NHSC to host 2009 Junior Olympics

Presque Isle will play host to yet another international skiing event. It was recently announced that the 2009 Cross Country Junior Olympics would be held at the Nordic Heritage Sport Club. The event is scheduled to take place in the early weeks of March.
   The Junior Olympics are held each year under the auspices of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. The U.S. is split into five regions for hosting the event. Presque Isle was chosen to host the New England Region’s event. Previous hosts include Fairbanks, Alaska and Jackson, N.H.
The event will have approximately 400 athletes, ages 14-19, competing in four races – the sprint, classic, freestyle, and relay. Each athlete will need to qualify within their regional sets prior to competing in the national event. Regions also may have “auto-qualifiers,” who have competed in events such as international biathlons and major national competitions.
Matt Whitcomb, the head development coach for USSA, said that this is “the most incredible event in national events.”
Whitcomb continued to stress the fact that many of our top competing U.S. adult athletes got their start in the Junior Olympics.
“I feel that Presque Isle has put in as much, if not more than, everyone else. This place is fit for it. Look for the event in 2009,” Whitcomb stated.
“We look to role models in Maine Winter Sports Center programming,” said John Farra, the vice president at the MWSC.
Dave Peterson, CEO for the Aroostook Medical Center, agreed. “The primary reason for (TAMC’s) involvement is promoting a healthy lifestyle, and to do that, you start with the kids. We’re pleased to be a part of it,” said Peterson.
“Being active has great health benefits, and even though most people in the County won’t become world-class athletes, living an active lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do to live well,” added Peterson.
Melanie Stewart, the president of the Nordic Heritage Sport Club, acknowledged TAMC’s role in sponsoring the local recreational events.
“The strong TAMC relationship over the past several years has been our vehicle to hold national and continental level events,” Stewart said. “These successful high caliber events have led us to become the New England Region’s choice to host the 2009 USSA Junior Olympic Championships.”
Although the Nordic Heritage Center has hosted national and international skiing events, the Junior Olympics will have two races that haven’t been run here before. Jim Rodrigues, the New England National Ski Association event director, is assisting the center develop these new formats. One new race layout will have to be efficient for a relay with 50 teams competing, and the other will include designating an area for the mass start for such a large number of athletes.
Don Zillman, president of the University of Maine at Presque Isle, stated that the university is looking forward to continuing to embrace local outdoor sports and that they had a marvelous time at the international biathlon.
“We have sent several athletes to the JOs already, said Farra. “In fact, last year at the JOs in Houghton, Minn. Russell Currier was the national champion in the freestyle distance competition. The Junior Olympics is a great development tool for young athletes. For the athletes coming to JOs, this will be the most important competition for their season. We hope to have several local athletes racing in front of their home town fans.”