Young skiers from across Ontario will take to the slopes north of the Sault this week in an annual race named after a local ski legend.
The Searchmont Ski Runners, in partnership with Searchmont Resort, will be welcoming U12, U14, U16, and U18 racers competing in the Ontario Cup Mealey Classic from Thursday to Sunday, Jan. 19 to 22.
Competitors will participate in slalom, giant slalom, and Super G events. Competitors will also have the opportunity to attend the Mealey Speed Camp taking place Monday to Wednesday (Jan. 16 to 18) in preparation for the races.
The Mealey Classic is an annual event named after local ski legend and Sault Ste. Marie Sports Hall of Fame inductee Brian Mealey, who coached the alpine program for more than 40 years.
Searchmont Ski Runners is a registered not-for-profit that develops and administers alpine ski race programs for youth age 5 to 18. The club’s dedicated athletes train both on and off the hill to gain the skills and experience needed to compete at the OCUP level, the organization said in a news release.
SSR sent out a thank you to volunteers, sponsors and community partners who help make the event possible: Wishart Law Firm, McDougall Energy, FYidoctors, Fit Bodies Fit Minds, GFL, Floreani, O’Toole and Dool, Great Lakes Honda, Quattro Hotel, Martineau Masonry, Searchmont Resort, Village Media and ON/NOD.
Searchmont Resort will be open to the public during the races, giving visitors an opportunity to watch the participants while enjoying a great day on the hill.
For daily updates on the Mealey Camp and Mealey Classic, you can follow on Instagram @searchmont_ski_runners and Facebook @Searchmont Ski Runners.