One more exciting feature in this year’s always-exciting Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet will be the appearance of Brian McKeever.
McKeever, who qualified for both the Winter Olympics and the Winter Paralympics in 2010 – the first Canadian skier to do so, went on to win three gold medals in the Paralympics. He is registered for the loppet coming up on Saturday, Jan. 19.
He competed in the Larch Hills event in 2011, which he won, and he told local skiers he really likes the course and area.
At 19 McKeever began losing his vision, but he continued to compete – and compete well.
His older brother, Robin McKeever, acts as his guide when he skis in the Paralympics.
The loppet’s classic technique races start at 9 a.m. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 18 at the SASCU Recreation Centre. Packets can be picked up from 2 to 8 p.m. For info, go to www.SkiLarchHills.ca or phone Tina at 250-832-8676.
Pirate Loppet
Also upcoming is the Annual Larch Hills School Pirate Loppet. It will take place on Friday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. The event is for grades three to seven and experienced younger skiers.
Registration, including the $5 fee collection, is being done through the students’ schools. Interested schools or PACs should call George Zorn at 250-832-9335.