Eritrean Community Association of Edmonton (ECAE), Held its Annual Ski Trip Children and Youth

by Lwam Haile

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 the Eritrean Community Association of Edmonton (ECAE), held its annual ski trip. As usual a lot of children and youth came out to enjoy this much anticipated day of skiing at Snow Valley Ski Lodge (just located off of the Whitemud Freeway at 119 Street, in Rainbow Valley).

The act of attaching planks to your feet and sliding down snow-covered slopes, is not a new practice for Edmontonians. In fact, it has been a tradition that has existed for almost a century in this area. Skiing is a popular sport among Canadians, as Canada has been been endowed with the beautiful natural landscape, and (unfortunately) the cold weather to support this type of sport. Hence why the ECAE deemed it fitting to spend the Family Day long weekend to enjoy this activity.

The youngsters came bundled up, prepared for the cold and windy weather, and headed straight for the slopes after picking up their rental equipment. They went up, and skied down the hills with many breaks in between, to warm up with hot beverages in the chalet. Snow Valley caters to mostly beginner and intermediate skiers, offering a variety of hills for different skill levels. It was a great time, as many of the kids faced their fears  and tested their abilities by going down the chairlifts and magic carpets!

Many thanks goes out to those who participated and organized the event. Of course the biggest thanks goes to the parents who stood in the cold to assist the little ones in skiing down. Many of the children who came out to enjoy the event were students of the heritage language program however, it is important to emphasize that this program is not restricted to only them. We hope to see more kids participate next year… and who knows we may even foster the next olympian with the likes of Shannon-Ogbani Abeda!