As Super Bowl party preparation swept the nation on the morning of Feb. 9, 2025, a hearty band of Black youths, parents and members of the Show Me Skiers Club were braving the cold and hitting the slopes at Hidden Valley in Wildwood, Mo.
Almost 70 youths were concluding their four respective Sunday training sessions at Hidden Valley, with participants either learning to ski or snowboard – or returning for a second or third season.
This was the third year that Hidden Valley hosted the Show Me Skiers youth, according to club president Deanna Carroll.
“(The kids) love it,” said Carroll, as the youthful winter sports enthusiasts headed out for their lesson.
“We start in December. We get their sizes, and they are provided with jackets, pants, undergarments and everything you need. Then the Sunday practices begin.”
Being there, I can say that seeing that many Black people, especially youths, eagerly heading out to ski and snowboard was beyond impressive – it was inspiring.
12-year-old snowboarder Nate Thompson was ready for the challenge of his new sport.
“It’s difficult, but I like it. I’m doing it for the fun,” he said with a smile.
The Sydnor family was out in full force, and Sanjoria Sydnor said she and her husband, Jauron Sydnor Sr., had participated with Show Me Skiers as novices.
“Prior to the program, we had not skied,” she said
The family skiers now include their children Jauron Jr., 13, Sonjaia, 9, and Sonaia, 5.
The Show Me Skiers is a National Brotherhood of Snowsports member, an organization chartered in 1983 with a goal to expose people of color to winter sports. Show Me Skiers has sponsored activities on and off the snow since 1986.
“Our members are passionate about skiing and snowboarding and we enjoy the opportunity to share that passion with young people from our local community,” said Carroll, who first learned to ski at Sundown Mountain in Dubuque, Iowa.
According to a 2021-22 survey by the National Ski Areas Association only 1.5% of skiers at resorts were Black. The participation level has remained unchanged for more than a decade.”
Almost 90% of skiers surveyed were white, 5.7% were Asian or Pacific Islander, 5.5% were Latino, and less than 1% were American Indian or Alaska Native.
With 70 youths involved with the Show Me Skiers, and their parents’ either with them on the slopes or in support, the number of African American participants could certainly rise.
By the way, I never wanted to ski or snowboard. My opinion changed on that Super Sunday. Sign me up next fall, Show Me Skiers. I plan to learn with the kids.
The Reid Roundup
Imagine if your bosses said in mid-January that their main goal over the next six weeks while you were on vacation was to send you packing to another company. Six weeks passed, and you had to return to work. Welcome to St. Louis Cardinals spring training Nolan Arenado…If the season began today, the Cardinals would have three Black starters in the opening day lineup – shortstop Masyn Winn, centerfield Victor Scott III, and right fielder Jordan Walker…New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said in a team statement after meeting with Aaron Rodgers last week “our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback.” Had former head coach Robert Salah had that option this time last year, he would probably still be with the Jets…As if things weren’t bad enough for the Dallas Mavericks following the much-maligned Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade, assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested Feb. 15 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after arguing with a woman and hitting with her gun, according to Dallas police…The Sports Business Journal is reporting that the WNBA will award Cleveland its 16th franchise, with an approximate record bid worth a league record $250 million. Sources said Houston “is probably the most positioned” for the 17th team…Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has invested in a St. Louis bid, and Phoenix Suns F Kevin Durant wants a team in Austin, Texas, where he starred in college. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife are backing a KC bid, and former WNBA superstar Candace Parker is a Nashville group partner.