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Students made Para Nordic flag display

World events command that flags be flown. Showing the colours of the nations attending the 2019 Para Nordic Skiing Championships came down to an all-local log and some College of New Caledonia (CNC) craftsmanship.
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World events command that flags be flown.

Showing the colours of the nations attending the 2019 Para Nordic Skiing Championships came down to an all-local log and some College of New Caledonia (CNC) craftsmanship. The result was a set of flag holders that truly represent the region on the world stage.

CNC's Foundation Level Carpentry program often allows students the opportunity to work on projects benefitting different aspects of the community, said instructor Chris Kelly. In this case, the ski event's organizers came to them with a proposal and one large hunk of evergreen.

"For this project, students were given a full timber more than five metres long," said Kelly. "Carpenters don't get to work with such large pieces of full timber that often. It's a good experience for students because they have to adapt and make a plan that's going to work for the requirements of the project."

It took eight people to position the chunk of tree so students could begin their wooden surgery. Student Matthew Worthington said they started with a circular saw, then a hand-saw but neither was working for the task.

"These types of challenges are part of being a carpenter. We moved onto a chainsaw and that worked quite well," Worthington said. "It's pretty amazing to be a part of a foundation program and have access to projects like this. Any way we can gain more experience while delivering a token to the community is fantastic."

Fellow student Ming Wu said it was an honour to take part in the project.

"This is awesome for me because I've never done anything like this before. I'm glad I got to work on something good for Prince George and CNC."

The log was trisected and holes were drilled to accept seven flags per unit.

All the work CNC's Foundation Level Carpentry students put into the Para Nordic flag pole project counts as part of the 480 hours these students accumulate towards their apprenticeship.

"As an instructor, I enjoy inspiring people by showing them they are able to do these type of projects," Kelly said.

"If we're able to give back to the community while doing that, that's always a positive too."

The 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships run in Prince George until Feb. 24 at Otway Nordic Centre.

Each evening, medal presentation ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. at the Prince George Convention and Civic Centre. On Sunday, that will happen at 5 p.m. with the official closing ceremony at 6:15 p.m. and a celebration banquet to follow.