The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland Labrador High School Athletic Federation:

Newfoundland's strange weather this winter has played havoc with the High School Athletic Federation's Cross Country Skiing Championships. the competition, slated for this coming weekend was originally to be hosted by St. Augustine's High in Plum Point on the northern Peninsula. However, lack of snow forced the host to withdraw and the meet moved to Assumption Collegiate in Stephenville Crossing. Lack of snow has also had an effect on the number of competitors registered for the meet. Only eight schools will be sending skiers to Stephenville Crossing. St. Stephen's High and Stephenville Integrated (Stephenville), G.C. Rowe and Regina High (Corner Brook), Assumption High (Stephenville Crossing), St. Augustine's (Plum Point), Mary Simms All grade (Main Brook) and Canon Richard High (Flowers Cove) will send competitors to the event.

Competition will be held in four divisions. Senior male and female, junior male and female, in both team and individual events. In the individual events, junior females will race over a 2.5 km course, junior boys and senior girls, a 5 km course and senior boys a 7 km course. In the relay event, all divisions race a 1 km course except the junior girls which is .5 km.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in the individual event. Team medals and the championship banner will be presented to the top team and Keyin Sportsmanship Awards will also be presented to one individual in each division.

Contact: Karen Richard, (709) 729-2795.

1996 02 19 3:10 p.m. /md