Shiver me timbers, it was a classic ski-for-all as 466 pirate skiers took to Larch Hills for the annual Children’s Pirate Loppet, held Friday, Jan. 25.
It was a stunning day of bright sun, appropriately broken by occasional murky fog. The laughter, excitement and delight of 466 children from grades one to seven hummed along the four-kilometre ski trail route.
This loppet was the culmination of several weeks of school sponsored phys-ed ski practice for hundreds of students that had been “training” with teachers and volunteer ski club members.
The unique loppet, organized by local skiers, is intended to encourage skiing as a healthy, outdoor and lifelong experience. The atmosphere of fun, participation and camaraderie was exemplified by the multi-age and multi-generational participation of grand-parents, parents, students, teachers, siblings and friends all gliding together in bubbly conversation, punctuated by frequent cheers of ‘arrrr.’
From seasoned skiers to some relatively new to the sport, children from 16 schools ranging from Sicamous, Revelstoke, Tappen, Sorrento, Armstrong, Enderby and Salmon Arm came out to enjoy the day.
South Broadview Elementary won the Principal’s Trophy for the most improved school participation with 75 students attending. Best Costume prizes went to Brian Okecho, Connor Levins, Hannah Vickers, Kristen Stunzi, Maggie Beckner and Grace Decker.
The vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by the participation of the director of instruction, Morag Asquith, who skied with the students, the Shuswap Lady Striders who served a post-event hot lunch, the pirate-garbed registrars and course marshalls who directed, encouraged and entertained the skiers and the many local businesses and organizations that donated hundreds of dollars, many hours, equipment, money and draw prizes.
Announcer Cap’n Tom (Peasgood), in pirate regalia added humor and energy to the event by cheering and cajoling with pirate banter and a vast repertoire of pirate jokes.
Money raised from the event is donated back to local schools to assist them in the purchase of x-country ski equipment to expand their ski programs.