Ski for Light 2004 in Green Bay is being described by many as one of the best annual events ever. Even Event Chair, Marie Huston, wrote that it was a "fun event to coordinate!" It takes a lot of people and a lot of hard work to put on such an event, and this one was no exception; hats off to everyone who helped make this one such a success.
Of course, one of the real highlights at this year's event was the weather. Green Bay is famous, or infamous, for its cold winters. Indeed, before we all arrived, temperatures were definitely hovering around the unpleasant range. But all during the Ski for Light week, temps soared to 28 degrees or thereabouts, making for great snow and very comfortable skiing. The trails were excellent, and all the first-timers got a first-class introduction to cross country skiing.
Off the snow, the fun continued. Attendees were treated to an especially good talent show, songs and dances of the Onondaga tribe, and on Norway night, all the ladies were honored with a rose. This year's Silent Auction brought out a lot of wild and competitive bidding, and it was very successful. Thanks again to everyone whose hard work and dedication made such a magical week possible!
This year, Ski for Light welcomed about 20 first-time participants and about a dozen new guides; we hope to see many of them next year in Granby. Here are just a couple of excerpts from the positive feedback some of them have sent us:
From first-time VIP skier, Alex Bradstreet:
It was a life-changing event, such that I want to be more active in other activities for the blind and have more motivation to exercise. It was what I needed to get motivated again to do things I have wanted to do for a while and I met some really wonderful people. I had a super time, and it has boosted my self-esteem 100% for the better. I was not down before I went, but just not as motivated as I should have been, and now after going, I am. Thank you from the bottom of my heart; I should have done this 10 years ago!
From first-time Mip skier, Gina Hackel:
Thank you so much Ski for Light for giving me the opportunity to meet the most amazing people, and to reconnect with the loves I thought I had lost after my spinal cord injury in 1988. Growing up in Montana, I loved to ski and ice skate every chance I got. I went every weekend skiing and during the week I ice skated with my girlfriends. I loved being outside on the ice or on the snow in the mountains. How those memories came flooding back while I was in Green Bay. By the end of the week I, my body and emotions were on overload, but it was worth it. It was like a dream and I was afraid that I would wake up.
Ted Ellickson was the BEST guide!!! I have no words to describe how good he was to me. Ted is the kindest, sweetest fellow. I can not thank him enough for all the joy he brought back to my life. He made my days out on the trails so wonderful. It was great being out there and having him and Jeff give me pointers. They and the other skiers had words of wisdom and took a lot of the frustration out of learning how to maneuver and gave me the energy to work on my form and take in the sights and smells of the snow-covered hills.
What a crew! Everyone and I mean everyone was so kind and caring, and of course they all knew how to have Fun! Every day it was something new and exciting
I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to attend and to be apart of the Ski for Light family. I am grateful that this event was in Green Bay and that my family could attend and see first-hand how I was able to skate and ski. But more importantly, they met those who were so good to me and made it all possible. My dreams really did come true! I am forever grateful to those whose determination brought winter sports back to the blind and disabled. Without them, my dreams would have remained only dreams. Thank You, Thank YOU!
Finally, this from Cindy Olson, director of the Sons of Norway Foundation who visited us in Green Bay on Friday and Saturday:
I can't begin to tell you of the wonderful experience I had at the Green Bay, Ski for Light event this past week. I knew it would be a great event. Little did I know how truly life-changing your event is for all the skiers, both guides and students. The entire event committee should be proud of your accomplishments. You will always have support from the Sons of Norway Foundation.