Golden Nordic Ski Team

The Golden Nordic Ski Team is a dedicated group of youth who proudly represent our community of Golden by practising diligently and attending races in British Columbia and Alberta. The team consists of 10 hardworking youth: Mitchell Harris (15), Cole Stewart (almost 16), Carly Lloyd (15), Siobhan Jones (15), Zachary McLean (15), Dario Prather (15), William Kimber (16), Charlie Kimber (14), Carly Stewart (14), Erin de Kleer (12), and Naomi Lenstra (12). Both Erin and Naomi are the newest members of the race team having just joined this season. Siobhan is back with the team for a second season, having come all the way from Australia.

The current race team has been in existence for about 3½ years. The team is coached by Troy Hudson with assistance from Joan Dolinsky, Kellie Erwin, and Vicky Wilson. The athletes train on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with their coach. On their off days the athletes do strength training on their own.

In the past, Golden’s athletes have enjoyed racing at exciting nordic ski centres such as Canmore Nordic Centre, Kimberley, Revelstoke, Panorama, Nipika Lodge, Sovereign Lake (Vernon), and Telemark Nordic (Kelowna).

Next time you’re out skiing and you see the race team, say ‘HI’! They are all very friendly!

If you are interested in joining the ski team as either a youth or adult member please contact Head Coach Troy Hudson for more information at 250.344.1189 or email Troy goldenightsuniserve [dot] com (here).

Golden Special Olympics Team

Did you know that Golden is the first community in the East Kootenays to have a Special Olympics cross-country ski program? This season we hope to have athletes participating in the Huckleberry Loppet again and perhaps the Special Olympic Regional Qualifiers at the Telemark Ski Area Kelowna in February. They already started skiing early December and have a lot of fun every Sunday afternoon when they’re out on the trails.

This year Special Olympics Golden was able to purchase ski equipment for all the athletes due to a grant from the Golden & District Community Foundation. They appreciate the support and encouragement that they receive from the local community.

For information on how to join as an athlete or volunteer for the Special Olympics Golden Team, call Yolanda at 344-2328 or email Yolanda yolandadekleer [dot] ca (here). You could also contact Vicky at 344-9859.

Golden Rabbits

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Golden Rabbits Program. We participate in Cross Country Canada’s Skill Development Program in which children 5 - 12 years old are taught the proper techniques used in cross country skiing by trained volunteer coaches in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Lessons will be on Thursday afternoons at 3:45 - 5:00 pm in January at the Golf Course and from 4 - 5:30 pm for February and March at Dawn Mountain. This Rabbits season is from January 7st through March 4th, 2010.

The program costs cover trail fees, hot chocolate, insurance, registration with Cross Country BC and honorariums for our coaches. Everyone participating in Rabbits is required to bring his/her own equipment. For rental information, click here. If you have questions regarding ski purchase or have some gear that you would like to sell please contact us.

If you are interested in registering your child or helping out with the program, please contact Joan Dolinsky at 250.348.2578 or email Joan jdolinskyuniserve [dot] com (here).

You can also download the information and registration form here.

Note: Jackrabbit instructors (coaches) this season include Erwin Perzinger, Joan Dolinsky, Caroline Heim, Yolanda and Rob de Kleer, Sanne van der Ros, Lynda and Steve Conway, Julie Caldwell, Sarah Osadetz and Lisa Reinders. Stan Walker will once again be our Jack of all trades cabin and volunteer coordinator.