From the Ski for Light Bulletin - Spring 2005
by Kerrie Brown
Ski for Light 2005 produced several first time experiences for me. Not only was it my first experience of spending any length of time in America, but it was also the first time that I had attended such a large scale event for people with disabilities. I must confess to feeling somewhat nervous about this before I arrived, which was chiefly the result of a horror story passed on to me by a friend who spotted a large group of blind children in an American theme park. They were holding on to a rope in one long line, which seemed to be considered the most efficient method for guiding them through the park. Was this how things were done in America? Would someone be trying to make me ski in the midst of one huge, roped-up blind train? As bizarre and frankly dangerous an image as this conjures up now that I have actually seen cross country skis, I will admit that ridiculous questions of this nature did go through my head before attending the event. Come to think of it though, have I just invented a possible highlight for next year’s Snow Games? The ‘blind ski train’ event could turn out to be just as much fun as the Rump-a-rally!
Imagine my relief, then, when I actually arrived in Silver Creek and very quickly caught on to the Ski for Light philosophy. I found everyone to b extremely natural, and nobody was rushing to offer help when it was not necessary. On the other hand, if a little assistance was needed to find a particular person or location, someone always seemed to be available to help out. I found this approach so refreshing - and became so accustomed to it by the end of the week - that I was actually taken aback when I encountered a check-in agent in Denver Airport who insisted on communicating with me through my sighted guide. Certain people in the world could definitely benefit from a few lessons on the SFL attitude!
Since returning to Scotland, I have been trying to tell people exactly what made Ski for Light such an amazing experience. Was it light-headedness from the high altitude that gave me the ‘feel good factor’ all week? Perhaps it was the sun that seemed to shine continuously while we were skiing. Maybe it was the discovery of a new sport that I could definitely become hooked on. Or was it possibly the many fantastic, funny and interesting people that I met and spent time with throughout the week? I think I can say that it was a combination of all these factors that made this week so great for me.
There is no question that I am now addicted to cross country skiing, and I am determined to knock some time off my 10k race next year. Is a 20 minute improvement a little too ambitious?! I have already been encouraging other people to come along to next year’s event. If I can keep their enthusiasm going, there may be a Scottish invasion in 2006!