Just a Thought by Richard Risley

Kandahar enriches young skiers, families and host community

Kandawhat? The Kandahar festival, a ski race that moves from mountain to mountain every two years, will be hosted this year and next by our own McCauley Mountain.

This year’s event takes place this weekend (February 25 and 26).

McCauley Manager Steve Uzdavinis, the Town of Webb Board and the Polar Bear Ski Club were all involved in the decision to accept the hosting honor.

The work involved is great, but the benefits are numerous.Not the least of which is the economic boon to our motels, restaurants, shops and by extension our local work force.

The fact that our winter has been so soft makes this event even more important.

The Kandahar Race, covering the J5, J4 and J3 race categories, is one of the oldest races in the state.

Skiers may, depending on their individual results, qualify for the Kandahar Champs race in Lake Placid.

“This event has always embodied some of the best aspects of ski racing, including friendly, healthy competition in a fun, family atmosphere,” says the Polar Bear / Kandahar website.

“The foundation of the original event was based on the idea of athlete development and outdoor fun. Kandahar continues to this day to promote the same purpose.”

With over 200 racers expected, this could be the largest race in McCauley history.

Over 100 local motel rooms have been reserved by skiing families, race officials and coaches for two night stays.

Planning has been ongoing since early spring. Shuttles will operate from overflow parking areas.

All hands will be on deck so facilities stay clean and welcoming.

Snowmaking crews have made sure snow is where it needs to be. T-Bar slopes are covered and ready for extra skiers.

Porta-potties are another sign of the event’s magnitude.

Grooming will be handled, as always by McCauley’s own Dave Kress. Kress works from midnight to nine in the morning so the mountain is ready for the day’s skiing. He is well known in racing circuits for his top notch and dedicated grooming.

The Polar Bears arranged for a new “Yurt”—an insulated and heated semi-permanent tent, which was built by local volunteers.

This will allow race registration to be done separate from the Chalet.

The PB’s also added wi-fi for live timing and real-time video viewing online.

This will provide unofficial race times on the spot and a great addition for family and friends who can’t be on the mountain. If all goes as planned, family and friends will be able to watch the race from anywhere. For those at McCauley, the chalet always provides free wi-fi for public use.

A 30×40 tent—carpeted, heated, tables and chairs—will give extra team space. Each racer will receive a “goodie” bag. This will truly be a race the kids remember.

This endeavor has necessitated multi-organizational cooperation with Polar Bear representative Kristie Lawrence being instrumental. All preplanning and the strong volunteer support should ensure a well-run event.

Thanks go to everyone involved. And good luck to the racers and organizers alike.

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