Blind Skiers See The LightWritten by Stephen Michael Kerr
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The highlight of event is a 5-K rally and 10-K race, complete with national anthems and Olympic-style finish line. Skiers get chance to showcase skills they've learned during week over a measured distance, but don't have to be competitive or athletic. The only thing asked of them is to give skiing a try, and have fun. Mary Kozy, a blind clinical social worker from Chicago, was a bit apprehensive when she attended her first Ski for Light in 1978. But it didn't take her long to discover joy of learning to ski, and meeting other people with positive attitudes. "After attending Ski for Light, I caught "if I can do this, I can do anything" attitude, and went on to love skiing," Kozy recalls. "It is a real high to go to SFL for a week and be around so many enthusiastic people." While skiing is big attraction, it is only part of total experience. After a day on slopes, skiers and guides return to their hotel for dinner, talent shows, music and dancing, or just lounging in a heated pool or hot-tub. Even poor snow conditions can't stop event. In cases of extremely low temperatures or not enough snow, participants organize games, field trips, exercises, and other activities. Many skiers believe most rewarding aspect of Ski for Light is memories and camaraderie they share with each other and their guides. "The friendships I've made through SFL are deep, and those I will have all my life," Mary Kozy says. "People come through town and visit, and we are now like a big family." Deborah Kendrick, a freelance writer and devoted participant, agrees. "I believe there is no other environment in which participants suspend, so completely, sense of who is and who is not a person with a disability," she says. "People of all walks of life come together for that one week to share a love of skiing, outdoors, learning, and loving life." To find out more about Ski for Light, or upcoming event in Granby, Colorado, visit: www.sfl.org

Stephen Michael Kerr is a blind radio broadcaster and freelance writer in Austin, Texas. Want to read more fascinating articles about sports for people with disabilities? Subscribe to Stephen's *free* ezine, Adaptive Sports And Recreation. Just send a blank e-mail to: mailto:41809-subscribe@zinester.com Or visit: http://zinester.com/mpb/ml_fs.cgi?topic=41809
| | Sports Views for NovemberWritten by Leigh Douglas
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NFL Midseason Rankings: 1Eagles7-0As injuries pile up so go their chances at staying unbeaten 2Steelers6-1Can they keep this up? Is Ben setting bar too high? 3Patriots6-1Come playoff time will still be team to beat 4Jets6-1Are playing over their heads, schedule has helped a lot 5Jaguars5-3Cardiac cats are beating some quality teams 6Giants5-2So much for a QB controversy 7Vikings5-2Return of Onterrio and Moss will help wake up offense 8Falcons6-2A 6-3 win over cards shouldn’t count as a win 9Broncos5-3Are a playoff team, but just that, nothing more 10Chargers5-3How is Brees not most improved(comeback)player this year? 11Ravens4-3If they get healthy no one will want to play them come playoff time 12Colts4-3Still have to respect that offense, but its time to address D 13Rams4-3Hasn’t Martz time ran out yet? 14Seahawks4-3Word best to describe Seahawks : ‘underachievers’ 15Texans4-3Can no longer be taken lightly 16Lions4-3Are well on their way to respectability 17Packers4-4Their defense(especially their secondary) is killing them 18Chiefs3-4Must be regretting not addressing defense in off season 19Titans3-5Annual roster defections are finally catching up 20Saints3-4Will Hasslett be first coach fired? 21Browns3-4Davis should be first coach fired? 22Cowboys3-4Will soon find out about Drew Hanson 23Bengals2-5They aren’t really looking to this year anyways 24Bills2-5Mistakes always seem to cost them 25Redskins2-6Can we still blame Spurrier? 26Cardinals2-5There may be a light at end of tunnel 27Buccaners2-5At this rate, Gruden’s head is likely to explode by week 14 28Panthers1-6Have injuries cost any other team more? 29Raiders2-6Are getting bad as fast as they are getting old 30Bears2-5Krentzel & Quinn, there has to be other options 3149ers1-6Already losing, and now without Julian Pederson 32Dolphins1-7Would Ricky have even made a difference ?

Leigh is the sports editor of T.E.N Magazine, a social commentary webzine with balls! Check out more articles at http://www.tenwebzine.com
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