From the Ski for Light Bulletin - Spring 2009
Ski for Light 2009 took us to yet another new venue: Soldier Hollow, which is nestled in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains in Utah. This year's event included some 250 people from 7 countries, some 26 dogs and countless great memories. To sum it up, one evening at dinner, one Norwegian eagerly pronounced: "Why don't we have Ski for Light here every year? This is the best skiing yet."
Yes, it was a very good event, complete with all the SFL magic that seems to happen every year. This year featured things like a nice 5 K run with some good and varied terrain, just enough weather to remind us it was winter, unbelievably good lunches at the ski lodge and a caterer who obviously loved his work, a few guides who celebrated their 25th year at SFL and more.
Two of the more memorable moments happened on the day of the race/rally. First. SFL long-time guide, Robb Rasmussen, married first-time guide, Sherry Oswald. They shared a very meaningful ceremony in the snow, right before the race with some 250 guests. Each spouse had a family member present, but for Rob and Sherry, it was very moving to share this moment with their SFL family. Vicki Post shared a song she had composed, Rob and Sherry exchanged vows in their ski clothes, and no race ever had such a heartfelt beginning!
And during the race, skier, Roy Drever, and guide, Chris Radel, found their skis were just not waxed right for that day's snow; in a rather amazing feat, Chris left Roy on the side of the trail, ran back to get different skis, skied back to Roy with Roy's new skis in his hands, and the two still finished the 10 K in remarkably good time. Oh what a little adrenalin can do!
"This event became more than a ski week for me. It became a supportive family," reflects second year participant Theresa Montano of Denver, Colorado. "I realized this year what a special event this really is."
First year guide Sheree MacRitchie summed up her experience in two simple sentences: "It was a great week of skiing, giving and fun. The family of Ski for Light welcomed me immediately, and it makes me smile whenever I think of them."
Sheree's skiing partner for the week, long-time participant Peter Slatin, echoes Sheree's sentiments. "I met some wonderful people, as always, and especially enjoyed the mix of nationalities attending, literally from all over the globe. I miss it already. It's the only chance I have every year to get together with other visually and mobility impaired people - and not really talk too much about the issues surrounding our disabilities, but simply enjoy sharing time together and learning in that way."
While everyone was a gold medal winner at Ski for Light's 2009 event, first time Cincinnati participant Lynn M. Wachtell called the experience, "A great one-week adventure where everyone had a story of accomplishment to tell, and it didn't matter how big or how little, the accomplishments of guides and skiers alike were all celebrated!"
Thanks and congratulations to the SFL Board and the Event Committee who worked tirelessly to help make this one very successful week!
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