Biathlon P.E.I. announces expansion of youth programs

CHARLOTTETOWN - Biathlon P.E.I. has announced new initiatives for the upcoming season to promote the sport to younger people.
Last season, Biathlon P.E.I. introduced its first youth initiative with the nationally-developed Biathlon Bears' program. Targeted to young people 8 to 14 years of age, 16 young people completed the program.
Based upon the success of this first year, and with a significant investment in both equipment and coaching training, Biathlon P.E.I. plans to again offer the introductory program, in addition to a second-year program.
In total, the association expects to enroll a maximum of 30 participants over a period of eight weeks on a twice-weekly basis. Both levels of the program will operate out of the Brookvale Nordic site. A registration fee will be charged.
Participants will be introduced to the basic skills and disciplines of the sport, including rifle marksmanship (using air rifles) and cross-country skiing.
Participants in the program are asked to provide their own cross-country skis, which are available on a rental basis through Brookvale.
Registration for the program has started, but there are still places available. Interested participants should contact Bob Bentley at 964-3294, or email biathlonpei@gmail.com.

Coaching program
In October of this year, Biathlon P.E.I. hosted a Level 2 Technical Biathlon Coaching Program, with 19 participants from the three Maritime provinces. Five coaches were trained from Prince Edward Island.
In addition, this year, a number of new coaches will be trained under the Community Coaching Certification Program, as bronze- and silver-level coaches. These coaches will largely support the two levels of the Biathlon Bears' program.
In addition to the growing Biathlon Bears' program, Biathlon P.E.I. will also introduce a Learn to Ski program for those aged 8 to 12. John MacKinnon of Charlottetown will be the coach, and it will operate over a period of eight weeks on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, starting on Jan. 9 at Brookvale.
A registration fee will be charged. Participants are again asked to provide their own cross-country ski equipment, either through the rental program at Brookvale, or by supplying their own.
For more information, contact Ruth Delong at 566-2393, or email ruthdelong@eastlink.ca.
Anybody interested in volunteering for Biathlon P.E.I. programs is also asked to call Bob at the number above.