Ski For Light Hits The Slopes
Local News
by
Kyle Horan
last edited on
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Despite the warm temperatures participants and volunteers for ski for light still hit the slopes.
Jacey Enget says, "I have been skiing with Ski for Light for two years now. It is an awesome, awesome experience."
For Jacey Enget being able to hit the slopes is a blessing and the camaraderie of Ski for Light makes it all the more fun.
"Being able to get out of your chair and get the exercise you don't normally get when you’re sitting around watching TV."
A chance for people with physical disabilities and visual impairments to participate in winter sports.
Black Hills Regional Ski for Light President George Lee says, "It's an opportunity for them to try it out and see if they like it. If they don't like it, nothing lost there."
Participants have three events downhill skiing, cross country skiing, and snow mobile rides.
But besides the thrill there is something else that brings people to the event.
Ski Instructor Bradley Morgan says, "It hits in the heart and it hits you in the mind. It hits you in every muscle that you've got. So, it's a place to meet family, make new friends. I don't know. It's kind of a magical place."
"It's like a big giant family. It's like your second family. Once you start you'll never stop."
A family that grows every year.
"For the passed 33 years, Ski for Light has grown from about 35 people to over 300 participants and volunteers throughout the week. What Lee says, could be the biggest in America."
"We are one of 17 regionals. There are 17 regionals across the United States and we are probably the largest regional in the United State. We take pride in that."
Pride in a program that instills pride and a sense of freedom in those involved.
"Last year was my first year. After about two days I looked at one of the guides and I said "I'll be back next year."”
"For them to get up there and do this is absolutely amazing and the fact that they're having so much fun with it and there is no fear for them. I love that. They are role models for all of us volunteers here."
More than just fun but a resilience that many of us could learn from, Ski for Light began holding the event in 1979 it runs from Monday through Thursday.