Racing Rocks!

 Since the introduction of skating, higher technology equipment and new race formats such as sprinting, pursuits and mass starts, cross-country skiing has picked up speed and grown in excitement. In 2009-2010 Cross Country Canada (CCC) will offer three special programs to introduce elementary school-age kids to the fun and satisfaction of competitive skiing.

Ski Tournaments. This is a one day extravaganza of activities which includes a Mad Dash, Terrain Park Relay and games. CCC approved events will offer a free Signature Ball Cap, signed by the members of the National Ski Team, to all participants. The Ski Tournaments are sponsored by Canadian Pacific, Click here for more information on joining the Medal Express.

Team Sprints. A team sprint is a two-person sprint relay. The first skiers on each team start together and race the sprint course, then hand off to their team-mates, who also ski the course. The second skiers then hand-off to the first skiers who ski the course again. This is the event in which Sara Renner and Beckie Scott earned a silver medal for Canada at the 2006 Olympics. CCC approved events will offer a free camo toque with a CCC logo to all participants.

Double Cross. This is an Xtreme X-Country event designed to enable skiers to apply their cross-country skills to challenging terrain in an environment of adventure and intra-group competition. CCC approved events will offer a free cross-country ski buff to all participants.

Divisions with a bona fide “provincial” Midget Championships for elementary school age children will be provided with awards for each participant.  If your division has a Midget Championships on their competition calendar, encourage your club to send a team. If your division does not offer this event, perhaps your club would consider hosting it! 

The Racing Rocks! initiatives are coordinated with CCC's Track Attack program and all four of the events listed above can be used by skiers to earn Track Attack "Incentive Cards". 

For more information, including instructions on how to apply Click Here