Turns out even sports are going virtual too.
The Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre Vernon was set to host the 2020 Canadian Ski Championships March 26 to April 2. But with Covid-19, organizers decided to make the event open to everyone in the country with a virtual race — and the Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club didn't hesitate to join.
"It's a great way to unite the ski community, and to continue hosting an event in the best way you can. Cross country skiing is the best way, and it's virus free," said club president Eliza Stanford.
On COVID-19:
Stanford: These are all very good steps that the governments has taken, and we’re all making the best of the situation. Everyone is in the same boat, the whole country. It’s not just one city, we’re all facing the same restrictions.
Kosugi: I certainly think the province, city, and country is taking the appropriate steps. It's changed so quickly over the last week that I think peope have been pretty patient and are pulling together as a community.
How are they adjusting:
Stanford: I'm either staying home or skiing at these trails.
Kosugi: I'm retired, so it hasn't been that hard.
Helping in the community:
Stanford: I'm encouraging people to come cross country ski and offering rentals and other help through the club. This is our community here, the quintessential winter activity for people of all ages. Every day I've been here this week I see people I've never seen before. There are a lot of people taking advantage of spring break, and of the fact that this is one of the few plaeces you can go and do something as a family, and its beautiful.
Kosugi: By telling people of other options to get out as a family. It’s just a great way to get our skiers out on these great trails. We’ve had a great season, and we have some excellent snow right now, and hopefully people can come enjoy. This is a great outdoor activity and people can keep their distance as much as they’d like. Families are staying home right now, so this is a great activity for them to get the kids outside and tire them out.
To participate in the race throughout the next two weeks, time yourself on a GPS watch or phone app, and take a picture showing of time.
Post your image to Facebook or Instagram and Facebook with the hashtags #notnats10kfree and #whiskeyjackvirtualski2020.
For more information and rules, click here.
Email sports reporter Dillon Giancola at sports@ahnfsj.ca.
