January 19, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games - Nordic Skiing

The Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games are scheduled for Labrador City/Wabush for March 14-21, 1998. One of the 11 sports included in these games is nordic skiing. The nordic ski races will be held on March 19, 20 and 21. Three races make up the nordic skiing: classic (diagonal stride), free technique, and on the final day a four by 2.5 kilometre relay consisting of two legs of 2.5 kilometres each (classic) and two legs of 2.5 kilometres each of (free technique).

The regions for these games are similar to those for previous Newfoundland and Labrador Games: 1. Host - Labrador City/Wabush; 2. St. John's North; 3. Mount Pearl/South; 4. Avalon; 5. Eastern; 6. Central; 7. Western and 8. Labrador (excepting the host area).

Selection races will be held in each region in January and early February.

The age classifications for nordic skiing are: senior born in 1980 or later and junior born in 1983 or later.

Teams should normally consist of two senior females, and two senior males, two junior females and two junior males. However, if a region does not have representation for the senior classification, junior age skiers may qualify for senior classification. Regions may also be represented by fewer than eight skiers if they are unable to have a full team of eight.

One male or one female skier with a physical disability and one male or one female skier with a mental disability may represent each region. These athlete's birthdates must be 1980 or later.

Those interested in having nordic (cross country) skiers represent their region should contact Keith Taylor as soon as possible:

Keith Taylor, Technical Chairperson
Box 510, RR #1
Paradise
A1L 1C1
Telephone: (709) 737-3979 Fax: (709) 895-2834
E-mail: keitht@morgan.ucs.mun.ca