PHOTOGRAPHERS COMMENTS:
Winter winter winter… for some this is a good thing! Its
race season again, and the Okanagan’s first event of the
year was the Haywood Securities NorAm at Sovereign
Lakes. As usual, the venue was fantastic and the weather
managed to cooperate, at least for Saturday.
Getting up to the hill later than I would have like, I
missed the qualifying rounds, such that the first
participants I saw going around the course were the
Para-Nordic skiers. I was rather impressed by their
spirit and determination. Though perhaps not the fastest
around the course, they have every right to be very
proud of their accomplishments, and the fact that they
are racing. Maybe it’s not too late for me to start!
After a short break, the sprints began – and what a
super experience this was. It looks like mass chaos,
heats of four go blasting around a short course (varying
between 500 and 1200 m, depending upon age), and before
the first group is done, a second wave of skiers leaves
the starting block. There is always some group starting,
schussing down the hill about half way through the
course, or making a mad dash across the finish line. I
had no idea where to look next for the most exciting
action!
Teams came from all over Canada to race here, including
a club from Whitehorse. The skill level of these
athletes was quite amazing. Among the competitors were
some of Canada’s national champions, and these will be
the faces representing Canada at the 2010 Olympics. It’s
great to see both the technical support and the fans out
here supporting this exciting form of racing.
The next round of racing at Sovereign will be the
biathlon. Imagine, girls, guys, guns, and skis! Mark Dec
16-17 on your calendar, and we hope to see you there!
For complete
results,
click here.
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