In picture-perfect surroundings at Larch Hills Friday, nearly 400 children embraced their inner pirate to take part in the annual Pirate Loppet.
The event was the culmination of several weeks of PE ski practice for hundreds of students who had been training at school and with local volunteer ski club members for the four-kilometre event.
The Pirate Loppet is open to students in grades three through seven, to encourage skiing as a healthy, active, lifelong experience.
From seasoned skiers to some relatively new to the sport, children from Sicamous, Revelstoke, Tappen, Sorrento, Armstrong, Enderby and Salmon Arm came out to enjoy “the best day ever,” as one thrilled young skier declared.
Many students arrived mustachioed and in costume.
Best Costume prizes went to Simon Blackie of Revelstoke, Beth Granstrom of Revelstoke, Aurah Magnien from Shuswap Middle School, Maggie Beckner of Bastion Elementary, Matt Berke from Hillcrest Elemtary, Maggie Rodwell of Bastion Elementary and Chantel Jeffrey of Sorrento.
The community atmosphere was enhanced by the participation of superintendent of schools Dave Witt, the Shuswap Lady Striders who served a post-event hot lunch, the pirate-garbed registrars and course marshals who directed, encouraged and entertained the young people and the many businesses and organizations which donated hundreds of dollars, time, equipment and draw prizes.
Announcer Cap’n Tom, in full pirate regalia, entertained with pirate banter and a vast repertoire of pirate jokes.
Money raised from the event is donated back to local schools to assist them in the purchase of x-country ski equipment for further expansion of ski programs.
