Blind Skiers See The LightWritten by Stephen Michael Kerr
About three hours west of Denver lies Snow Mountain Ranch, one of top cross-country ski centers in United States. Known as "YMCA of Rockies", it boasts a large ski chalet and over 90 kilometers of packed and groomed trails. From January 30 to February 6, 2005, center will host 30th annual Ski for Light International event, a week that brings blind and mobility-impaired adults together with sighted ski instructors for cross-country skiing and fun social activities. Participants come from United States, Norway, and several other countries to either learn skiing for first time, or improve on previously developed skills. The first Ski for Light was held in Norway in 1964, and was so successful that a nonprofit all-volunteer organization was formed. Chapters began spreading to other parts of world, and program was first introduced to United States in 1975. The idea is to provide blind and mobility-impaired a chance to experience freedom and benefits of physical activity through cross-country skiing. At beginning of event, each skier is paired with an instructor/guide, according to experience level. Beginners are taught basic fundamentals of sport, while more advanced skiers work on improving their techniques and endurance. Skiers navigate slopes in pre-set tracks or grooves in snow, while their instructors ski on a parallel set of tracks. The guide advises when to change direction, speed up and slow down, and describes any changes in level and direction of tracks. Skiers with mobility impairments use sit-skis, while their guides give instructional tips and offer physical assistance if needed. In addition to cross-country skiing, mobility-impaired participants also have chance to learn sport of sled-hockey during week. The sighted instructors are volunteers from all over United States who pay their own way to attend, just like other participants. Duane Farrar, a blind skier and chairman of Ski for Light's Public Relations Committee, says their role is vital to success of program. "They are there because they love cross-country skiing and wish to share that love with someone like myself who otherwise might not have opportunity to experience sport and exhilarating sense of freedom that it brings," Farrar explains.
| | Sports Views for NovemberWritten by Leigh Douglas
Sports View By Leigh DouglasBaseball season is finally over. Would anyone really complain if they cut about 12 games off season (is 150 not enough?). Now at least we wont have to hear about ‘the curse’, now we just have to take care of that goat and all will be well. Is there really any doubt that Carlos Beltran is going to wind up a Yankee? He has gone from being one of most underappreciated players in game with Royals, to having one of greatest postseason performances. That one series against Cardinals might have earned him difference between a 10 to 12 mil a year to now a 16 to 18 mil a year. It is about time to squash any and all talk of a ‘quarterback controversy’ in Cincinnati. The Bengals are not a contender, not yet at least. Why not let Carson Palmer play now, take his lumps now, so that in a year or two when whole team is in a position to contend so will he. What good will playing Jon Kitna really do for Bengals, at best he may be difference between a 6-10 and an 8-8 season. Either way long term playing Palmer now is best move for Bengals, and I applaud Marvin Lewis for foresight, and courage to make such a move despite all criticism. Does anyone really miss NHL? If Jason White won Hiesman last year, and now this year Adrian Peterson is best player on same team as White, how is Peterson not favorite to win Hiesman? Over/Under for upcoming NBA season: 1 week-Before Kobe is crying to press, and finding a new scapegoat for Lakers struggles 1 month-Before breakup of Blazers 1 game-Before Yao Ming starts to back off and lets McGrady take over team 2 weeks-Before Isaiah Thomas makes his first trade 6 weeks-Before Baron Davis gets hurt 3 quarters-Before Ron Artest gets a technical foul 2 games -Before Antoine Walker attempts his 50th field goal 2 months -Before Shaq subtlety points out to media that Miami is winning, and Lakers aren’t
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