Coach Andrew Casey would like close the gap when it comes to the number of Caledonia Nordic Ski Club athletes who compete at home versus at away competitions.
At the Teck Cross Country Skiing BC Championship, held at the Otway Nordic Ski Centre in Prince George, CNSC had 70 skiers out on the weekend to help pace them to their first provincial championship in 20 years. But when the club travels to meets in Salmon Arm, Kelowna, Vancouver or Whistler the number of athletes is reduced to about 15.
“The goal for next year is to bring more kids to races from all ages and try to make it a family event where families are willing to travel together,” said Casey.
He said one of the factors in the reduction of athletes at away meets is the fact it’s usually an additional three hours for families to travel from Prince George, compared to travel times for other clubs in British Columbia.
“It’s a long drive and families with small kids aren’t always able or as willing to travel to other meets,” said Casey. “If we can facilitate in making that easier by maybe renting a bus next year to go to races it might be a little more cost effective for them and a little less stress free so they don’t have to worry about driving in the winter.
“It’s an option to look into for us next year in order to get the kids to races,” he added.
