Monday, March 9, 2009


I am off to the BC K2 Provincials with Hannah tomorrow.  And regardless of the results, this ski racing season has delivered, once again, proof that being involved in competitive sports is great for the development of a child's self-confidence, maturity and so many other aspects of their lives.

Hannah broke her ankle on the day Fernie opened in December 2007.  She was heartbroken because she had made so much progress in her skiing.  She had been dedicated in dry land training and when there was an afternoon session at Lake Louise at -28C, she was the only one to show up.

Being laid up while all of her family and friends were skiing powder was tough for her.  The rehab was even tougher.  I could tell it was discouraging for her when she came back to skiing and found that it took some hard work to ski.  It hurt a lot too.  Especially any races where there were hard ruts on the course.

Come this fall, she worked hard at dry-land again.  She started out slowly with the skiing and she didn't seem to have the same form.  But recently, with the assistance of her coach who has that magical ability to get kids to realize what they are capable of, she has got her form back.  At the last race, she wowed everyone with her skiing and results.  Her reward?  Her coach immediately increased the goals she is reaching for.

So Hannah and I are off to Rossland and I am hoping for the best.  But as far as I am concerned, this season has been a success.  I am as proud of the person she is than I ever have been.

(Go Hannah go!)

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