PARA-NORDIC LEARN TO SKI - OTTAWA
On the weekend of January 19 and 20, 2008 Ottawa hosted a Para- Nordic Learn to Ski Clinic at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. The Clinic was designed to introduce the sport to new skiers. There were 6 sit-skiers and 8 standing skiers in attendance, comprised of 4 youth and ten adults. In addition, we had a number of volunteers who committed time to the weekend and who travelled from as far away as Quebec. The venue near Mooney’s Bay in central Ottawa is very accessible and has no “intimidating” hills. For these reasons, it is the perfect venue for teaching beginner skiers.
We were blessed with great weather and for the participation of two Paralympians. Olga Nasrenko, Gold Medalist (1994 Paralympics) in Nordic Skiing was one of the weekend’s volunteers, while Jason Dunkerly, Silver Medalist (2000 and 2004 Paralympics) in Athletics-Para, was trying skiing for the first time. Jason also convinced his brother John, a visually impaired sprinter, to also come out and give cross country skiing a try. Sibling rivalry got the best of them and they quickly organized a fun race for the weekend’s participants. This fun race was made more delightful as Esther Berman, a beginner to recreational skiing, took the gold. Both Jason and John made Esther feel like a true Champion. What great sports they are. This fun race seemed to capture the spirit of the Clinic so very well. We all had fun discovering a new sport. It didn’t matter whether we were sitting skiers or standing skiers, adult or young, Champion athletes or beginners - we all had fun just learning to ski.
This event was made possible by:
- Sport Canada PWAD Funding and Cross Country Canada
- Joyce Bridgett, CCC Para-Nordic Development Coordinator - EAST
- Volunteers: Robert D’Arras, Danny McVicar, Niccholas Clifford & Tania Silletta
Special thanks to our sponsors and supporters which include:
- Cross Country Ontario
- Sask Ski
- Terry Fox Athletic Facility at Mooney’s Bay
- Fresh Air Experience Ottawa
- Trails Head of Ottawa.
