Nordic Notes

By: Kathie Bonner-Harris

February 4, 2002

WINTER GAMES TEAM NAMED

With the Winter Games only a few weeks away the cross country ski team has finally been selected. The team is made up of four male and four female skiers.For the females we have Pamela O'Keefe, Jessica Corbett and Sabrina Lawlor all of Labrador West, and Caroline Jong of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. For the male team members we have Alexander Mitchell, Charlie O'Keefe and Nicholas Hoben of Labrador West and Matthew Osmond from Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Coaching and Manager duties will be taken care of by Charlie Mitchell of Menihek Nordic and Cathy Jong of the Birch Brook Ski Club in Goose Bay.

Last weekend eight women from the Menihek Nordic club took part in a Jackrabbit Leaders course given by Judy May, past provincial team coach. The session started on Friday evening and ran all day Saturday. The freezing temperatures on Saturday did not deter these brave souls from venturing outside to do some "on snow" training. The weekend consisted of sessions on technique ( both classical and skating ), waxing tips, games, warm up exercises, lesson planning , with the main emphasis on making skiing fun. The eight participants are presently leaders in the club's Jackrabbit program or come to the program as volunteers.

The Grade five ski program got off to a rough start with the first two sessions having to be cancelled due to the extreme cold that week. Extra days have been set up at the end of the schedule to accommodate any cancellations.

Construction has started on the Arctic Mirage ice palace at the end of out parking lot. A very large mound of snow was in place early last week and it should be interesting to watch as it changes day by day. The official opening of the Arctic Mirage is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23rd at noon at the chalet.

On February 17th we will be having a Valentine Mini Loppet . Register at the chalet at noon with the Mini Loppet starting at 1pm. Following the event we will be having hot dogs and hot chocolate in the chalet along with a few prize draws. Plan to bring your "sweetheart" for some fun and fresh air on our beautiful trails.

Ski safely and we'll see you on the trails.