It was a bit chilly with a slight breeze, but over 400 skiers, supporters, educators, organizers, and volunteers were in warm spirits at Arrowhead Provincial Park on February 26.
The annual Nordic ski races for Muskoka’s elementary schools saw almost every institution and ability represented, with many parents attending to cheer on their children and their classmates.
Groups particIpated by age groups – or grades – with skiers heading out in 20-second intervals. Every kid was getting cheers from their peers and the crowd in attendance.
Organized by the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club, the annual races have been taking place for nearly three decades. When they first began, they only had about 60 participants, while hosting two races – one at Arrowhead and the other on the Tawingo property.
This year, there were 386 registered skiers, about the average the club has seen in the past few years.
Hosting these events is part of the club’s mandate to promote cross-country skiing throughout the community.
“The elementary school races are a good way to do that,” said ANSC secretary Cathie Raynor, whose eldest skied in the races many years ago. “Some kids are trying racing for the first time, and there are some that may be trying skiing for the first time! While it is a race, we’ve always tried to promote participation and fun.”
Indeed, club members are out in full force as volunteers before, during, and after the races.
They take on many roles, including being timekeepers, running a hot chocolate station, monitoring activity areas to keep kids busy before and after their races, and more.
For safety and timing, there are volunteers set up throughout the course at intervals, while a “lead rabbit” adult skier monitors the course and does “sweeps” to keep tabs on the kids.
Michele Schwemmer, the ANSC volunteer coordinator as well as an instructor and the club’s private lessons coordinator, is one of the main organizers of the event. She was quite happy with how the event turned out and all the happy skiers on the track.
This race was a freestyle Nordic skiing event, meaning the kids could choose between doing a classic ski, which is most recognized with the sport, or a skate ski style that allows for more speed.
“They don’t have to skate, but this is the race they usually want to skate,” she said. “It’s the faster style, so they get to have fun with that.”
In the end, the race went off without a hitch, and there was much fun to be had by all.
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Congratulations to the event organizers, the teachers, the parents and to all of the children who participated in this year’s races. We are so lucky to have Arrowhead Park on our doorstep and to have the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club who organizes the event.
In the early 1980’s children were introduced to the Jackrabbit ski program. Activities took place on the yard at Huntsville Public School and later on the grounds where our pool now sits. At the end of the ski season a fun day was organized which included races, games, costumes and hot chocolate.
On several occasions events were organized on Ski School Road in Raymond at the home of Kim Delagran and Terri Howell. They were great supporters of the Jackrabbit program and their daughters, Heather and Meghan were active participants and leaders for many years. Their two grandchildren, Anaya and Brecken Bowman proudly stood on the podium at this years races. Kim and Terri volunteered at the races snd cheered the children on.
The Jackrabbit Ski program and the hugely successful elementary school races at Arrowhead are different from many sporting events. Firstly, no one needs to qualify in order to participate, as everyone is welcome. The races are affordable, inclusive and just plain fun.
Thanks to everyone involved. Let’s keep this tradition going.