PRESQUE ISLE, ME — Saturdays this winter will be an exciting time to be outdoors on skis in Aroostook County as TAMC is once again partnering with local ski organizations to promote an active, healthy lifestyle in local youth while instilling interest in a life-long activity that is affordable, social, challenging and fun.
“It is important that we, as a health care organization, get behind programs like this. Youth obesity is a serious problem in our communities, and anything we can do to provide children with an opportunity to engage in healthy activities they enjoy will make a difference,” said Dr. Renee Fournier, a TAMC pediatrician. “TAMC’s Aroostook Pediatrics office, through our work with Let’s Go Aroostook, Healthy Aroostook and other community partners, is tackling this problem head on, and we’re happy to support programs that promote exercise, particularly in the winter when it can be more difficult to get outside,”she added.
This is the third year TAMC has sponsored youth ski programs in The County with the Nordic Heritage Sports Center, and this year they welcome a new partner. Over the years, the Quoggy Jo Ski Center has provided free lessons on a drop-in basis, according to Quoggy Jo Ski Club President Gene Cronin, but this will be the first year that they will join the partnership to offer alpine skiing opportunities at their facilities. Each organization will contribute to the program in a unique way to provide lessons, training and fun in cross country (Nordic) and downhill (alpine) skiing and snowboarding to youth.
“The program is important for a number of reasons, but first and foremost is that it allows the introduction of a healthy outdoor recreational activity to area youth that can be enjoyed in the winter. It also provides for quality instruction at no cost to the student,” said Cronin. The program, which includes both Nordic and alpine choices each week, is held Saturdays, weather-permitting, until March 15. Participants can cross country ski at the Nordic Heritage Center from 10-11:30 a.m., followed by hot cocoa and healthy snacks at the Main Lodge. They can also downhill ski at the Quoggy Jo Ski Center beginning with a lesson from 1-2 p.m. followed by a free ski until 4 p.m. Kids can choose to do one or both of the ski sessions each week.
“My hope is that participation will not be limited by community members thinking that our program is focused on racing and developing racers. We’re all about showing people how fun skiing is and developing interest in a life-long activity that families can do together,” said Jeremy Griffiths, Nordic Heritage Sports Center youth ski program coordinator and instructor.
Organizers have tailored ski lessons to accommodate all skill levels. Children of any ability level in grades one through eight, as well as ages 5 and younger with an accompanying adult, can participate. The adults need not wear skis unless they want to.
“We will even help teach mom and dad or grandma and grandpa to ski or ride if they would like to learn,” said Cronin.
Because the program is free of charge, volunteers are crucial to its success. Program organizers encourage older students and parents to participate by volunteering their time, either in the lodge or out on the snow – even if just for one weekend.
To register, participants need to simply show up to either the Nordic Heritage Center at 10 a.m. or to Quoggy Jo at 1 p.m. Both locations are located on the Fort Fairfield Road in Presque Isle. Parents or guardians must sign separate waivers for all participants before they can take part in the program.
Alpine ski and snowboard rentals for youth will be available for rent at Quoggy Jo each weekend of the program. Cross country ski rentals are available for program participants.
For more information, contact Griffiths at 316-9911 or by e-mail at jgriffiths17@gmail.com or Cronin at gene@skiquoggyjo.org.
