The Ski for Light Experience

In late January, I along with some friends from Toronto, Canada traveled to Utah to take part in a week long event called Ski for Light. Each year, this event occurs in several countries around the world including the United States and Canada. It was founded over 30 years ago by a group of Blind Norwegian skiers and in so many words: It gives an opportunity to a blind person to learn to ski if they have not done so before or it gives a blind skier the opportunity to have some real fun.

This marvelous event lasts for a week and each skier is provided with their very own guide. Match ups are carefully done using the skier's experience and the skier's preferences while they are there for the week. Accommodations are excellent and the skiing area is top notch.

As a first time skier to this event, I did not go with any expectations but at the end of the week I was sure glad that I had gone. I met so many new people; both guides and blind skiers from different countries. I skied, fell, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. Every day I along with my fellow skiers were taken by bus to Soldier's Hollow where we skied for most of the day. Everyone was so friendly, positive, and above all, they made you feel welcome. I was fortunate to get a terrific room mate and we have promised each other to remain friends and return next year; this time the event is going to be held in Colorado.

At the best of times, blind persons are often challenged when it comes to finding ways to enjoy such types of events. So just imagine my elation at having been able to attend one of these. The guides and workers were so helpful and so committed. I was truly impressed and I hope that others like me will find a way to attend next year and in coming years. I am definitely going to continue my skiing efforts back in Canada and will add this to my ice skating activities.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and tell others that yes indeed! Blind persons can definitely enjoy such activities as skiing, ice skating, running, plus other types of sports. Visit www.skiforlight.org to learn more.

Yes I Can Enjoy Swimming

Well, here is another misunderstanding for me to clear up.  Much of the sighted world has a very hard time understanding and believing that blind persons can enjoy swimming.  Of course they can and I am living proof.  In addition to ice skating and skiing, I swim as a hobby.  I am a very good swimmer and growing up near the ocean enabled me to learn to swim in the sea.

 

As early as I can remember, my dad and my siblings took me swimming.  Dad taught me how to swim and we started off with life belts but I quickly graduated to swimming on my own.  Naturally, he and my family worried about my safety as with any other kid, sighted or not.  Dad taught me how to do the back stroke, the butterfly, the crawl, plus so much more.  I learned to do summersaults too; both forward and backward.  Then I took my skills to the swimming pool.

 

One of the things that I enjoyed the most while swimming in the sea was to look up at the bright blue sky and the golden sun while I was lying on my back in the ocean.  I cherished seeing that beautiful Caribbean sky and adored the sun and surf.  Dad also taught me how to surf the waves and he and I used to have so much fun frolicking in them.  The foam caps reminded me of lace.  Now that I have precious little vision, I still enjoy it all but without enough vision to see the sky, waves, and color of the sea, I find other ways to enjoy things when I go swimming.

 

Dad was my best swimming buddy and I always feel very close to him whenever I go to the beach.  He passed on many years ago but his spirit still accompanies me whenever I go sea swimming.  Swimming is still one of my most enjoyable hobbies.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help spread the message that yes!  Blind persons can enjoy swimming.  If you would like to know more, then please do not hesitate to send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.