There’s no doubt that in tough economic times, an event that attracts athletes and spectators from across the nation is going to be a welcome boon. Such was the case for Auburn Ski Club’s hosting of the 2009 XC Junior Olympics, March 8 to 14.
‘We really wanted to showcase Truckee and the region while supporting local businesses,’ said Sally Jones, Nordic director at Auburn Ski Club Training Center.
Some 400 athletes, 240 volunteers, 150 coaches/support crew and more than 300 spectators from as far away as Maine, Minnesota, Alaska, enjoyed life in Truckee-Tahoe. That’s a lot of lodging, dining, cups of coffee and ski passes.
Jodie Lea of McCall, Idaho, stayed at Northstar-at-Tahoe with a group of other parents to watch their children compete. Like the athletes they came to watch, the group of Idahoans were just as active and energetic, she said. ‘People are taking advantage of the community. It’s such a fantastic area, there’s so much to do.’
Lea said her group dined out, skied at Royal Gorge, Alpine Meadows and Tahoe Donner Cross Country — and even found time to squeeze in a few yoga classes.
Cottonwood owner Mike Blide said he gave discounts to those in town for JOs.
‘We (gave) happy hour prices all week and they (came) out,’ Blide said. ‘And boy, they can eat!’
Lou Raso, owner of Book and Bean in Truckee, served coffee and pastries on the snow all week long while his daughter Angela Raso raced. Besides keeping spectators warm and caffeinated at races, Raso said supporting the event brought a buzz to his shop in Downtown Truckee.
‘It’s been good for business,’ Raso said.
Financial implications aside, there’s another important lasting impression.
Annika Taylor, who was too young to compete in the 2005 JOs, remembers watching her older brother, Alex. ‘It was very exciting and motivating,’ Taylor said. This year, it was her turn.
Taylor not only won the CNISSF State Championships in 2008 but also earned a fifth and a seventh place finish at JOs.
Blide, who was watching from the sidelines, said he hopes the race will inspire his middle school-aged daughter and a few of her friends. ‘It’s either going to inspire or scare the crap out of them,’ he joked.
~ Emma Garrard
Far West Results
The Far West Nordic team placed sixth out of 10 teams at the 2009 Junior Olympics at Auburn Ski Club Training Center March 8 thru 14. The team won 11 medals at the national championships.
Some of the best finishes included a first-place finish in the girls’ J1 10k skate race by Joanne Reid of Palo Alto. Bernie Nelson of Truckee placed third in the girls OJ 10k skate race. J2 skier Annika Taylor of Truckee also had strong finishes placing 7th in the sprint and 5th in the classic race. Russell Kennedy of Truckee had an impressive fourth place finish in the J1 boys’ 15k skate race. For complete results go to xcjuniorolympics.org.
Reid, Nelson and Taylor are all members of the Auburn Ski Club girl’s Nordic Team, which was awarded the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) Junior Olympic Club team award at the 2009 Cross Country Junior Olympics.
The award was established to recognize the importance of strong regional ski programs as a way to develop a strong national ski program.
An overall team award was given to Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation and a top boy’s club team award was given to Fairbanks Alaska Ski Team (FAST).
