March 28, 2004
Report by Gail Niinimaa

GO SKI Skills Day

On March 28, 30 girls along with 5 coaches participated in a GO SKI “Girls on Skis” Skills Day at the Canmore Nordic Centre. The girls, ages 11-16, were divided into 3 groups of 10 according to their age groups. The three different groups rotated through activities which included: skating skills; balance, glide, weight shift, one skate, two skate and double poling, downhill skills; turns, tuck positions, balance and running through gates and biathlon skills; rifle safety, natural alignment, sight picture, dry firing and shooting on knock down and paper targets.

The day concluded with a short biathlon relay. GO SKI toques were specially made for the event and were a big hit with the girls.

Twelve of the girls were part of Foothills Nordic Ski Club GO SKI group and had invited some of their friends to try out skiing and biathlon. Two girls came from Canmore and two came from Edmonton. Out of the 30 girls, 6 had participated in the Alberta Winter Games in Biathlon and 1 in Cross Country Skiing. All of the girls were excited about learning more about these two sports and plan to continue in some way, either to challenge themselves more by training on a more regular basis or by simply working on their technique to be come better skiers.

Thanks to the partners who supported this project who helped to encourage the girls and coaches in the program through their support. Foothills Nordic Ski Club, Cross Country Alberta, Cross Country Canada, Biathlon Alberta, Biathlon Canada, Norseman Ski Shop, Lifesport Ski Shop and Trail Sports Ski Shop.

Thanks also to the coaches who volunteered their time and energy to the successful day: Morwenna Lane, Sarah Verdiel, Robyn Williams and Sheryl Hayes.