CANADIAN MASTERS'

CROSS COUNTRY SKI ASSOCIATION

DECEMBER 1998 NEWSLETTER

I'm starting this segment on Nov 16 out of frustration and insiration. Frustration coming from nearly three hours at the computer, typing the newsletter, adding graphics, etc. and with two paragraphs from completion, this marvelous high tech machine goes blank, erasing everything I had entered. Ah, sometimes these machines are not for the weak of mind.

The inspiration comes from about a foot of snow which has fallen over the past three days, and more forcasted for the coming week. I'll avoid the computer for the remainder of the day, and toworrrow I ski.

At Masters Headquarters (my den), things are getting busier, I'm receiving entry forms for the Masters World Cup, also more forms for the ski draw are coming in. Hopefully at the time of the draw (NAtionals in Vernon) our association will have a sixeable amount to donate to the National Junior Cross Country Program and some lucky Master will have a great pair of skis for $5.00.

I hope the ski trails are open everywhere and serious training has commenced. Now, only one obstacle to overcome - the added xmas pounds - and then racing season.

I wish you all a Happy and successful year, and remember, all this training, eating properly, etc is okay but the main thing is to enjoy yourselves and have fun.

I'm not certain if it was made clear on the ski draw form that a second member of a family is also entitled to participate. In a few cases, I have received one form per family membership with $10.00 so I filled out an additional form. Remember, it is one ticket per member.

VALCARTIER BID FOR 2002

Andre Filion and Pierre arvey will be traveling to Grindelwald, to present a bid for "Masters World Cup 2002". It seems that all criteria have been met and the proposal is ready so we wish them the best.

AMERICAN CROSS COUNTRY SKIERS ( AXCS)

This is the newly formed Masters Assoc in the US. For various resons they have seen fit to disassociate themselves from the USSA. Dick Hunt is their executive director and John Downing is National Director. At present they have nine divisional reps. We wish them much success in the future.

AXCS NATIONALS

Being held in West Yellowstone, Montana fron March 8-13, and clash with our National in Vernon. Scheduling for our events is always difficult, we must avoid clashing with the MWC, other major loppets but with a sense of cooperation I believe that in coming years we will reach a compatible schedule.

My next to last item on this years Masters World Cup. As an additional bonus Masters will receive a 50% discount on various mountain railway and cable car rides through out the area.

For those MEDAL hopefuls, it is proposed that special 1st, 2nd and 3rd place "SWISS BELLS" be awarded instead of the usual medals. I have a feeling thses will be cherished item as the WMA is looking to standardize medals for the future.

In the spring newsletter, I noted receiving many comments about our present racing suits and their not being truly representative of Canada. I asked for ideas but got none.

In early Nov I approached a friend who teaches visual arts at the community college in Stephenville about a class project. I will bring twenty two of their drawings to Vernon, if a decision can be made it is possible that a new design could be ready for next season.

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