Kamloops – Stake Lake Trails was a hub of activity once again with an enthusiastic group of cross country ski racers from throughout the region. Overlander Ski Club (OVSC) hosted the 5th race of the Teck Okanagan Cup series on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015.
Organizers were pleased with the turnout of 187 participants. Athletes, ages 5 years through to Masters took part in the Individual Start Free Technique race on beautifully groomed trails with mild temperatures and superb snow conditions providing an excellent day of cross country ski racing.
Club members heard positive comments at the finish line, with many thanks going to the race committee and their team of dedicated volunteers for a job well done.
Many of the Overlander Junior racers were volunteering on the race course as part of a team fundraiser, and to learn what it’s like to be on the organizing team on competition day. Hours after the last skier had crossed the finish line, with clean up nearly complete and with a collective appearance of fatigue from the volunteers.
Hanneli Ladyman, Alexander Spice Alyssa and Sarah Manhard were asked if they would like to continue to volunteer or go back to racing and they were quick to reply “ go back to racing!” A determination that seemed logical considering their recent hands on approach with the “Volunteer Team”.
Competitors from Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Sunpeaks and Kamloops Nordic clubs accepted the challenge to race against the clock and against some of their closest friends and rivals in the region while earning Teck medals and ribbons as well as individual and club points for participating.
Some of the Top 10 Overlander competitors results came from Pee Wee 1: 1st -Joseph Kitamira, 4th- Axel Hansen; PB2: 3rd -Aeden Skinner, PG1: 4th Quilla Dekker, PG2: 6th Becca Elias, BB1: 4th Kaeden Kwiatkowski, 5th Cameron Carelse, BB2: 6th- Jonathan Helly, BG1: 7th-Elizabeth McCleary, Midget Boys 2: 3rd Jeremy Heller, Junior girls: 2nd Heather Vermey, Junior Boys 1: 8th Garett Tremblay.
To check out the comprehensive results page please go to Zone4-resultsTeck Okanagan Cup #5.
Cross Country BC (CCBC) tracks the points through the Teck Okanagan Cup Series and presents the Club Aggregate Award at the series finale which will be hosted at the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre near Penticton on the Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, weekend.
CCBC is the provincial sport governing body for more than 16,000 cross country skiing members that belong to non-profit clubs throughout B.C. CCBC offers programs, services and support for the continuous development of nordic skiing for all ages and abilities, from novice through to international competitors.
Teck Resources Ltd is the title sponsor of the Cross Country BC’s Skier Development Program; thereby supporting and encouraging sport excellence and providing B.C. youth with active healthy lifestyle opportunities and social experiences that will help prepare them for successful futures.
For more information about cross country B.C., visit: www.crosscountry.ca