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Alf Parsons - World Masters Medalist
He trained hard and it paid off as Alf Parsons returned from Val Cartier, Quebec, last weekend with a silver medal for the World Masters and three gold for the Canadian Masters ski championships. His silver medal came in the 30km freestyle in his first race of the week. That helped to take the pressure off for the remaining races. In each of his three distances, the 30km, 10km and 45km, Alf was the first Canadian in his age category to cross the line therefore giving him his three gold medals . Congratulations Alf, you did yourself, and the Menihek Nordic Ski Club proud.
The Labrador West Winter Games team had a hard time making it to the games with the poor weather conditions we were experiencing. At the last minute a jet was sent in to pick up the competitors and they made it to Gander for the final day of competition. The girls cross country ski team took full advantage of the one race they were able to take part in and walked away with the silver medal for the relay. On the relay team were Pamela O'Keefe, Jessica Corbett and Sabrina Lawlor of the Menihek club and Caroline Jong of the Birch Brook club in Goose Bay.
On Saturday, March 2nd, the official opening of the Arctic Mirage ice palace was held in the ski chalet parking lot. The Mayors of both towns were present as were a few town councillors and a large group of onlookers. The ribbon was cut and everyone had a chance to go inside and see this magnificent structure. A few last minute changes were put in place only hours before the opening as the dome roof had to be replaced due to wind damage from Thursday's snowstorm. The builders were not amused at what Mother Nature had thrown their way. However, they were able to get the necessary equipment up to the site and the repair work was carried out. By Saturday evening the chandelier was lit and the flood lights were on. It is well worth the drive up Smokey Mountain Road to see this creation.
By the time this article hits the paper, the 27th running of the Great Labrador Loppet will be history as long as Old Man Winter was kind to us. Loppet results will be posted at the Mall for those of you who might not have gotten your finish time. I will have more Loppet news for you in next week's report.
There is still lots of ski time left for this season so don't hang up your ski equipment yet. We will be having a St. Patrick's Day mini loppet at the club on Sunday, March 17th, starting at 1p.m. Wear something green. There will be prizes, hot dogs and hot chocolate. On March 23rd we will be having Jackrabbit day with races for the youth in the program. On March 30th it's an Easter Egg Hunt on the Menihek trails starting at 1pm. Watch for the Family BBQ nights and bring the whole family along for a meal in the cozy atmosphere of the chalet. Call the chalet for details on any of these upcoming events.
Menihek Nordic Ski Club is presently having a Grand Prize Draw. First prize is a 43 inch Sony TV and stand, second prize is $500.00 cash and third prize is $250.00 cash. Tickets are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00 with the draw taking place at the chalet on Saturday, April 20th. Tickets can be purchased at the chalet or from a number of club members.
See you on the trails.
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