INUVIK
It's not every day someone gets a chance to work with up-and-coming athletes who are knocking on the doors of Canada's national Nordic ski team.
Ruth Hanthorn, a member of the Arctic Nordic ski team was in Inuvik last week working with East Three students at a ski clinic. Hanthorn spent May 8 working with East Three students on skiing basics, including helping Grade 1 student Endre Novak. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo
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Fort McPherson's Annah and Ruth Hanthorn spent May 6 to 9 working with students from East Three at a ski clinic held at the Inuvik Ski Club.
That's largely due to the influence of gym teacher and avid skier Dave Halpine, who has invited the Hanthorns every year.
"It's the second or third year doing this for the elementary students," Halpine said. "It's been a funny year, since the first time we tried it, it was too cold. We lasted a day and then the wind-chill cut us off. We had to wait to mid-May to reschedule.
"From all accounts it's been very successful and the kids have really enjoyed it," he said. "There's been a lot of happy teachers and students as a result of these young ladies coaching for the week."
Annah was nursing a sprained knee, sustained while playing soccer, while Ruth handled more of the field demonstrations.
She smiled when a reporter challenged her to a race, and laughed out loud when Halpine said she would likely still win.
"She's an incredible athlete," he said.
Working with children
Ruth said the pair has grown comfortable working with children over the years as their success has grown. That's likely because they come from a family of 10 siblings, with several younger brothers and sisters.
"We've helped out at our own ski club with the kids and we've been helping my mom with kids, helping them get up and down the hills," she said. "We did take a coaching course earlier in the year, so we're using what we've learned there coming here."
"We're playing some games and having fun in the sun," Annah added.
Ruth gave Grade 1 student Endre Novak some special attention May 9 and it showed.
"It was fun," Novak said. "I really liked going down the hill."
On May 9 the sisters were concentrating on the basics, such as how to climb hills and then ski down. They were also demonstrating how to get back up after you fall.
"I think it's a little more difficult for the younger kids, obviously," said Ruth. "But they definitely enjoy it. Some of them have been saying they want to stay longer."
"They're doing well," Annah added. "It's kind of fun watching them learn through some trial and error. You just keep trying until you succeed. Then the Grades 4 to 6 just take off and go. It's good to see."
The duo had some practical advice for anyone wanting to become a good skier.
"Sharon Firth told us the secret is in training," Annah said, referring to the famed skier from the Beaufort Delta. "Just a lot of being outdoors."
That left out such other needed attributes as co-ordination, balance and general fitness, considerations that can challenge many not-so-gifted people. They smiled again at that suggestion.
"That's why it's such great exercise," Ruth said.
They said their mother has been a primary coach for them over the years, and attributed much of their success to her assistance.
