THUNDER BAY – Justin Campbell isn’t taking the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Winter Games lightly.
In fact, he’s enlisted the help of some of Nordic skiing’s top up-and-coming athletes to help him train for the competition, which takes place in Thunder Bay from Feb. 25 to Feb. 29.
Campbell regularly spends training time with members of the National Development Training Centre – Thunder Bay team, looking for advice on how to get better, but more importantly, just having a great time on the trails with fellow high-calibre athletes.
“I like it, because cross-country skiing is good for me,” said Campbell, who takes part in classic-style skiing when he’s competing.
It’s been tough waiting for the Games to arrive, and he said he hopes the final two weeks fly by so he can put all his training to the test.
“It’s going to be a fun time,” Campbell said.
NTDC’s Graham Ritchie was one of four skiers who took Campbell out on the trails at Kamview Nordic Centre this past Sunday.
Ritchie, who along with teammate Pierre Grall recently qualified for the upcoming World Under 23 Championships, said it’s a fun way to be out skiing, without a lot of the pressure that comes with competing at an elite level.
“I think it’s super important to get out with everyone and get the whole community involved. It’s a nice day for it too and it’s a fun experience for everyone,” Ritchie said.
“I think it’s super important for (the Special Olympians) to get out and ski with other athletes, who share the same passion, for sure.”
Grall said skiing has made such a difference in his own life that he’s glad to be able to give back.
“I think it’s really special to help the whole community and really just share a great, fun time skiing in the sun. It promotes our sport in a positive way and it’s really great for everybody,” Grall said.
He’s there to help however he can, Grall added.
“Just to be there to answer their questions, if they have questions about courses, how to pace a race, how to ski in a track, out of a track – whatever they’re looking for,” he said.
The FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Championships will take place in Oberwiesenthal, Germany, starting on Feb. 28.
