Ski for Light 2001 - Green Bay, Wisconsin
The following is a compilation of comments taken from e-mail messages I received from some 1st and 2nd year guides following our Ski for Light event in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I "stole" little excerpts from their letters and put them together for all to enjoy.
I hope they inspire you as they have me and get you excited about our upcoming event in Granby, Colorado.
Brenda Seeger, Guide Applications Coordinator Ski for Light
I had a fantastic time being a first-time guide at SFL. I am definitely hooked and, funds and distance permitting, I hope to attend many more SFL international weeks. It felt like we were all one big happy family. I immediately felt at home and enjoyed making so many new friends. --Polly-1st year guide
I really enjoyed seeing the 20 - 30's crowd at SFL. I think it is important for SFL and incredibly valuable for people of this age group to participate. I will be hitting on my friends to give some serious thought to participate next year. There is a whole lot of wisdom to be gained from hanging around the older blind skiers and guides. --Bill-2nd year guide
Being surrounded by the crème de la crème who came out of the woodwork from all walks of life. From farmers to doctors, and computer programmers to jewelry makers all doing the ski dance together. What a great accumulation of people!
Anyway.....in the moment it seems so simple. Track left, side step right, and don't forget to glide. In concept the idea of guiding someone and them willing to ski through all of that I find miraculous.
I loved the fireplaces three good meals a day, and a very kind cook, who made some great North American food, and the wonderful stories. --Nicole-1st year guide
Some of my thoughts on my first Ski for Light: First of all you notice I said first. I am sure it will not be my last. I met so many wonderful people and was totally inspired and in awe and impressed by the skiers enthusiasm. This is a fantastic program. I do a lot of volunteer work and constantly see people getting paid to do what you (and I) do. It is refreshing to know that an all-volunteer organization can and does thrive. --Marsha-1st year guide
I was overwhelmed to realize that anything negative that was happening in my personal life was snuffed out by the joy that I was experiencing with SFL. I knew I was "On a Good Track" with SFL. --Connie-1st year guide
Wow, I am barely back from Green Bay a week and I am still re-living memories of the week - on a daily basis.
Overall, I am hooked on SFL and plan to take part in the yearly international event and also my Colorado regional event. It is a bit hard to explain, but the SFL experience is something that stays with me all year long and I look forward to many more events. How do I describe the week..... (A week of visiting, skiing and laughing with old and new friends....
(An opportunity to meet others passionate about Nordic skiing and to share my excitement for the outdoors and skiing with others.
(A wonderful exposure to the lives of visually, mobility and hearing impaired individuals.
(A newfound awareness for Norwegian culture
(An opportunity to ski, ski and ski some more!
(A visit to Green Bay, Wisconsin....something that was not originally on my "list" Lastly, my own desire to spread the word on SFL all year long to corporations and individuals that may be interested in supporting a great nonprofit organization that truly makes a difference in so many lives. --Amy-2nd year guide
After many years of hearing stories, packing and unpacking sit skis/hockey sleds, and watching videos, I was finally able to experience Ski for Light firsthand. Although I had heard many names before, seen numerous pictures and had met people associated with the event, I had no idea what to expect. It was an amazing week. The most amazing part was the people. Genuinely good people.
The one thing I think that will stick with me the most was watching people finish the race. When I coach, it is so exciting and fulfilling for me when a kid finishes a race or workout and has a smile from ear to ear about what he had just accomplished. It did not matter if he was first or last. The way he felt at the end was what the entire season was about.
Watching team after team finish I saw that in every one of them. WOW!!! People were so happy.........
Just a few thoughts. Too many to really put down. I have seen many different things being around my father, but I continue to be completely amazed at what people can do. Great organization, Great people. Definitely hooked and will be back. --Corey-1st year guide
My skier and I had a lot of fun skiing everyday. There was always something to talk about and if there was nothing it was still nice. The nights were full of fun too. I sort of thought of it as summer camp by the end of the week. I wanted to go home but I cried because I did not what to leave all my newfound friends and this great sport. I just cannot wait for next year now. I have already put in my application for a passport to go and see one of my new friends from Norway.
This was a great thing to be apart of. I miss it every day. SFL 2002 here I come!!!! --Meghan-1st year guide