A trio of Caledonia Nordic Ski Club Senior members hit the trails at Otway Nordic Centre on Saturday at noon sharp to start a full 24-hours of skiing. Beginning at noon on Saturday and ending at noon on Sunday, the skiers will make their way around the many trails available at Otway and by the end of their 24-hours it's esitmated they will have skiied roughly 200km of trail.
Skiers Martin Williamson, 17, and Tyson Green, 18, both Grade 12 students at Duchess Park, and Josh Fiala, 16, a Grade 11 student at D.P. Todd were participating in their 24 Hour Ski for Nordic Kids fundraiser. The fundraiser is the Capstone project for Williamson and Green.
The three club members are attempting to raise $7,000 for the club's Ski School program which brings kids from area schools out to Otway to try cross-country skiing. Funds raised will help financially support kids that wouldn't otherwise be able to take part with their classes. It costs $1000 for a day of skiing per class and $750 for a half-day of skiing per class and the Williamson, Green, and Fiala are hoping to raise enough money so seven classes are able to come and participate in the program.
During the 24-hours, all three skiers will take minimal time off the trails for eating and washroom breaks and will not be stopping for sleep. Each skier has prepared pre-portioned food based on the calories, carbohydrates, and proteins they will need to keep energized so they will be able to grab-and-go without stopping. A number of parents will also man the two support tents and will be able to provide the skiers with whatever they need to keep them going thoughout the night with things such as drinks, and hot soup.
If you wish to make a donation you can donate cash in person at Otway Nordic Centre or you can donate online at https://www.caledonianordic.com/.../24-hour-ski-fundraiser.
