A generous donation from the Tatla Lake Resource Association has put local school children on cross-country skis.
“Our school is located in an area where winter sports are popular, and we believe that cross country skiing is a great way for our students and their families to stay active and healthy during the winter months,” said Tatla Lake Elementary and Jr. Secondary School principal Kimberley Ikebuchi in her grant application for the funds.
The school received $9,000 and used it to purchase skis and boots, replacing some aging equipment.
Ikebuchi said Caribou Ski Source for Sports outfitted the school the first week in March.
“We are heading up to our Tatla Lake ski grounds tomorrow to try out the new gear,” she said Tuesday, March 12.
She said members of the Tatla Lake Ski Club, who supported the grant, were attending to help lend a hand.
“We are really excited to have new gear for our students and hope to expand our cross-country ski activities at the school in future years.”
While health and wellness aspects of the cross-country ski program will be a given, Ikebuchi in her application touted the environmental stewardship aspects.
Because cross-country skiing is an outdoor activity, the students are close to mountains, forests and parks.
“As such, learning to ski can help individuals develop a deeper appreciation and respect for nature,” she noted. “Learning to ski provides opportunities to teach students about the importance of sustainable practices, such as leaving no trace, properly disposing of waste, and respecting wildlifre habitats.”
There are presently 23 students enrolled in the school.
Peter Shaugnessy, chair of the Tatla Resource Association and a director of Eniyud Community Forest said he was pleased to see that profits from the amazing partnership with Tsideldel First Nation in Eniyud Community Forest are providing direct benefits to students and to the community.
“This is precisely how it’s meant to be,” he said.