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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Sage Fabre-Dimsdale loves to run.

Warren Cli, left, and Sage Fabre-Dimsdale are two of the seven students from Bompas Elementary School set to compete in the cross-country championships in Behchoko on Friday. They have been training every Monday and Wednesday since the start of September by running around town. - Nathalie Heiberg-Harrison/NNSL photo

"I like feeling how fast I go. I like feeling the wind push against my face. I like that, not the winning," he said.

When prodded, the Grade 5 student at Bompas Elementary School in Fort Simpson will admit winning isn't too bad either.

Along with his friend, Warren Cli, a Grade 3 student at the school, and five other classmates, Fabre-Dimsdale will be making the long drive to Behchoko today to compete in the NWT school cross-country championships.

Elohdie Fabre-Dimsdale, Lia Fabre-Dimsdale, Roman Cli, Gabriella Hardisty-Beaverho and Etanda Hardisty-Beaverho will also represent Bompas.

Harley Batsedea, a Grade 7 student, will be the lone runner from Thomas Simpson School competing.

For Cli, it will be his first big race. He's set to compete in the two-km run, and has been practising every Monday and Wednesday with the rest of the team by running a loop around Fort Simpson.

"It's fun and easy," Cli said of the sport. It also helps him get rid of his extra energy, which his teachers will tell you he has plenty of.

Cli plans on stretching a lot before his race and warming up as well. Before practice in Fort Simpson they often warm up by playing tag and afterwards they finish with sprints, although Cli wasn't sure if they will be doing that in Behchoko as well.

Neither student said they are nervous to be competing against some of the top runners in the NWT, and said they won't be packing lucky socks or good luck charms.

"I'm not really ever nervous when I go to races," said Fabre-Dimsdale.

His goal is to come in first place, like Cli, and he said he will be especially happy if he can beat some of his friends from other schools who he said are on really good teams.

His personal best at the event is third place, and he said this will be his fifth time competing at a cross-country run.

"I'm excited to go," he said.

Val Gendron, who helped train the students, said she thinks they will do outstandingly.

"I think they'll do pretty good. They're pretty fast," she said.

"They've been very good and supportive teammates. They have very good sportsmanship, encourage each other and cheer each other on."

The Bompas Elementary cross-country team was scheduled to leave Fort Simpson at 9:30 a.m. this morning. After competing on Friday most will make the drive back in the evening, although some are staying out of town longer with their parents.

Hundreds of athletes from across the territory are expected to attend the competition on Friday.

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