November 26, 2009 (Sovereign Lake, BC) – The first ‘on snow’ training course happened at Sovereign Saturday and Sunday. Instructors came from Western Canada to learn advanced coaching skills from qualified BC coach, and NCCP facilitator Chris Manhard, assisted by Olympian and Foothills Nordic coach, Chris Jeffries.

The course was held was to certify coaches to effectively coach 10 to 15 year old athletes intermediate and advanced skating and classic techniques. This is the first time that this course has been offered for cross-country skiing under the National Coaching Certification Program’s new competency based system.

Success of the course was due to the coaches sharing valuable experience and insight and fantastic ski conditions at Sovereign Lake this weekend. Three coaches from Sovereign, Marta Green, Darren Derochie and Bruce Sandilands attended and are looking forward to putting their skills to use in the upcoming season.

The other course was a Community Coaching workshop taught by Donna Flatman of Salmon Arm. Coaches were taught drills which make skiing fun for Kids in the Jackrabbit Programs. Congratulations to Paul Hardy, Karl Podolski, Michael Robinson, Erik Wikjord, David Harbocian and Allison Dodds on successful completion of the course.

“The school kids and Jackrabbits will love the new games we learned,” said Allison Dodds. For more on Sovereign Lake visit www.sovereignlake.com.