September 17, 2010 (Waltham, MA) – The New England Nordic Ski Association’s (NENSA) first ever Nordic Symposium kicked off this evening at the Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts. NENSA Executive Director Patrick Cote welcomed the group to the start of a weekend filled with presentations, round table discussions, networking and idea-sharing. The participants, numbering over forty, come from across the Northeast, with many schools, clubs and college ski programs represented.

Janice Sibilia, NENSA’s Competition Program Director, made the first presentation, “Athlete Development – Building Future Champions.” Sibilia outlined the progression that exists for skiers in the Northeast through which to rise, including the opportunities available at every level from J2’s up through Seniors.

Commenting on her hopes for the Symposium, Sibilia added, “I’m so excited to have such wonderful presenters willing to come and share their knowledge and experience with us. This is the first time we have done such an event. We hope the people attending this Symposium will use it as an idea exchange.”

Presenters for the weekend include Donna Smyth of Keene State College; Zach Caldwell of Caldwell Sports; Tracey Cote of Colby College; Kurt Jepson, a US Ski Team Medical provider; Sverre Caldwell of Stratton Mountain School; Patrick Casey of Holderness School and former Canadian National Team Head Coach Dave Wood, as well as NENSA staff members Cote, Sibilia and Abby Weissman.