History

In 1971, six enthusiastic friends got together to form an African-American ski club. These six enthusiasts were able to introduce and promote skiing to the inner city community. During that time, INNER CITY SKI CLUB, the oldest African-American ski club in Ohio, and formerly known as the INNER CITY SKI BUMS have become members of the Cleveland Metro Ski Club and a charter member of the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS), a non-profit organization.

The National Brotherhood of Skiers formulated a concept that an African-American Skier’s organization could FIND, FUND, and Develop an African-American youth in the sport of skiing. During this process, our efforts have helped in preparing a youth for the U.S. Olympic Ski Team and the Handicapped Olympic Team. All are strong competitors for top positions on the development teams.

The efforts of the Inner City Ski Club have resulted in thousands of Clevelanders to learn to ski, both young and not so young. In the past, we have sponsored free ski clinics, demonstrations, and presentations at neighboring festivals, community centers, YM/YWCAs, parks and greater Cleveland public schools which have been among the priorities of the club. This has been accomplished through the use of movies, presentations, and demonstrations with actual first hand instruction for interested persons. In addition, numerous ski clubs were formed in several Cleveland schools from these efforts.

Also, annually since 1974, a major contributor in exposing many of the inner city population to the sport of skiing has been through the combined efforts of the Inner City Ski Club, the Call & Post and Cleveland Plain Dealer newspapers, who have supported the “Learn-to-Ski” Ski Venture at a local area ski resort. In the off season, members have participated in a variety of other activities.