Those who knew Jackson Hole's Willie Neal realize that the 19-year-old Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Nordic skier was also enthusiastic about environmental causes.
Wood River High School senior Daniel Sundali, a teammate of Neal's on the SVSEF team, was inspired by Neal's passions and memory in creating the first "Willie's Run for the Environment" as his senior project at the Hailey school.
The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) trail run is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 at Hulen Meadows Park north of Ketchum. It is being held in memory of Neal, who was killed on Father's Day June 21, 2009 while roller skiing in Maine.
All proceeds will go to the Willie Neal Environmental Awareness Fund, said Sundali. "Willie was one of the nicest people I've ever known—the way he was, the way he treated people. I wanted to do something in his memory as my senior project," said Sundali, 17.
The Elephant's Perch in Ketchum will accept advance registrations ($20 individuals, $50 per family up to 5 members). Day-of-race registrations will also be accepted. There will be a kids' 10-and-under race around the park at 10 a.m., then the main event will occur about 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 17.
Neal was the son of William and Mary Neal of Jackson Hole. Here is a statement written by his mother, Mary, about her support of the Willie Neal Environmental Awareness Fund:
"Willie Neal was a young man filled with passion for life, for skiing, and for the world. He was very interested in environmental issues and climate change. While still in high school, he started two local non-profits with the mission of community education, increasing awareness of climate change issues, and promoting environmental initiatives.
"He worked tirelessly to initiate and promote a 'no idling' campaign and city no idling ordinance in Jackson, Wyoming. He garnered the support of many businesses and individuals both locally and nationally. He interned in the office of Senator John Kerry and even made that office more environmentally friendly.
"On June 21, 2009, he was struck and killed while roller-ski training in Maine. In his life, and in his death, he inspired and continues to inspire family, friends, and those he never met with his infectious smile and the belief that change begins with an individual and that we can each make the world a better place by getting involved and following the words of Mahatma Gandhi..."Be the change you wish to see in the world".
"He believed that we each have the responsibility to lead thoughtful, intentional lives and to ask ourselves every day what we have done to help one another and this planet.
"The Willie Neal Environmental Awareness Fund was created in an effort to continue Willie's passion and inspiration. Its mission is to promote education, community involvement, and environmental initiatives," his mother wrote.
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