Olympians honoring Native American Olympic Team Foundation at Chicago Ski Ball in November.
Suzy Chaffee, Olympic Gold Medallist Phil Mahre, Ball Chairman , John Bucksbaum, Olympic Handicap Racer - Muffy Davis, and honoree, Seneca James Kleinert.
Photo caption: Shoshone Benny LeBeau, leader of Big Bear Medicine Wheel Snow Ceremony, thanked by skiers at LA Ski Dazzle Show, next to Olympic host Suzy Chaffee with Gina Weiss and seven of the 200 diverse "miracle" participants - Black Elk Prophesy.
(Photo credit: Mary Piller)
What a surprise as I thought Americans and Canadians lost completely their links with the ancient roots, knowledge and traditions of the original inhabitants, so thanks for sharing and all your efforts. --Eduardo de la Barrera, Latin American
NAOTF’s inspiring work is helping bring racial harmony to America.” -- President Bill Clinton
“As co-founder and Vice Chair of the U.S. House of Representative’s Native American Caucus (60 members), congratulations on your Native American Millennial Ski events. It’s heartening to know that there are groups like yours across America that are working to better the lives of their Indian friends and neighbors." --Patrick Kennedy, Member of Congress
"Congratulations on all the efforts of Native American Olympic Team Foundation. All of us at Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation hope that the success of our "Future Ute Olympians Program" (taught by Billy's Olympic coaches) will stimulate other resorts and towns to host Native American youth for ski and snowboarding experiences. If we may be of further help in spreading the word, please let us know." --Chris Diamond, President, and Billy Kidd, Director of Skiing