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THE SON OF A SKI SCHOOL director, Steven Nyman had a humble upbringing, which did not always allow for the high costs of competitive ski racing. But, thanks to the unwavering generosity of those who wanted to see him succeed and the examples his parents set for him as people who were always willing to lend a hand, Nyman realized that he could also play a role in helping people in the world.
"Ever since I was young, my family wasn't really well to do, so a lot of people helped me out with ski racing," Nyman said. "A lot of people did whatever they could to help me out and I used that to get to where I am. My parents were also a first hand example for me of giving back. My mom was always an extremely giving person and my dad worked so hard every day to give us the opportunity to live a good life."
Nyman, who has won one and been on the podium at six World Cup events in his young ski racing career, decided to fill his desire to give back by lending his time to A Child's Hope Foundation.
"A friend of mine, Paul Cook, started the foundation. I've known him since I was a kid," Nyman said.
A Child's Hope Foundation is an organization that builds new and partners with existing adoption organizations in developing countries in order to ensure that the children are properly cared for and are eventually placed into loving homes. The organization currently works in seven countries.
Nyman was with the organization to assist in the building of its first orphanage in Haiti.
"I went to Haiti and we built the walls of three of the orphanage wings," Nyman said. "There were countless people coming in to help build this place. It gave me great respect for how fortunate we are to have what we have. We have it so easy.
"There were kids that could associate with you, and that was very cool," Nyman said. "But there were also kids that had been neglected. They would sit in the corner with flies landing on them and they couldn't really do much. When you would go over and touch their shoulder and talk to them, you would see them light up. The physical touch meant so much to them."
Although the organization had planned to take another trip to build an orphanage this spring, Nyman was unable to go, but still advocates for the organization when and where he can.
"I just want to give back on all levels. So, inside me it makes sense and feels good to give back," Nyman said. "A lot of people don't have the opportunities that I've had and I want to give those chances to people."
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