January 27, 2016 – The principal of an Alberta First Nation school is singing the praises of a cross-country skiing program that was expanded this week by retired Olympian Beckie Scott. “We want them to become the best learners they can and part of that is being physically active,” said Jeff Horvath, principal at Tsuut’ina First Nation High School. “We want healthy young people in our communities and cross country skiing being one of the best exercises you can do, I think it will only benefit our young people.”

Tsuut’ina First Nation High School were given to a chance to cross country ski, some for the first time © Evelyne Asselin/CBC

This week two-time Olympic cross country ski medallist Beckie Scott brought the Ski Fit North Alberta program to the school, the 18th one to sign up for the program.

Ski Fit North Alberta brings cross country skiing equipment to aboriginal schools across the province. The program was developed by Cross Country Canada and Cross Country Alberta and receives corporate sponsorship.

Scott says the list of benefits is lengthy – read more here.

Beckie Scott with SFN kids © CCC