Jimmie Heuga is a legendary figure in American Skiing. As one of the first two American ski racers to win an Olympic medal, his place in ski lore is certain. After multiple sclerosis prematurely ended his athletic career, he started Can Do MS, an organization aimed at showing people with MS that they can live full, healthy lives. They host a series of on-snow fundraising events around the country called the Vertical Express for Can Do MS. To participate in the vertical Express, teams of three must each raise $1000. For the past 13 years, a group of telemarkers has been motivated to do just that.

The Colorado freeheelers initially became involved in supporting the Heuga Center when one of their friends, Alex Olsen, was diagnosed with MS in the late 1990’s. Though further testing has put that diagnosis in doubt, they still organize every year to raise money for such a meaningful cause. The team of three decided to name themselves after the only animal in the world whose name stared with tele — the teledu. The teledu is a stink badger, a wholly disgusting animal similar to a skunk that lives in Sumatra and Borneo.

Strange animals aside, Team Teledu has been joined by three more freeheelers with their own team, Team Teledeux. Together they have already raised over $3,000 for the Vertical Express this year, but they are looking to raise even more. They are hosting a fundraising event on Wednesday February 8, 2012 at the Rackhouse Pub at 208 South Kalamath Street in Denver, Colorado. Any and all freeheelers in the area should stop by for what promises to be a really enjoyable and worthwhile event. The beer and good vibes will be flowing, so be sure to stop by and check it out. For more information or do donate, check out Team Teledu’s website HERE.

-Tony Gill