Nordiq Canada News Archives - Nordiq Canada https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-category/nordiq-canada-news/ Fri, 21 Jun 2024 06:19:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://nordiqcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/cropped-site-icon-2-32x32.png Nordiq Canada News Archives - Nordiq Canada https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-category/nordiq-canada-news/ 32 32 Celebrating National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/celebrating-national-indigenous-history-month-and-national-indigenous-peoples-day/ Fri, 21 Jun 2024 06:00:51 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18835 In June we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day. A time to recognize the rich history, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.  

 

To celebrate, we had the privilege of speaking with Sharon Firth. She graciously shared her journey, highlighting the significance of Indigenous representation in sport. 

 

A member of the Gwich’in First Nation, Sharon Firth was born in Aklavik Northwest Territories in 1953. Sharon and her twin sister Shirley competed in four Olympic Games and three World Ski Championships. They won a combined 79 Nationals medals and were named to the National Ski Team for 17 consecutive years. Sharon was inducted into the order of Canada, Canada Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, and was awarded the John Semmelink Memorial Award, the Commissioner’s Award from the government of the Northwest Territories, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. 

 

In the interview we discuss growing up in Aklavic NWT, surviving residential schools, the Territorial Experimental Ski Training program, representing Canada and the Indigenous community, giving back, and life after competitive skiing.  

 

Listen Now (click to listen)

 

Sharon Firth’s Bio 

 

 

 

“The current systems that we live with at this moment in time are founded on genocide and ethnic cleansing of the Indigenous people of Turtle Island. We should remember that as we move through our everyday lives. Residential and Indian Day School was my era, sixties scoop was many of my friend’s era and there are still kids being taken away from their families and communities in so called Canada. And then to think about how this affects kids getting into sport and particularly sport that is dominated and governed by folks who do not look like them or share the same cultural values. There are many Indigenous sports organizations and competitions that Indigenous youth feel more comfortable engaging with and being part of.” – Sharon Firth 

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Celebrating Canada’s cross country skiing community, and the individuals making a difference in our sport https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/celebrating-canadas-cross-country-skiing-community-and-those-making-a-difference-in-our-sport/ Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:46:34 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18819 The setting – a cross-country ski race at Pioneer Park, just northwest of Toronto. A young Claudia Kerckhoff, accompanied by her mom, is entranced by the famed cross-country ski twins, Shirley and Sharon Firth.

“They came down a hill,” van Wijk remembers, the image seared into her mind like it was yesterday. “Around a corner and then back up a hill, right past me—flew by me, actually—and I was like: ‘Oh. My. God. They never touched the snow!’”

That memory of Sharon and Shirley Firth continues to resonate with Claudia van Wijk, the 2024 recipient of Nordiq Canada’s Firth Award. Presented annually to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to cross-country skiing in the country, van Wijk is honored to receive an award named after the two icons. Members of the Gwich’in First Nation, the Firth twins were the first Indigenous women to represent Canada at the Olympics and were part of Canada’s first women’s National Ski Team.

“These women,” van Wijk marvels, “could ski as well as the guys. That made such an impression on me. They were a great inspiration; a great model to emulate.”

Following a long athletic career in kayaking, Van Wijk teamed with husband Dirk to expand the Nakkertok Cross Country Ski Club located outside Ottawa. Their investment of land for new trails, and fundraising has expanded the club into one of the largest in Canada.

“I love to ski,” she says. “For me, it’s pure paradise. Just fifteen minutes from Ottawa, our nation’s capital, you’re outside, surrounded by nature, with only the sound of birds chirping… It’s heaven.”

“The biggest reward is seeing how healthy the club is. When you get there on a Saturday morning, it is so colorful, little kids whipping around, most giggling and, yes, some crying. But you know they’re going to fall in love with the sport.”

If the van Wyks hadn’t bought the land, Claudia concedes, it “would’ve been developed, like everything else.”

“So, I feel very, very proud because it’s given a lot to a lot of people; but it’s also given me a lot, too. I love to give back to the sport that’s given so much to me, the way Sharon and Shirley did,’ emphasizes van Wijk.

Claudia and Dirk van Wijk at the Nakkertok Nordic Centre.

 

Other Nordiq Canada award recipients include Reid Carter for the David Rees Award, along with Kevin Pettersen and Sandra Houde for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

The David Rees Award is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding extended commitment to cross-country skiing in Canada.

A long-timer skier himself and division chair of cross-country B.C., Reid Carter founded Black Tusk Nordic Events Society to host the 2023 FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships, and 2022 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals and U.S. Super Tour Finals in Whistler, B.C. Carter and wife Laura contributed $1.3 million to make these prestigious events a reality.

Over 15 years, Kevin Pattersen, Volunteer of the Year recipient, helped transform his home club Caledonia Nordic Ski Club in Prince George, B.C. into a world class hosting venue, and the largest club in Canada.

During his tenure he’s been vice-president, president, and chairman for a multitude of prestigious national and international events, beginning with the 2015 Canada Winter Games and progressing to the 2024 IBU Para Biathlon World Championships and FIS Para Nordic World Cup Finals.

He’s been instrumental in acquiring funding for the improvements at the club, including a $1 million grant to build a 2.5 km roller ski track.

“For me, (the Distinguished Volunteer Award) really helps fuel the inspiration; knowing that the impact we have is felt far and wide,’ says Pettersen. “It’s acknowledging what we’ve pulled together to accomplish something here, and being recognized for that is an incredible feeling.

“It draws the spotlight to all the amazing work that everybody – not just me – does to make this an incredible place.

“Just like high-profile athletes inspire the next generation, the recognition of this, we hope, inspires others.”

Kevin Pattersen at the 2024 IBU Para Biathlon World Championships

Volunteer of the Year recipient Sandra Houde, a recreational skier and mother of two young skiers, became involved at the Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne in 2017. Since then her commitment has grown adding work for Ski de Fond Québec and the Chaudière-Appalaches region.

A particular joy for her is assisting skiers in the U14 categories to grow their connection to the sport. She does this by organizing competitions, supervising, and developing the competitive program, coordinating the training of officials and youth instructors, managing club clothing orders, and overseeing club infrastructure and events. Houde was instrumental in mobilizing volunteers at the Nordiq Canada Selection Trials in 2023 and a couple of months later the Coupe Québec Final, after it was canceled at another site.

“I like to see the young athletes accomplish a lot of things,’ says Houde. “I also really enjoy welcoming new people to the club; if they have questions, I give them my telephone number because I know what it’s like to be a new family from a different place, to not know a lot of people.

“Competitions are a lot of work, being responsible for the volunteers is a lot of work, but these events wouldn’t be possible without the people involved. It’s not me. It’s a team.”

 

“In each year since my first, we have seen 15 new families arrive at our club. That’s the best feeling for me.”

 

The remarkable achievements and contributions of these individuals underscore the vibrant and supportive community within Canadian cross-country skiing. Claudia van Wijk’s profound impact on the Nakkertok Cross Country Ski Club and her connections to the Firth twins highlight the enduring legacy of pioneers in the sport. Reid Carter’s visionary efforts and generous contributions have elevated the status of competitive skiing in Canada, while Kevin Pettersen’s dedication has transformed the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club into a hub of excellence. Sandra Houde’s tireless commitment to fostering young talent and welcoming new families exemplifies the spirit of community and volunteerism that sustains the sport.

 

As Nordiq Canada continues to honour and recognize these contributions, the inspiration drawn from such dedication promises a bright future for cross country skiing in Canada.

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2024-2025 Coach and Technical Staff Immersion Opportunities https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/2024-2025-coach-and-technical-staff-immersion-opportunities/ Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:12:28 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18786 Nordiq Canada is committed to creating meaningful development opportunities for coaches and wax technicians within the Development and High Performance Systems. We are pleased to offer the following development opportunities for the 2024-25 season.

Coaching Wax Technician and Race Service Opportunities (click to view)

 

Application process (Click to View)

Interested applicants are asked to complete the following application form. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2024.

 

SafeSport

Nordiq Canada’s SafeSport policies requires everyone taking part in a Nordiq Canada trip to complete the following SafeSport requirements before departure.

  • · E-PIC
  • · 1 reference letter
  • · SafeSport Application Form
  • · Screening Disclosure Form
  • · NCCP Making Ethical Decisions (coaches only)
  • · CAC (Coaching Association of Canada) SafeSport Training
  • · Rule of Two online learning – (CAC)
  • · Driver’s Abstract – required to drive athletes

 

Requirements do not have to be completed to apply. Successful applications will be emailed instructions on how to complete them.

 

Expenses

Expenses related to travel, accommodation, food, SafeSport certifications, and approved miscellaneous costs will be covered by Nordiq Canada. Expense claims must be made using the Nordiq Canada Expense Claim Form found in the Document centre on the Nordiq Canada Website.

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Olympic High Performance Staffing Update https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/olympic-high-performance-staffing-update/ Thu, 16 May 2024 22:52:39 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18652 Nordiq Canada is proud to introduce the staff who will lead the National High Performance Program (Olympic Stream) under HPD Chris Jeffries. Several roles shift from “coach” to “lead.” This shift better aligns with the decentralized model we’ve been building toward since the 2016 high performance review. It recognizes the role of exceptional coaches and daily training environments (DTE) across the country in supporting Canada’s amazing national athletes.

 

With strong DTEs, Nordiq Canada’s role is not to direct athlete programs; instead, staff is here to help athletes and coaches implement Individual Athlete Performance Plans (IAPP), and to lead international competition trips. With our financial reality in mind – rising costs and no increase in government funding since 2006 – this system keeps us strong and resilient into the future.

 

We are excited to introduce:

 

Julia Mehre Ystgaard, Lead – World Cup Team

Photo: Doug Stephen

Julia has been a formal member of Canada’s World Cup team for the last two seasons, most recently as Technical Services Coordinator. Previously, Julia coached with the Alpine Insurance Alberta World Cup Academy, leading the training group in Canmore.

Conveniently based in Oslo, Norway, Julia will lead:

  • daily support of athlete training and performance in the World Cup environment
  • selection, scheduling, and management of World Cup coaches, technicians and IST
  • communication with World Cup team members including athletes, technicians, coaches, and IST

 

 

Eric de Nys, Lead – Domestic High Performance

Eric joined the High Performance staff in 2021 as the NextGen Coach. Previously, Eric was an NST coach from 2006 to 2014, where he coached athletes to Olympic and World Cup podiums. Eric will continue to lead in many of the areas he has been building, including creating a national support system for Daily Training Environments and the domestic High Performance pathway.

With this new role, Eric will lead:

  • development and management of athlete domestic HP pathways for National Ski Team and National Group athletes
  • the Individual Athlete Performance Plan process and delivery for National Ski Team and National Group athletes
  • communication and collaboration of the Daily Training Environments that support National Ski Team and National Group athletes

 

Jessica Kryski, Lead – Integrated Support Team

Photo: Doug Stephen

Jessica is an employee of the Canadian Sports Institute Alberta and IST Lead for our Olympic and Paralympic programs and, with Biathlon Canada, the National Biathlon program. Jessica completed her Masters in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary in 2007. Since then, Jessica has been working with the Nordic sports as a physiologist at the Alberta Sport Institute in Calgary. Jessica brings to our program a strong expertise and passion in endurance physiology, altitude training, performance planning, athlete monitoring and coach development.

With this role, Jess will lead:

  • management and communication of the Integrated Support Team, including the para-medical group, mental health and performance, strength and conditioning, performance nutrition, biomechanics and data management
  • alignment and support of athlete performance solutions as identified in their IAPPs.
  • research and innovation projects

 

 

Matt Smider, Lead – Domestic Development

Matt will continue to lead domestic development under Sport Development Director Julie Beaulieu. Matt joined Nordiq Canada in 2021 after almost 10 years at Head Coach at Revelstoke Nordic. Matt is on parental leave until November. During his leave, please direct Development Team questions to jbeaulieu@nordiqcanada.ca.

 

Cindy Chetley, High Performance Coordinator

With a background in corporate communications, Cindy joined the program in 2017. Cindy is responsible for day-to-day administrative support, and athlete services including:

  • CCES (anti-doping)
  • Uniforms
  • AAP Carding and Agreements
  • Curtailment of health notifications
  • SafeSport requirements

 

Learn more about the National High Performance Program

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Nordiq Canada is recruiting a Para Nordic Development Coach https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/nordiq-canada-is-recruiting-a-para-nordic-development-coach/ Thu, 09 May 2024 21:11:45 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18627 Ready to share your love of skiing and grow Canada’s Para Nordic program across the country? Nordiq Canada is seeking an enthusiastic coach with proven skills in recruiting and developing athletes, coaches, and wax technicians. If you are committed to learning, building trust, and growing our sport, we want to hear from you. Submit your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Julie Beaulieu, Sport Development Director. Deadline to apply is May 27.

Job Description

 

Based at the beautiful Canmore Nordic Centre (AB), Nordiq Canada is the national organization for cross-country and para-nordic skiing in Canada. We aim to get all Canadians on skis, and Olympians and Paralympians on podiums.
This position is financially supported in part by Sport Canada.

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2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals Returns to Olympic, and World Cup Venue at the Canmore Nordic Centre https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/2025-nordiq-canada-ski-nationals-returns-to-olympic-and-world-cup-venue-at-the-canmore-nordic-centre/ Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:39:12 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18484 Canmore, Alta- The premier event on the domestic race calendar returns to Canmore after eight years. The best cross country skiers in the nation will compete for the title of National Champion next March at the Canmore Nordic Centre. 

 

More than 800 senior, junior and Para nordic skiers will compete in sprints, distance races and team events on the famous trails, which hosted a FIS Cross Country and IBU Biathlon World Cup this past season. 

 

The Canmore Nordic Ski Club, with support from the Town of Canmore, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, Alberta Tourism and Sport, and Alberta Parks and Recreation, is thrilled to be chosen as the host for the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals,” said Hugh Simson, Event Chair. “We are excited to invite Canada’s cross-country ski racing youth, rising stars, elite athletes, and future Olympians and Paralympians to participate in this week-long National competition in one of the world’s most beautiful cross country skiing destinations. A return to Canmore in 2025 will provide this country’s cross country skiers a chance to celebrate the best of our sport and what we hope will contribute to a life-long passion for our sport.”

 

Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals provides an event for athletes, coaches, wax techs, and officials to come together as a community in a developmentally appropriate manner. 

 

“Canmore is no stranger to hosting high-caliber events. On the heels of hosting a successful World Cup event, we are thrilled to welcome the entire ski community to Canmore next March” said Ilona Gyapay, Events and Officials Manager at Nordiq Canada. “We look forward to working with the Canmore Nordic Ski Club, officials and volunteers in staging this prestigious event and showcasing the Olympic legacy venue.

 

More information on the event will be made available at the end of April on the Events tab of https://www.canmorenordic.com/

 

Nordiq Canada continues to work with our stakeholders to finalize event dates. 

 

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The Ski Playground: An Introduction to Sport for Life for All Canadians https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/the-ski-playground-an-introduction-to-sport-for-life-for-all-canadians/ Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:57:49 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18404 For Jesse Cockney, the experience helped him drift back more than three decades, to a time when he was a young, unsteady novice just beginning a love affair with a sport.

 

“When people get on skis, any skis, for the first time,’’ says the two-time Canadian Olympian, “there’s always that moment of apprehension – they’re really focused, so dialed-in, paying extra special attention.

 

“But then – as always – after a while, there’s this spark, as if a light goes on for them, and they really get it. We all have experienced that, at some place, at some time.

 

“You’ll see the biggest smiles on faces. Cold, -18, maybe the coldest day they’ve ever been outside in their lives, and they are loving it.

 

“Those moments are universal, across ages, backgrounds, when you find yourself gliding, actually doing it.

 

“I started skiing when I was about two years old. And being a part of this – a totally unique experience – does take me back to those feelings I had when I was 5, 6, 7 years old. No aspirations of racing, of personal goals, of competing at an Olympics.

 

“Just the love of skiing. That is really cool to see.

 

As coordinator of the Ski Playground initiative, a four-sport partnership between Nordiq Canada, Biathlon Canada, Ski Jumping Canada and Nordic Combined Canada, Cockney has gotten the chance to see those moments firsthand again.

Jesse Cockney helps participants at the Wastowea Nordic Ski Playground event. Photo: Paul Jordan

The format is unique: All four ski disciplines in one setting, designed to introduce one or all of them to people of varying backgrounds and especially people who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQi+, low income, newcomers and persons with disabilities.

 

It’s a one-stop ski-experience for mostly first-time skiers and oftentimes under-served Canadians. Over $290,000 in funding, received through Sport Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative, was used to develop the Ski Playground program, market it, purchase equipment and run five demonstration events in partnership with clubs. All in hopes that clubs across the country will create low-cost ski playgrounds of their own, using shovels and other common supplies.

 

“There’s not a lot better than seeing kids drawn to the biathlon range,’’ laughs Cockney. “It’s fun, we have (laser gun) lights set up so they go green or red and they get really excited about that.

“Being outside, experiencing a new sport with other kids, good sport-for-life endeavours.

 

“What could be better?”

 

Ski Playground’s five-province tour began on Feb. 18th at the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre in Penticton, B.C., then all the way cross-country to the Wostawea Cross Country Ski Club in Fredericton, N.B., west to Strathcona Wilderness Centre in Uncas, Alta., then to Langham, Sask. and River Ridge Nordic , and, finally, to Cockney’s hometown, Yellowknife, NT and the Yellowknife Ski Club.

 

“The experience we had here,’’ summarizes Wostawea club president Nathalie Comeau, “was wonderful.”

 

The morning activities in Fredericton on Feb. 24th focused on jackrabbit and regular adult learners, keen to try new things. In the afternoon session, those who’d never skied before joined the participation party.

 

A pleasant sidelight, adds Comeau, was the sight of former jackrabbit cross country skiers who hadn’t visited the club in quite a while returning specifically to give biathlon and ski jumping a whirl.

 

“I think people were more ready to try the biathlon laser rifles, because they’ve been to arcades or laser tag,’’ says Comeau. “Ski jumping is a bigger challenge for people, but I was pleasantly surprised to see both kids and adults try it.

 

“And some kids … they actually got air. They were really good. But if they tried and didn’t get it right the first time, or the second, they’d run right back up the hill and say ‘I’m going again!’ And did, until they landed on their feet.

 

“When you think of ski jumping in New Brunswick, you don’t think you’ll ever get the chance. You see it at the Olympics. You know there were ski jumps out west. But that’s about it. So, to have this here, to have a go with the skis, the helmet, everything, was unusual and so much fun, so exciting. I’m sure people thought: ‘I’d better try this. When am I going to get another chance?’”

 

An opportunity both Carolyn MacDonald, in her first year as a volunteer at Wostawea, and six-year-old son William, both avid cross-country skiers, wholly embraced.

 

“Ski jump!” enthuses William, when asked which of the four sports he enjoyed most on the day.

And why?

 

“Because it was fun and mommy was scared of it.

 

“I was fine. I tried about 20 times. I landed on my skis, then lost my balance and I fell over on my side or my back. And once I went over the jump, went through the air, and landed in a snowbank!”

 

The concept of incorporating the four types of skiing together impressed Carolyn MacDonald.

Photo: Paul Jordan

“I think it’s a great idea,’’ she says, “especially in a place like here in Fredericton, where our terrain is ideally suited for cross-country skiing but people don’t have an opportunity to really get involved with the other kinds of skiing – we do have a downhill spot near the city but compared to, say, out west, it’s very different.

 

“To be able to try ski jump … the slopes were very small, the bumps were very gentle but that’s something that in my life I never thought I’d try. I don’t know if I’d have ever had the chance, if they hadn’t brought the appropriate helmets and skis and built the beginning jumps for us to give it a go on.

 

“If they want to get people involved in all aspects of skiing, I think this is a great way to do it.

“I hope they bring it back again.”

 

That, of course, is music to the ears of Cockney who acknowledges that the initiative involved a lot of work and travel packed into a tight time frame.

“When I first heard of this program in general,’’ he admits ruefully, “my thought was: ‘Wow that sounds like a big job …’ As I get to the end of it here – I’ve got one more event next week in Yellowknife – it has been big – in the inertia, in getting it moving and on the radar of clubs earlier in the year, physically loading up 13 bags of Salomon skis and all the supporting equipment that goes along with that. Even driving it to communities with a rented pick-up truck or flying across three time zones in our massive country.

 

“I really didn’t know anything about biathlon, ski jumping, or nordic combined. For me, filling in these gaps to bring quality programming has been so well supported by the national sport bodies – I can’t hammer that home enough.

 

“But the whole thing, I’ll admit, was a little daunting. ‘I’m going to be bringing how many pairs of skis to how many clubs across the county, in how many weeks?’ Before I even set out, my head was already spinning.”

 

The personal benefits though, have made his effort more than worthwhile: Visiting new communities across the country, seeing clubs he’d never even heard of, talking skiing, and gaining fresh perspectives.

 

“One thing that stood out to me right from the start,’’ says Cockney, he himself of Inuvialuit heritage, “was reaching certain populations and having that be the main target. Whether it’s Indigenous communities, LGBTQ or any of our equity-deserving populations that we’ve reached through these events, and just knowing that skiing can really be for everyone. It’s not just about your ability, your age, where you come from or your familiarity. Just fun events that take in such a broad engagement … whatever you want from any of these four sports, it’s there. Sport for life activities.

 

“Opening opportunities to different people across the country has been really fun.

 

“Another cool thing, believe it or not, has been the challenges presented by this winter. Conditions have been pretty similar across the country – low snow, spotty weather, rain in January … just really tough, ski-wise. I’ve been to B.C., New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta chatting with people in Ontario and Quebec, and to see the resourcefulness and the work volunteers are doing on the ground, to keep conditions good enough to get people out and skiing. Incredible.

 

“To see the enthusiasm of these people working with what they’ve got has been awesome.”

 

And the opportunity to return, on the final leg of his journey, to the place where his dad, Angus Cockney, a national team cross-country skier in his day, had introduced him to a sport that he quickly came to embrace, then cherish.

 

“I’ve been back over the years, but I haven’t had a chance to ski in Yellowknife since 1996, the year my family moved to Canmore, Alta.,’’ Cockney muses.

 

“My first steps on skis were at this ski club, in 1991 or 1992. A long time ago. I’ve got friends from Yellowknife who still live there, they’ve got young families that I haven’t had a chance to meet … time just flies, right?

 

“This is the community where I learned to ski so many years ago. So this is going to be really special.

 

“I’m just so lucky to have this sport in my life.”

 

And moving forward, he hopes all Canadians will feel the same, thanks, in part, to the Ski Playground.

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Call For Nominations: Nordiq Canada Awards https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/call-for-nominations-nordiq-canada-awards/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 22:33:25 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18385 For over 30 years these awards have provided national recognition to Canada’s most impactful people in our cross-country ski community.

Dave Rees Award 
Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding long-term commitment to cross country skiing in Canada.

Firth Award 
Awarded to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to cross country skiing in Canada.

Distinguished Volunteer Award 
Awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to cross country skiing.

Nominations are due May 2. 

 

Nomination Form

 

Awards will be presented at this year’s AGM June 6-9 in Whitehorse, YT.
Questions?  Contact Krista at krobinson@nordiqcanada.ca

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Antoine Cyr narrowly misses the podium with best Canadian Sprint World Cup result since 2019 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/antoine-cyr-narrowly-misses-the-podium-with-best-canadian-sprint-world-cup-result-since-2019/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:35:09 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18261 Drammen, Norway Antoine Cyr finished fourth behind a Norwegian podium sweep at today’s World Cup classic sprint race in Drammen, Norway.  

 

The 4th place result is a personal best for Cyr and the best Canadian World Cup result since the retirement of skiing great and mentor Alex Harvey. 

 

“This was my personal best on World Cup. I’m delighted with this one. It feels so good to be in the final and playing with the best in the world,” said Cyr. 

 

The 25-year-old from Gatineau, Quebec placed 11th in the qualifier situating him solidly in the quarter final heats. In the fastest quarter final heat of the day, Cyr beat out American James Schoonmaker in a tie-breaking finish to grab the second-place spot. Advancing to the semi-finals, Cyr finished 3rd, in what again would be the fastest of the day, nabbing a lucky loser spot into the sprint final of six. In the final heat, Cyr kept behind the leaders; then, in a double-pole sprint to the finish, he nabbed fourth place from French skier Richard Jouve.   

 

Cyr’s fourth-place finish comes after placing 20th in the 50 km classic race two days ago in Oslo, Norway. Cyr will finish the season with upcoming races in Falun, Sweden.  

 

Three other Canadians raced in Drammen today: Pierre Grall-Johnson, of Ottawa, Ont., finished 45th, Xavier McKeever, of Canmore, Alta., was 46th, and Sasha Masson, of Whitehorse, YT was 58th.  

 

Complete results

 

Johannes Klaebo finished first in 2:35:89, Haavard Taugboel finished in second 1.09 behind, and Even Northug in third 1.32 behind. 

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More than 750 skiers expected on the start line of the 2024 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/more-than-750-skiers-expected-on-the-start-line-of-the-2024-nordiq-canada-ski-nationals/ Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:45:09 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18248 Nordiq Canada’s 2024 Canadian Championships will be held March 10-16 at the Nakkertok Nordic Ski Centre in Gatineau

 

ENGNE Release: Gatineau, Quebec – March 4, 2024 – More than 750 skiers from across Canada are expected to take part in the event, which will be held from March 10 to 16 at the Nakkertok Nordic Ski Centre on the outskirts of Gatineau. After hosting the same event in 2019, the Outaouais region will be hosting for the 12th time the event that was first held on Mount Royal in Montreal in 1921.The 96th edition of the event will crown the national champions in the junior and senior age categories. Competitors from universities and colleges will also be taking part, as will Paranordic skiers. Over 770 athletes, from 87 clubs, from 11 provinces/territories with some international racers will attend.While the top two local athletes, Antoine Cyr and Katherine Stewart-Jones will be away at the World Cup, the “next generation” of local athletes including Candy Cane Cup winners Luke Allan and Clara Hegan as well as Tory Audet and Mats Halvorsen, of Chelsea will be competing for over $25,000 of prize money!Mother Nature has thrown us challenges in the weather department, but the Nakkertok snowmaking system and the shovelling efforts of countless volunteers should ensure good trail conditions for the event. It also helps that 3-time Olympic snow groomer, Dirk Van Wijk is part of the trails team.

 

Athletes from the University of Ottawa help shovel snow onto the course. Video Credit @uottawanordiq

Admission to the races is free for spectators. John Halvorsen, Co-Chairman of the event, invites the public not to miss this event: The Outaouais region is one of the best cross-country ski destinations in Canada, and ENGNE, in partnership with “the City of Gatineau and Tourisme Outaouais, has established itself as a world-class host organisation capable of producing Canada Cups and World Cup level competitions. This year, Nordiq Canada’s 2024 Canadian Championships will bring more than 750 of Canada’s top talents to Gatineau to showcase the region and the growing strength of Canadian skiing.  We are very excited and hope that the entire region will come out to cheer and enjoy the end of the season.The media are invited to come and meet athletes and event co-chairs Mr. Halvorsen and Pierre Millette, during a media availability at the competition site on Saturday, March 9th, starting at 10 a.m. The site is located at 900 avenue Gatineau, with access from the corner of chemin Taché.Schedule of events:•       Sunday 10 March, 9:00: Interval starts – Free technique•       Monday 11 March, 9:00: Classical technique sprint qualifiers followedby elimination heats (U16, U18 and Para-nordic categories)•       Tuesday 12 March, 9:00: Qualifying sprints, classical technique,followed by elimination heats (U20, senior, Para-nordic, college anduniversity categories•       Thursday 14 March, 8:30: Qualifying Team Sprints – Free techniquefollowed by the finals (U16, U18, U20, senior, college and universitycategories)•       Friday 15 March, 9:00: Group starts Classic Technique (U16, U18)•       Saturday 16 March, 9:00: Group starts Classic Technique (U20, senior,college and university)                                                   Information:Media attending the event should inform the communications team of their expected arrival time by email at media@engne.ca.  Please send a text message upon arrival to 613-601-8257 so that we can meet you, help you find your way around and give you privileged access to the event. Some parking spaces will be reserved for the media, and we will have an area reserved for media use, the Ville de Gatineau trailer, in the stadium. This includes for the media availability on March 9th.

For more information, please contact:

French-language media: Marie-Pier Pelletier-Millette media@engne.ca

819-593-1159 Pierre Millette info@engne.ca 343-541-8162

 

English-language media:  Anton Scheier media@engne.ca 613-601-8257

Official event website: https://championnatsdeski2024.ca/

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