Local cross-country ski club enjoying winter weather
Posted Jan 22, 2010 By Sarah Kelford
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EMC News - With winter well on course members of the Kanata Nordic cross-country ski club have been enjoying the season.
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Racers with Kanata Nordic take part in various events throughout the season.
President and racing coach, Mike Duivenvoorden said that last year the club boasted 400 skiers, but registration is ongoing and the club always welcomes new faces.
"Our big emphasis is the all-encompassing "Active for Life" concept," explained Duivenvoorden. "Our programs are focused on trying to promote (cross-country) at a young age through to a very senior age."
"Studies have shown how the majority of children drop all physical pursuits early in their teens and the beauty of the (club's structure) is that it aims to keep kids involved and for the more competitive among them to be able to train at an appropriate level without burning out," added Marlene Alt, the club's promotions coordinator.
"Jackrabbit programs, which are targeted at children aged five to 11, begin in early January with a few special events held in November and December," explained Duivenvoorden. "Dynarabbits is targeted for youths age nine and above that have not skied before, they follow the same schedule. Track-Attack, for youths aged 11 to 15, starts with dryland in late October and goes through to March. The Racers start regular dryland training in September and go through to April. During summer months we run periodic training sessions."
Duivenvoorden noted that anyone interested in the programs can still register, despite the start date. The club, which is operated entirely by volunteers, has been busy grooming the trails in preparation for the season.
"With the assistance and cooperation of the city, YMCA, and Ontario Trillium Foundation we groom trails at Riverfront Park and on the NCC Western Greenbelt," said Duivenvoorden. "Groomed trails are available to the public and people are encouraged to obtain a family membership to support trail grooming activities."
Kanata Nordic offers training for all levels of skiers and encourages beginners to join up.
"(People should get involved) for more reasons than I can count," said Duivenvoorden. "It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy and remain active during the winter. Many children's, and adult, activities occur during the summer, and activity levels during winter decline. XC is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors and remain active through the winter."
He explained that joining a club provides the incentive to get outside and remain active on a regular basis while creating a community of like-minded individuals and allow new friends and contacts.
"XC is an activity that everyone can enjoy," Duivenvoorden continued. "Many children's and youth programs involve parents and siblings on the sidelines, we encourage parents to participate with younger children, and to come out to ski on their own or assist with older youth programs."
Duivenvoorden explained that all the programs follow the model developed by Cross Country Canada and include: Bunnyrabbit for four and five year-olds, learn to ski, Jackrabbit for six to 10 year-olds, learn to ski, five levels, Dyna Rabbit for youth over nine years-old, learn to ski for older youth, Track Attack, Racer, Adult Novice, Adult Intermediate, and Para-Nordic.
For more information about the programs or to get involved email info@kanatanordic.ca or president@kanatanordic.ca or visit the newly revamped website www.kanatanordic.ca.
There is a registration link for people to sign up online.
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