Blind Skiers See the Light

About three hours west of Denver lies Snow Mountainand chairman of Ski for Light's Public Relations
Ranch, one of the top cross-country ski centers in theCommittee, says their role is vital to the success of
United States. Known as the "YMCA of the Rockies",the program.
it boasts a large ski chalet and over 90 kilometers of"They are there because they love cross-country
packed and groomed trails.skiing and wish to share that love with someone like
From January 30 to February 6, 2005, the center willmyself who otherwise might not have the opportunity
host the 30th annual Ski for Light International event, ato experience the sport and the exhilarating sense of
week that brings blind and mobility-impaired adultsfreedom that it brings," Farrar explains.
together with sighted ski instructors for cross-countryThe highlight of the event is a 5-K rally and 10-K race,
skiing and fun social activities. Participants come fromcomplete with national anthems and Olympic-style
the United States, Norway, and several other countriesfinish line. Skiiers get the chance to showcase the skills
to either learn skiing for the first time, or improve onthey've learned during the week over a measured
previously developed skills.distance, but don't have to be competitive or athletic.
The first Ski for Light was held in Norway in 1964, andThe only thing asked of them is to give skiing a try,
was so successful that a nonprofit all-volunteerand have fun.
organization was formed. Chapters began spreadingMary Kozy, a blind clinical social worker from Chicago,
to other parts of the world, and the program was firstwas a bit apprehensive when she attended her first
introduced to the United States in 1975. The idea is toSki for Light in 1978. But it didn't take her long to
provide the blind and mobility-impaired a chance todiscover the joy of learning to ski, and meeting other
experience the freedom and benefits of physicalpeople with positive attitudes.
activity through cross-country skiing.After attending Ski for Light, I caught the "if I can do
At the beginning of the event, each skiier is paired withthis, I can do anything" attitude, and went on to love
an instructor/guide, according to experience level.skiing," Kozy recalls. "It is a real high to go to SFL for a
Beginners are taught basic fundamentals of the sport,week and be around so many enthusiastic people."
while more advanced skiiers work on improving theirWhile skiing is the big attraction, it is only part of the
techniques and endurance.total experience. After a day on the slopes, skiiers and
Skiiers navigate the slopes in pre-set tracks orguides return to their hotel for dinner, talent shows,
grooves in the snow, while their instructors ski on amusic and dancing, or just lounging in a heated pool or
parallel set of tracks. The guide advises when tohot-tub. Even poor snow conditions can't stop the
change direction, speed up and slow down, andevent. In cases of extremely low temperatures or not
describes any changes in the level and direction of theenough snow, participants organize games, field trips,
tracks. Skiiers with mobility impairments use sit-skis,exercises, and other activities.
while their guides give instructional tips and offerMany skiiers believe the most rewarding aspect of Ski
physical assistance if needed. In addition tofor Light is the memories and camaraderie they share
cross-country skiing, mobility-impaired participants alsowith each other and their guides.
have the chance to learn the sport of sled-hockey"The friendships I've made through SFL are deep, and
during the week.those I will have all my life," Mary Kozy says. "People
The sighted instructors are volunteers from all over thecome through town and visit, and we are now like a
United States who pay their own way to attend, justbig family.
like the other participants. Duane Farrar, a blind skiier