The 2018 Manitoba Games cross-country skiing competition wrapped up along with the first phase of the games March 7 and they ended the way they started for 15-year-old Aaron Warkentine of Winkler, who captured his second gold medal of the games for Team South.
“This is my second one now,” he said after the juvenile male 7.5-kilometre free technique race, which he won by more than two minutes after taking gold in the 7.5-km classic race March 5, his first individual medal, though this is his second Manitoba Games. “The trails have been good. It’s different than anything else I’ve done and the grooming has been great.”
Hearing good things about the trails is welcome news for Ed Holland and Carrie Holland, who organized the cross-country competition for the games on trails they help repair from lack of use starting several years ago.
“It’s such a difference compared to when we first started,” said Ed. “It’s taken a lot of work but we’ve had tons of help along the way.”
The weather had cooperated perfectly for the competition.
“I’m glad there’s been no additional snow,” said Carrie. “It’s made the grooming a little bit easier. We’re getting really good feedback and our Winnipeg timing officials have been fantastic and I think the coaches are pleased and I think the athletes are liking the course. We’re happy it’s all come together.”
Thompson games society co-chair Sandra Ross-Hitch was at the cross-country course March 7 as she completed a three-day tour of all the events and venues and she said Thompson has impressed its visitors.
“There are tons of people from out of town and tons of positive comments like ‘I’m coming back next year,’” said Ross-Hitch, saying not only the cross-country trails but the alpine skiing venue at Mystery Mountain Winter Park have opened people’s eyes to the amenities of Thompson. “Kudos to Carrie and Ed for putting this on and helping us because that’s going to get the word out.”
