It was another successful run of Andy Aufschnaiter Memorial Cross Country Ski Race in Blue River last week, where elementary school students from the NorthThompson Valley strapped on skis and hit the snow for some competitive fun.
Schools that attended included Blue River, Raft River, Vavenby, Barriere, and new this year, Valemount.
“The turnout was amazing. It was great to have people from Valemount also, so the whole North Thompson Valley was there. It was so organized with all the teachers and parents involved,” said Daniela Aufschnaiter, board member of The Bruderschaft Friends of Blue River Society, a group that helps host the event with Blue River Elementary School and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing.
“The Valemount (addition) was new, which is thanks to Maymie Tegart who was a teacher in Blue River the last three years, but now teaches in Valemount.”
Aufschnaiter, who is the wife of the event’s namesake, added that roughly 120 children showed up to take part.
Norm Crerar, a founding member of the Bruderschaft, was also out on the cross country trails with the kids, making sure nobody was left behind or to help if somebody fell, she said.
“It was just nice to see the kids doing an outdoor sport. It was blue sky and not too cold. It was perfect temperatures. We were very lucky.”
Josh Brown, who took over for Tegart as teacher of Blue River Elementary School, noted this is his first experience with the race and said it was a fun outdoor atmosphere and great having all the kids there.
“It was awesome, thanks to the (Mike Wiegle Helicopter Skiing) resort,” said Brown.
“(The children) go for lunch at the resort afterwards and we have the award ceremony and stuff like that. So thanks to them, the parents and volunteers.”
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