Nancy Greene Terrain Event held at Castle Mountain Ski Resort

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice
Photos C. Davis and T. Lucas

There were Cougars, Grizzlies, Wolves and Monsters out on the slopes of Castle Mountain on Sunday, March 25, 2013.  These were only some of the names of the teams that took part in the Nancy Greene Terrain Event that took place on the hill.

Thirty coaches brought 225 children from the ages of 6 - 12 years old to this Provincial meet. They came from Westcastle Ski Club, Mount Allen Ski Team, Sunshine Speedsters, Calgary Alpine Snoflyers, Elkwater Race Club, and Skimeisters Alpine Race Club to challenge themselves and each other.

Everyone participated as teams in six different events:  Kinder Kombi Giant Slalom, Terrain Course, Nancy Greene Downhill, Skating Relay, Mogul Course, and Jumping.

"All the kids are on teams and we set up a schedule for when they are to go to each event, and when they are to go for lunch,"  said organizer Lauren Lynch-Staunton. "It has worked out really well.  All the kids are so excited about coming here.  A lot make a weekend of it, come down and just ski for the day then compete the next day."  Lynch-Staunton added that it could not happen without the great support of volunteers.  "We have over 75 volunteers working to make this day happen."

"This is as late as it's ever been," said organizer Brad Bustard who added that this event has been happening at Castle Mountain for 27 years, usually in February   The event is named after Nancy Greene, a Olympic Champion skier that made a world wide impression at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.

One of the big hits with the kids was the downhill ski event that has them competing for their best times.  To let them know exactly what that speed was Constable Doug Sokoloski was on hand with a hand held radar unit, lasering the contestants as they crossed the finish line.  This is the second year that Sokoloski has performed this duty, and he truly enjoys it.  "At the end, the kids get a certificate that reads something like 'Your speed was recorded by the RCMP at:  .'"  The fastest time of the day to that point was 69 km / hour.  "Pretty good for kids on skis.  Speeding tickets don't apply here."

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