From the Ski for Light Bulletin - Spring 2008
by Jean Sandford Replinger
The Ski For Light Event (because of its activities, mission and participants) has been a precious gift to me personally, as it embodies and models many things I value in life: - being outdoors in winter, specifically cross country skiing in the countryside - teaching others the skill so they can have that love and freedom as their own - sharing with a population that might not otherwise be able to know of this wondrous sport - spending a week with a wonderful group of people who appreciate sharing and playfulness.
Equally, it has been a precious “gift” that I could give my students and friends for whom cross country skiing plus generosity and sharing with others is a natural pleasure, as it is for me.
It is a gift that keeps on giving ... and multiplying. Over the years, SFL has accepted 49 people it has been my privilege to recommend and/or financially assist. I am thrilled for those I’ve recommended who have been able to and have chosen to return repeatedly. The 45 who were guides racked up 200 guide years, i.e. some returning as many as 16,18 and 19 years. This exemplifies SFL is a “gift that keeps on giving” and that there is a “multiplier effect.”
I am especially proud and pleased that many have assumed leadership roles in SFL over their years in attendance. They gave their gift and served with their own distinction. Some of many examples ... ... many followed in my footsteps, serving on the Board of Directors, in being Event Coordinators. One helped me write and re-write the original Guide Training Manual. Several followed in my footsteps as Guide Training Coordinators, many served (& continue to serve) in the large cadre of Guide Trainers. As I was selected to attend Ridderennet in Norway in 1983, several have been selected in later years. As I was awarded the first Ridderrennets Venner’s Vandrepremie (Presidential Award) in 1985, two of these people have now also received it. One helped design the fine SFL logo we use today. One designed and oversaw the development of the film on SFL history. One helped with filming and appeared in the SFL training film, etc. It’s as Bjarne Eikevik, early SFL president used to say, join in, be safe and “make a good thing better.”
- It’s about giving a gift to a receiver, who becomes the owner of that gift in such a way they can “give it on”.
So, I thank my lovely friend Brit Peterson for making such an award possible and, as I accept this precious award, it’s really not about what I’ve given; it’s about what I’ve received and been able to give others. - I wish to commend those to whom I’ve introduced the SFL gift because of what they have done with that gift. AND I wish to commend SFL for the gift it is to each of us.