By Mel Pemble
Crisp, sparkling snow with a soft breeze and warming sun.
These were the conditions for the “Building Our Best” camp and races Jan. 16-19, on Silver Star mountain in Vernon.
This was my first race competing as not only a Vancouver Island Adaptive Racer but also a BC Para-Alpine Prospect Racer too.
There were about 20-25 racers and many teams competing. Some were from Grouse in Vancouver, Silver Star, the Alberta Para Alpine Ski Team and the BC Para Alpine Ski Team.
After inspecting the course it was soon time to race. The atmosphere at the top was buzzing, for some this was their first race.
I was the sixth to go and as the countdown began I knew I was ready. The course felt rhythmic with a few offset gates but crossing the finish was thrilling.
That thrill only got bigger when I won the gold!
Slalom started lower on the course and inspecting it I noticed two hairpins, two delays and one of the delays went into a royal flush.
It definitely proved to be a test of skills.
This race went faster than the day before as many teams had to hit the roads. The awards were in the Silver Star village and there I got my first gold for a slalom race.
As the teams said their farewells everyone was still glowing from the experience and some were also tired and ready to go home.
Mel Pemble attends the Podium of Life SnowSports Academy at Mt. Washington. She was diagnosed at birth with cerebral palsy which affects the right side of her body. She is unable to hold a pole in her right hand and balance and control on her right leg is is not as strong as her left.
