As many Kimberley residents are aware, there are two athletes, Colin Ferrie and Molly Miller, on Team BC at the Canada Games who hail from Kimberley. They both compete in cross-country skiing, and both could be considered to have a legitimate shot at medals. Cross country ski competition begins on Monday in Prince George.
Any parent of a competitive athlete can tell you that while the athlete puts in hours of sweat in training, the family puts in a lot of support, both emotional and financial.
The local Nordic Club is justifiably proud of Colin and Molly. They recognize the hard work and financial burden of producing a top level athlete and want to help other local kids who may be considering pursuing cross-country skiing.
The Kimberley Nordic Club executive recently resolved to set up a bursary/scholarship for talented local cross-country youth.
“As young cross-country skiers advance the costs are huge for training, equipment, travel and time away,” said Ross Banner of the Nordic Club. “It’s a lot for ski families to handle. The Kimberley Cross Country community has been very generous with Colin and Molly and the Club wanted to maintain the spirit of helping.”
To perpetuate the Bursary the Club has commenced an ongoing program of selling Club items with logos, with the net proceeds going directly to the Bursary fund. The Club is selling water bottles $8, lanyards $2, fleece toques $20 and sport caps $20. The items can be purchased at the Nordic Club kiosk, in Kimberley at Togs, Kootenay Mountain Works and Bavarian Home Hardware. The Nordic Club invites all Kimberley residents to help this initiative by purchasing an item and show the Kimberley Nordic colours.