Ski for Light turns 50!
Inner strength ensures success
Photo courtesy of Ski for Light
For 50 years Ski for Light International has taught cross-country skiing to thousands of visually- and mobility-impaired persons.
Leslee Lane Hoyum
Rockford, Minn.
Ski for Light gala chair and former
Ski for Light vice president and secretary
For 50 years, Ski for Light International has taught cross-country skiing to thousands of visually- and mobility-impaired persons. It’s time to celebrate with a grand gala that will be held at Norway House in Minneapolis on Oct. 12!
Given the success of the 2024 Paralympic Games, it’s hard to imagine that the concept of visually- and mobility-impaired persons cross-country skiing or participating in any sport, was a foreign concept in the 1970s in America. And foreign, it was. Only in Norway was there a formal instructional cross-country skiing program for visually-impaired persons. It was called Ridderrennet, which itself was in its infancy. It was begun by Erling Stordahl, a blind visionary. Olav Pedersen, a Colorado ski instructor originally from Voss, Norway, was a friend of Erling Stordahl and passionate about bringing Erling’s program to the United States.
With the help of Erling Stordahl, Friends of the Ridderrenn, Sons of Norway International, the Sons of Norway Foundation, local Lions Clubs, and enthusiastic volunteers, what became known as Ski for Light became a reality in 1975 in Frisco, Colo.
Today, Ski for Light is going strong, having established an annual international event, as well as regional ski events and warm weather programs. What is most remarkable is that Ski for Light operates as an all-volunteer organization; it has no paid personnel.
Photo courtesy of Ski for Light
Ski for Light does not only teach cross-country skiing, but forges fun and friendships that last a lifetime.
Ski for Light father Olav Pederson told us the name for Ski for Light came from Erling Stordahl’s love of metaphors. Instead of focusing on blindness and the absence of light, he focused on the unknown and enlightenment. So, in looking at the Norwegian culture, he used a metaphor from Peer Gynt. In the legend, a Norwegian knight, the ridder, part of Ridderrenn, needed to escape some bad guys. He came to an abyss and not having any idea of whether he could safely make it, leaped with faith and succeeded.
Photo courtesy of Ski for Light
Ski for Light Week ends with a race—a race against oneself. As the Ski for Light motto says, “If I can do this, I can do anything.”
“Erling equated this (ridder leap) with human struggle,” said Pedersen, “and pushed the need for us to try things where success was doubtful, and discover some previously unknown strength or ability within ourselves that help us succeed. It is the metaphorical struggle from ignorance to enlightenment.” So in cross-country skiing, blind folks are enabled to ski from not knowing their capabilities to the enlightenment that comes from learning that they can succeed at much more than they had ever imagined. The same goes for guides. The name Ski for Light embraces Erling’s vision.
The Norwegian community can take pride in giving Ski for Light its kick-start. It provided guides, volunteers, and fundraisers who helped create today’s program that yields a strong, collaborative partnership between guide and skier. It’s time to celebrate everyone’s efforts. Join the festivities on Oct. 12 for a delicious meal, friendship, music and a multimedia presentation highlighting Ski for Light’s history and accomplishments.
Reservations are required at 114648.blackbaudhosting.com/114648/Ski-For-Light-50th-Anniversary-12Oct2024.
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of The Norwegian American.
