The all-volunteer, non-profit organization was founded in 1975 by Norwegian immigrant Olav Pedersen. He was inspired to create a program for adults with visual- or mobility-impairments, working in concert with sighted instructors and guides – to learn the sport of cross-country skiing.
The mission of Ski for Light is to teach participants how to cross-country ski in an atmosphere that encourages everyone to realize that the only limitations to what they can accomplish, both on and off the snow, are those they place on themselves.
In the beginning of February 300 people participated in the 30th Ski for Light International Week in Granby, Colorado. “This week gives you a great opportunity to try new things and to stretch yourself in new directions. The opportunity is there because at Ski for Light, no one has any preconceived notions about what you can or cannot do, and no one cares or even much notices who has a physical disability and who does not,” said Ski for Light President Larry Showalter.
During "Norway Night" in Granby Norwegian Ambassador Knut Vollebaek presented the 30-year anniversary gift from Friends of Ridderrennet (Knights Race), which Ski for Light is modeled after. The gift is the cost of airfare, meals and accommodation for a Ski for Light participant to come to Norway and partake in Ridderrennet April 3rd to 10th this year. Blind skier Judy Dixon and guide Nancy McKinney, both former presidents of Ski for Light, where chosen for the trip to Norway. The Ambassador and his wife Ellen accompanied Dixon and McKinney during the 10 kilometer race the day following presentation of the gift.
"This gives us the opportunity to experience and share the special ties between our two nations and cultures – both on the ski trails and during the social settings after an active day. Ski for Light, like Ridderrennet, is a meeting place where dreams come true and barriers disappear. This is where the motto 'if I can do this, I can do anything' becomes reality," said Diane S. Hanisch, Secretary General of Friends of Ridderrennet.