Amy is only one of about 250 active adults from across the U.S. and around the world who will be celebrating the 26th annual Ski for Light (SFL). An international, week-long, cross-country skiing event, SFL pairs visually- and mobility-impaired Skiers, like Amy, with nondisabled Guides. Held at a different U.S. location early each year, SFL brings its "If I can do this, I can do anything" spirit to Green Bay, WI, January 21 - 28, 2001.

While primarily a recreational event, SFL attracts Skiers at all proficiency levels, from beginners to competitors, and has even launched Olympic careers. Skiers and Guides alike come from every age group (18+) and occupation.

"Ski for Light got me back on skis, I had stopped skiing for six years after I first lost vision," says Amy, who attended her first SFL in 1995. The opportunity that SFL provides to personally network with "truly inspirational, professional people who are active in all facets of life" is one reason why she returns each year.

"At SFL, people focus on everyone's abilities," says SFL 2001 Event Chair Judy Dixon, a Consumer Relations Officer at the Library of Congress. "Through SFL I've made enduring friendships with people of different backgrounds and abilities from all over the world. For me, one of the great things about SFL is that people, whether nondisabled, visually- or mobility-impaired, are involved at every level of the organization - from participation to decision-making."

At SFL, the Skiers set the pace, asking their Guides to assist with skills, technique, endurance or simply enjoying the outdoors. The week ends in a Race/Rally and for many Skiers the goal is completing the 5K or 10K course, while others compete against the clock for overall and age-group ranking.

SFL's multicultural flavor grew out of its close ties with the Ridderrenn, an international event held in Beitost�len, Norway. Founded in 1963, the Ridderrenn served as the model for Ski for Light. Every year a delegation of Norwegian Skiers and Guides attends SFL and SFL sends two Skiers and two Guides to the Ridderrenn.

In addition to Norway and every corner of the U.S., SFL participants hail from countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. While priority is given to new registrants, it's also common to find both Skiers and Guides who have participated for five, 10 or 20 years.

SFL is always seeking new Skiers and Guides and those interested in attending SFL may contact the appropriate coordinator. Visually-impaired individuals may contact Judy Wilkinson at 212-662-9593 or [email protected]. Mobility-impaired individuals may contact Jeff Pagels at 920-494-5572 or [email protected]. The application deadline for Skiers is November 1, 2000.

To be a Guide, no experience with visually- or mobility-impaired people is necessary. For those who are confident on skis, SFL holds an intensive one-day training session with seasoned Skiers and Guides. Contact Brenda Seeger at 507-274-5502 or [email protected]. The application deadline for Guides is December 15, 2000.

SFL, a registered non-profit organization, also maintains an extensive Web site, with application forms, at www.sfl.org.