Dear Ken,

 I would like to thank the Lions Clubs for all the monetary donations
 they have made to the Blind Outdoor Leisure Development organization. I have
 participated in a number of events BOLD has put on over the years,
 allowing me to get more out of life. There are many good events BOLD
 sponsors. The one I participate in the most is downhill skiing.

 I lost my sight at age 25 in an accident that nearly killed me. When I
 had sight I went downhill skiing. I loved this sport and wondered if I
 would be able to ski again after I lost my sight.

 Thanks to the individual who told me about BOLD, I was able to once
 again participate in a sport I really love. Downhill skiing with BOLD
 has given me the opportunity to add some excitement to my life. It
 has also helped me develop a higher level of self-confidence. Plus,
 taking on a challenge such as downhill skiing requires me to put my trust in the
 guide.
 Now, you might say I have to put my trust in my guide for all the BOLD
 activities. This is correct, and when it comes to downhill skiing I have
 to put much more trust in the guide. In most other activities I would
 be holding on to the guide's arm. For downhill skiing, the only thing I
 am holding on to is the guide's voice. This is more challenging, risky
 and requires a lot of trust, which leads to a higher level of
 self-confidence.

 Once again, I thank Blind Outdoor Leisure Development and the Lions
 Clubs for giving me many chances to ski at Sunburst, and at a weekend
 trip to Indianhead ski resort. If the skiing events no longer took
 place, I would lose most (if not all) of the major excitement in my
 life.

 Kevin Meyers
 Registered Corporate Coach
 Advanced Toastmaster Silver
http://www.mytruevision.net>

March, 2007