One of the Nova Scotia athletes who will go away on Friday to compete within the Canada Winter Games in P.E.I. will signify the province in not one, however two distinct occasions.
Paige Neklia, 15, of Prospect Bay, is a cross-country skier who may also compete within the biathlon — a mix of cross-country snowboarding and taking pictures.
“I began competing in biathlon when among the different athletes have been getting back from the Canada Games again in 2019,” stated Paige Neklia, who was 11 on the time. “I heard all of their tales and I feel it may be superior for me to truly stay these tales now.”
Neklia says she’s able to see how she’ll stack up towards older, extra skilled cross-country skiers.
She’s the one Nova Scotia athlete who’s competing in two occasions. Because she shall be on the video games for each weeks of competitors, she’ll even be the one Nova Scotia athlete who shall be there for each the opening and shutting ceremonies.
“I’m excited that I’ll be there for 2 weeks as a result of I’ll get to fulfill so many new individuals,” stated Neklia.
Neklia has largely educated and competed in New Brunswick this winter, as a consequence of a light winter and lack of snow in Nova Scotia. (Peter Gadd)
But Neklia is aware of the journey shall be robust as a result of she shall be up towards some very stiff competitors.
“This will certainly be her greatest competitors thus far for certain in each biathlon and cross-country snowboarding,” stated Eric McIntyre, a cross-country ski coach in Halifax who has labored with Neklia for practically three years.
“For the period of time that we’re on snow, in comparison with athletes in Quebec and out west, we undoubtedly punch above our weight.”
A grade 10 scholar at Halifax West High School, Neklia will miss greater than two weeks of faculty whereas she’s competing in PEI.
“My lecturers are all excited for me to be going and getting the expertise,” stated Neklia, following a exercise at a cross-country ski loop arrange on the driving vary of The Links at Brunello golf membership in Timberlea. “This week, one among my lecturers was telling my complete class they usually all appeared tremendous excited for me.”
Neklia trains on the cross-country path on the driving vary at The Links at Brunello golf membership in Timberlea. (Paul Palmeter/CBC)
For Nova Scotia’s ski groups, climate has been a difficulty of their coaching. Mild temperatures for many of the winter has meant no snow within the Halifax space.
“Every single weekend since Christmas we have been in New Brunswick as a way to discover snow,” stated Neklia, who additionally performs aggressive floorball. “It’s a reasonably large dedication we have needed to make.”
Neklia says members of the cross-country ski crew have additionally been utilizing curler skis on the Chain of Lakes Trail in Halifax as a part of their preparations for the Canada Games.
More than 300 athletes and coaches will signify Nova Scotia on the video games. Several buses shall be leaving from the Canada Games Centre in Halifax on Friday.
