Reneissa Ridley, Northern Ute dancer/skier

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Reneissa Ridley, Northern Ute dancer/skier, making first contact with 10 yr old King Oyo of Unganda at NAOTF’s first Olympic Tribal (Ski) Exchange at Keystone, Colorado. Christaid Organizer David Mporampora is behind them. While Uganda actually has heli skiing in their 14,000 ft mountains, but with finanicial and Olympic coaching support, they could turn warehouses into soccer camps, the king’s favorite sport. This sent(s) a message that there is a cost-effective alternative to terrorist camps in two African countries for the 7-10 yr olds. Sports also helps delay sex and childbearing important for AIDS prevention. The king came to help the 1.5 million wild children left without parents from the epidemic. Sponsorships available.

–American Indian Report Magazine, June 2002

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