andwent on to love skiing," Kozy recalls. "It is a real high to goto SFL for a week and be around so many enthusiastic people."While is the big attraction, it is only part of the totalexperience. After a day on the slopes, skiers and guides returnto their hotel for dinner, talent shows, music and dancing, orjust lounging in a heated pool or hot-tub. Even poor snowconditions can't stop the event. In cases of extremely lowtemperatures or not enough snow, participants organize games,field trips, exercises, and other activities. Many skiersbelieve the most rewarding aspect of Ski for Light is thememories and camaraderie they share with each other and theirguides. "The friendships I've made through SFL are deep, andthose I will have all my life," Mary Kozy says. "People comethrough town and visit, and we are now like a big family."Deborah Kendrick, a freelance writer and devoted participant,agrees. "I believe there is no other environment in whichparticipants suspend, so completely, the sense of who is and whois not a person with a disability," she says. "People of allwalks of life come together for that one week to share a love ofskiing, the outdoors, learning, and loving life." To find outmore about Ski for Light, or the upcoming event in Granby,Colorado, visit: www.sfl.org

About the author:Stephen Michael Kerr is a blind radio broadcaster and freelancewriter in Austin, Texas. Want to read more fascinating articlesabout sports for people with disabilities? Subscribe toStephen's *free* ezine, Adaptive Sports And Recreation. Justsend a blank e-mail to: mailto:41809-subscribe@zinester.com

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