July Greetings NENSA Community ~
I am just back from a lovely vacation and family wedding ~ it made me realize how much I needed some time off and time away from the computer screen. I hope this summer brings everyone small breaks in your routine and adventures near and far!
This week we revealed the first of our NENSA Award recipients for 2022 ~ our BKL Leadership Award. Read all about our wonderful winner this year, Rosemary Shea Cobb from the Mansfield Nordic BKL Club in the article below and stay tuned each week this month of July as we unveil the rest of our 2022 NENSA Award winners!
It's not too late to register for our NENSA learn-to-rollerski clinic in Craftsbury this Sunday July 3rd! That day also kicks off the first in our NENSA series of summer rollerski races, the Lost Nation Roll. Registration for both is open on SkiReg.com until 5pm tomorrow.
Today kicks off our 4th annual virtual Roy-llerski ~ join the fun all month and help support a great program ~ the Maine Outdoor Wellness Center!
Here is what we have for you in this week's KickZone:
- NENSA BKL Leadership Award goes to...Rosemary Shea Cobb
- NENSA is a 2022 grant recipient from the KWCF for our Nordic Rocks Program
- Junior Nationals 2023 Fairbanks Alaska Information
- 2023 BKL Festival host is the Craftsbury Outdoor Center
- 2022 Lost Nation Roll Race & Clinic this Sunday July 3rd
- 4th Annual Roy-llerski starts TODAY July 1st!
- U.S. Ski & Snowboard L100 in-person practicum and NENSA technique clinic on Thursday 7/7 in Craftsbury
From our Partners:
From U.S. Ski & Snowboard:
- Diggins & Cochran-Siegle Named Athletes of the Year
- U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team Sport Coach of the Year: Cross Country - Jason Cork, Stratton Mountain, VT
- U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club Membership renewal time for the 2022-23 season:
- UPDATE: the US Ski & Snowboard Coaches Symposium will be VIRTUAL this year ~ save the dates October 28-29th.
A shout out to all the Eastern junior athletes and wonderful volunteer coaches headed to our NENSA REG (Regional Elite Group) Camp tomorrow through next Thursday in Craftsbury VT ~ have fun!
Happy 4th of July long weekend everyone!
Best,
Amie
Amie Witten Smith
Executive Director
New England Nordic Ski Association
Amie@nensa.net
GIVING: DONATE to NENSA today, and thank you!
Please take a few minutes to do that and support the organization that supports XC skiing here in New England, and beyond! NENSA is here for you, running programing for you, our ski community ~ we need your support!
Thank you to all our NENSA Sponsors ~ they are such a HUGE part of our NENSA programming continued success, and we so appreciate all their support. I want to be sure we all acknowledge the businesses who support us and cross country skiing!
Be sure to follow us on fb, Twitter and on Instagram @nensa_nordic
|
|
NENSA News from the Field
Highlights and Notes from NENSA and the Nordic World
|
|
2022 BKL Leadership Award goes to Rosemary Shea-Cobb |
We are excited to kick off our 2022 NENSA Award announcements with the Bill Koch League Leadership award!
The Bill Koch Youth Ski League is sustained by a large group of adults who give their time and energy to the sport that they love and every year the Bill Koch League Leadership Award honors one of these coaches, parent/caregivers, club leaders, volunteers, or officials from our ski community who embodies fun, community, and a lifelong love of skiing. This year we are thrilled to give this award to Rosemary Shea-Cobb of Westford, VT and the Mansfield Nordic Club (MNC)...read full story HERE
|
|
photo credit: John Lazenby |
|
The Killington World Cup Foundation Awards over $289,000 in Grants to 31 Nonprofits Across the Northeast |
|
NENSA is thrilled to be included in these Grant Awards from the Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) for our 2022-23 season. Our grant from KWCF will help fund our Nordic Rocks program, which was developed to introduce a new generation of children in grades K-6 to the excitement found in the sport of cross country skiing. Nordic Rocks provides elementary school students, with an opportunity to experience cross country skiing during the school day with their teachers and classmates, and to learn the health and lifestyle benefits associated with exercise and outdoor fun.
NENSA assists Nordic Rocks school with a skiing curriculum, equipment acquisition, and teaching support. The curriculum is easy to follow and offers teachers learning ideas with both outdoor and indoor activities.
The Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) awarded 31 grants totaling $289,000 to Northeast area nonprofits in eight states. KWCF also donated $160,000 to support athlete housing at the Killington Cup. These grants were made possible as a result of the 2021 Homelight Killington Cup. In the last four years KWCF has donated almost $2,000,000 in incremental resources to the winter sports infrastructure and youth snow sport programs in the region...read full story HERE
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR ASSOCIATE SPONSORS
L.L.Bean, SWIX, Salomon and Fischer/OW!
|
|
|
|
2023 Junior Nationals Information |
Over the past few weeks Divisional Leaders have been meeting to discuss 2023 Junior Nationals to be hosted in Fairbanks, Alaska. The venue and organization at Birch Hill Recreation Area are second to none and the experience of traveling to interior Alaska is formative. In an effort to reduce expense, due to high fuel costs and limited lodging options, for large groups this national working group made the decision to run a condensed schedule for the 2023 Junior Nationals. The event will include three individual races over four days and there will be no relay. NENSA will make every effort to keep expenses to a minimum while as always, running a high quality trip. That said, even with the condensed schedule we anticipate the trip cost to be higher than typical years.
Further NENSA has secured a block of tickets an Alaska Air from Boston to Fairbanks with one stop > March 10th am – March 17 early am. These tickets are locked in at $1056. We are encouraging all athletes to use this fare as booking tickets at typical times (February) could be cost prohibitive and limit participation. Auto qualifiers from Senior Nationals will be required to purchase their own fares and are encouraged to do so asap after their trip to Houghton. NENSA will be poling intents of athletes to attend 2023 JN’s throughout the season so we know what names we will put on tickets as soon as possible. These tickets will be purchased on February 7th with the ability to change the names on the tickets.
We understand your concerns about the cost of this trip and want to be transparent with you from the start. If you have any questions please reach out to justin@nensa.net.
|
|
Whether you are a coach, parent, volunteer, or athlete, we all play a role in providing a safe environment for the sports that we love. U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Safety policies, the SafeSport Code, and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard MAAPP help us support that culture of safety.
-
If you witness or are aware of inappropriate behavior or misconduct - REPORT IT!
- Reports may be made anonymously!
- Child Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse – Report to law enforcement or child protective services in your jurisdiction immediately.
-
Reports to the Center - SafeSport hotline at 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233) or CLICK HERE to complete an online reporting form.
-
Reports to U.S. Ski & Snowboard - CLICK HERE
You may see QR codes posted at events this season. The QR codes open a page on www.usskiandsnowboard.org for quick links to reporting from your smartphone.
Learn more about reporting and try the QR Code:
Thank you for your diligence in maintaining sport safety and protecting our athletes.
|
|
2023 BKL Festival host is the
Craftsbury Outdoor Center
|
|
The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is excited to announce that the 2023 New England Bill Koch League Festival will be hosted at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury, VT March 4-5. The Festival is the marquee event of the Bill Koch Youth Ski League, the largest cross country ski program for children in the United States. Whether a child loves the adventure of cross-country skiing, enjoys playing with friends on skis, or wants to grow up to be a ski racer, the Bill Koch Youth Ski League has something for them.
Once a year children and families from ski clubs from all over New England and New York come together at the annual Festival for a weekend of fun on cross country skis. The site rotates through the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. For 2023, NENSA is thrilled to be working with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and the Craftsbury Ski Club in northeastern Vermont on this fun and inclusive event featuring relay and individual races by age group, as well as an engaging, fun, and educational mix of non-racing activities that all can enjoy. The Craftsbury Outdoor Center has a long standing history of hosting successful ski races and events over the years as part of their mission to “support and promote participation and excellence in lifelong sports with a special focus on rowing, nordic skiing, biathlon, and running.” Their Festival theme is “North Woods in Winter” and will be a celebration of the northern forest as both a recreational space and a working landscape. Stay tuned to learn about the exciting themed activities they have in the works!
|
|
2022 Lost Nation Roll Race & Clinic July 3rd |
Our second event of the 2022 summer season is fast approaching and we’re excited to be partnering with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center to host a rollerski race and Learn-t0-Rollerski Clinic! The Lost Nation Roll is the first in our NENSA Rollerski Race Series and will be a freestyle, paired interval start race of either 5.6km (U16s), 11.2km (open skiers), or 7.5k (open intermediate skiers–no Dennis’s downhill). Registration is capped at 150 racers total. Top 10 ranked open skiers of each gender will race on NENSA’s fleet of Swenor Skate Long skis. Clinic details below.
Race Course Information:
The race will be contested on the Outdoor Center’s paved rollerski loop. The loop has a figure 8 layout, meaning that the middle portion including Dino Hill will be skied twice per “lap.”
The open race course includes the challenging Dennis’s Nemesis downhill once per lap. If you are not comfortable on rollerskis, this may not be the right category for you and we encourage you to check out the Intermediate Race option. This downhill is high speed and includes an S-turn (or chicane) at the bottom. Please arrive early enough to preview the course.
The intermediate course removes the Dennis’s Nemesis downhill and shortens the course to ~ 2.5km.
Learn-to-Rollerski Clinic:
Have you ever wanted to try rollerskiing?! Join NENSA’s Justin Beckwith and Kait Miller for an hourlong Learn-to-Rollerski clinic following the Lost Nation Roll race from 1:00-2:00pm. This instructional clinic is geared towards folks who have on-snow ski experience, but little to no rollerski experience and want to give classic roller skiing a try. All clinic participants will use NENSA’s brand Swenor rollerskis, but remember to bring your own boots, poles, and helmet!! We can accommodate SNS and Prolink/NNN bindings. Register HERE. Check out this informational video on rollerski equipment from the Craftsbury Outdoor Center.
....see full article and the day's schedule for the day HERE
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR NENSA CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS: |
|
4th Annual Roy-llerski starts TODAY July 1st! |
NENSA and The Maine Outdoor Wellness Center are thrilled to host the 4th annual Roy-llerski and fundraiser this year during the month of July 2022. The event, originally created by Jenny Wilbraham, was created in memory of Roy Varney to bring together the nordic community for support and to enjoy the sport they all shared.
This year, the event will have both virtual and in-person options, we encourage anyone that can participate with a group and make the most of it! Using the date of Roy’s passing (7/1/19), the challenge is to ski, run, or ride 71.19km OR for 71:19 (1h:11m:19s), spread over a couple of days, weeks, or the entire month if need be. If you are in the Turner (ME) area, you can reach out to Dustin Williamson (dustin.williamson@msad52.org), Tash Varney (nvarney207@gmail.com), and Jenny Wilbraham (jenwilb.ski@gmail.com) about in-person offerings. Folks can also reach out via the Maine Outdoor Wellness Center instagram HERE.
Have fun, stay safe, and take the spirit of the journey with you! Sharing photos or GPS tracks over social media is highly encouraged (tag the Maine Outdoor Wellness Center and NENSA and use #forRoy).
Registrant Categories:
Rockstar: For those aiming to ski 71.19 in one shot – for time or challenge.
Speedy Repeater: Combine multiple skis to reach 71.19km.
Bill Koch/Recreational/Time Trial: Ski 7.119km non-stop or use the event as a time trial.
Art for Roy: Design the coolest fitness tracker art file to honor Roy! #forRoy
1:11:19: Ski as far as you can in 71 minutes and 19 seconds.
Prizes:
The first 10 registrants, 8 raffled registrants, and 2 randomly selected social promoters will win an event bag with swag from The MOWC and LL Bean.
|
|
First L100 Coach Developer Date Set ~
NENSA Regional Coaches Clinic AND
US Ski & Snowboard L100 practicum ~
Craftsbury, Vermont July 7th
|
This one-day clinic is open to anyone looking to improve their ski technique, and learn ways to teach others effectively. We will cover both classic and skate techniques.
To receive USSS L100 credit you must sign up through the USSS website, complete the prerequisites and sign up for the in-person assessment. If you intend to attend only the clinic, or if you cannot complete the USSS prerequisites before the deadline, please select the appropriate category on SkiReg so we can best keep track of attendees.
The clinic is being led by U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coach Developer, Alex Jospe.
After the 3 hour technique clinic, coaches on the L100 track will take a short break and then dive into an hour of coaching demonstrations in small groups while the non certification-seeking participants will have the opportunity to learn about the rollerski ramps and get some fun instruction from Justin Beckwith.
NENSA membership information, including details about the free “Get Skiing” first time membership, HERE.
L100 Certification:
Participants are encouraged to rollerski during the technique portion of the clinic. However, rollerskiing is NOT required. We will be staying in the parking lot of the high school so you can easily stay with the group on foot and learn about how to coach ski technique.
All clinic participants will have access to our fleet of Swenor skis and we will also have Swix poles to demo.
Register on SkiReg.com HERE
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR NENSA SUPPORTING SPONSORS: |
|
June 24
Cochran-Siegle, Diggins Named Athletes Of The Year
Olympic medalists Ryan Cochran-Siegle and Jessie Diggins were honored by U.S. Ski & Snowboard as athletes of the year, winning the prestigious Beck International Award - the highest athlete recognition for the organization. ...READ MORE
June 27
U.S SKI & SNOWBOARD TEAM SPORT COACHES OF THE YEAR
Cross Country - Jason Cork, Stratton Mountain, VT
Longtime U.S. Ski Team World Cup Coach Jason Cork was awarded the Cross Country Coach of the Year honors.
Cork has worked with three-time Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins since 2010, before she was on the national team. He serves as both her personal coach and wax technician. A year ago Diggins won the overall World Cup title as well as the distance World Cup title. This past season, she won two Olympic medals—silver in the 30k freestyle mass start and bronze in the freestyle sprint—and became the first American since 1976 to win an individual Olympic medal.
He is known for his detailed training planning and oversight, as well as his world-class ski selection and waxing ability.
July 1
It's U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club Membership renewal time for the 2022-23 season:
June 14 UPDATE:
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Fall Coaches Symposium will now be VIRTUAL ~ save the dates October 28-29th ~ more info to come soon!
|
|
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR NENSA OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS: |
|
Upcoming Events
A Look Ahead at the NENSA Calendar
|
|
Full NENSA.net Calendar Listing HERE
December 17-18: Eastern Cup #1: Rikert Eastern Cup Opener Ripton, Vermont
Looking Ahead to 2023:
January 14-15: Eastern Cup #2: Chisholm Ski Club Eastern Cup and Bates Carnival Rumford, Maine
February 4-5: Eastern Cup #3: Roy Varney Memorial Quarry Road Eastern Cup, Waterville Maine
February 18-19: Eastern Cup #4: Dublin Double Eastern Cup Dublin, New Hampshire
March 11-18: U.S. Junior Nationals - Fairbanks, AK
March 22-26: Supertour Finals - Craftsbury VT
Link to our COVID Protocols HERE
|
|
If you already shop Amazon ~ please link to Amazon Smile
with NENSA as your beneficiary!
|
Did you know that NENSA could benefit from the Amazon purchases you are already making??! Please link your Amazon account to Amazon SMILE (with /smile) and choose NENSA as your non-profit beneficiary! All the purchases everyone is already making, all add up, and we would love to be able to benefit from that! Thank you!!
|
|
New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA)
49 Pineland Drive, Suite 301A
New Gloucester, ME 04260
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
