Ski Broncs

From Rock River to Winter Olympics.

This year the Ski Broncs have ties to the Olympics. At the conclusion of the opening ceremonies in Torino Italy, former Ski Broncs member, Ray Diddens pushed the button to light the massive Olympic cauldron. Ray skiied with The Ski Broncs from 1989 to 1992. He and his company, Horizon Three Industries, were contracted to design and install the flame system for the 20 story tall cauldron.

Ray took the long way to Italy. After the Ski Broncs, Ray moved to San Deigo to ski for Sea World. Then he was off to Bangkok Thailand to ski for a new show at Safari World. While in Thailand, Ray helped develop and build a stunt show. From there he moved to Verona Italy and worked for a park called Caneva World. There he did several effects and developed a stunt show called The Rambo Action Show. In 2005 Ray founded his company, Horizon Three Industries with Matt Lenz from Florida and Federico Fiorini from Italy.

The Olympic Cauldron is by far the most publicized project Ray has worked on with an estimated 2 billion viewers worldwide. Ray stood with his business partners in a pit next to the cauldron and waited for the "GO" from the show caller. While tensions were high, the men were confident in the design and assembly of the project. With a push of a button,the flame burst into the dark Italian sky on cue, culminating months of hard work.

Ray has fond memories of the time he spent with the Ski Broncs and has taken his experiences all over the world. While Ray no longer water skis, he and his girl friend Letizia Gonnelli(from Italy) spend time snow boarding, kite boarding and free diving. They hope to make a quick trip back to Northen Illinois this spring.