JANUARY 30TH, 2020 — This past weekend, Camp Fortune Ski Club highlighted the critical role of women officials and volunteers to ski racing in the NCD, with its first “Girls Rule the Race.” Building on the success of the first all-female timing team in 2019, the U14 GS race on January 26 had women officials serving in key roles including all Chief and Jury positions.
“None of the races in the NCD would be possible without an army of parent volunteer officials, and we wanted to shine a spotlight on the ‘race Moms’ who show up and help out week after week,” said Marie-Claude Meunier, who was the Chief of Race. “It is important for our athletes – boys and girls – see the example of volunteerism and involvement from the ski community, including women.”
The race itself presented its share of challenges: a major weather event that saw freezing rain followed by a dump of heavy snow; a particularly large field of 183 athletes; a course that included Camp Fortune’s intimidating “The Chute”; and a number of tough calls that had to be made. In other words, it was a normal day in ski racing!
“Girls Rule the Race” aligns with several of Alpine Ontario initiatives for girls and women this year, including training and events for female athletes, coaches and officials.
Thank you to all athletes, volunteers, coaches, and parents for making the race a success. An extra special thanks to volunteers from other clubs in our region who never fail to step up when necessary, and to the last minute shovellers who answered the urgent call for back-up to get all that snow off the track. In the NCD/OSZ region, it’s always clear that we’re all in this together!
Submitted by the NCD Communications Team.