January 28, 2014 (Ottawa, ON) – My name is Mark Rajack and I am a first-generation Canadian born in Trinidad and Tobago, living in Ottawa. I also am the only active skier for the Trinidad and Tobago National Cross-Country Ski Team.

Mark Rajack is the sole member of the Trinidad and Tobago XC Ski Team © Dave McMahon/XC Zone

The story of how I came to represent Trinidad and Tobago as a Nordic skier is a phenomenon of our uniquely Canadian values. I have realized that in this country, no matter where you are from, or who you are, or what you practice, you are protected and accepted by our charter and are fully included in society. It is through this full inclusion and the accepting and helpful nature of people in my community that I, an immigrant with no culture of winter sport, was introduced and taught to cross-country ski on the trails of Gatineau Park, where I took full advantage of this opportunity.

Cross-country skiing has radically changed my life for the better. Winter was, until recently, an inescapable barrier to enjoying life; it still remains so for many people living in Canada and is especially true for new immigrants trying to cope with the cold. This sport has provided me with a full-spectrum appreciation for winter and it has since become my favourite season. Further to this, it  has also given me a fitness level I have never before experienced as well as provided me with a wonderful social network of friends to enjoy the sport and to socialize with.

Mark Rajack skis with his Canadian teammates. © Dave McMahon/XC Zone

My hard work and dedication to this sport was recognized by the premier racing team in our city, XC Ottawa (www.xcottawa.ca) – the team to some of our best skiers in the country. Part of their mission statement is to “work to develop athletes for national and international competition”. As such, they have brought me on board to train with them in order for me to develop my racing abilities. I am now well on my way to racing competitively at the 2015 World Ski Championships, representing Trinidad and Tobago. The team has also set out a 4-year plan for me to attempt to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics, my ultimate goal.

Personal ambitions aside, I hope to extended the massive benefits I have experienced skiing to other new Canadians by promoting and developing Nordic skiing in their communities, to raise their collective quality of life through sport, gaining an appreciation of winter and hopefully, to ease their transition into Canadian society – as it did for me.

I have already started work at the local level, with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa and one of our local ski clubs to recruit new and young skiers, giving them the best of what this city and country have to offer. A recent success in my attempt to grow the sport, includes convincing The Cyclery, a local ski and bike shop, to offer anyone holding a valid passport from any country with no historical culture of winter sport, a 15% discount on cross country ski equipment.

Mark Rajack with his Canadian teammates. © Dave McMahon/XC Zone

I feel this is great opportunity to export what XC Ottawa has done with me across North America. We can raise greater awareness of the sport we love so much and hopefully set a precedent to be followed by many other ski clubs/teams. I also hope that other ski shops will offer incentives to help grow the sport, as the Cyclery has done, by offering their club discount to anyone possessing a passport from a country with no historical culture of winter sport.

My status as the Trinidad and Tobago ski team is not one of an individual’s effort. The wonderful ski community we have here has really stepped-up to help me across the region. XC Zone’s Natural Fitness Lab, Nakkertok and Mike Vieira, CCC’s manager of coaching development have all been instrumental in my development with as a skier with XC Ottawa.

CTV clip on Mark here.