Ferris prepares to represent Yukon at Para Nordics

Ramesh Ferris had never been on a sit-ski before November, but already he is off to represent the Yukon at a Para Nordic event in Canmore, Alta.

Ramesh Ferris had never been on a sit-ski before November, but already he is off to represent the Yukon at a Para Nordic event in Canmore, Alta.

After being contacted by the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, Ferris has had the opportunity to get out and try the ski discipline, and has been enjoying his time so far.

“They have been interested in starting up a sit-skiing program in the Yukon,” Ferris said.

The club borrowed sit-ski equipment from a cross country ski club in Saskatchewan for the season to see if it would be a viable sport for Whitehorse.

Ferris is the first to try out the equipment, and has so far been enjoying the chance to participate in a winter sport.

“To me it’s very liberating,” said Ferris, who traveled across the country last year to raise awareness of polio. “I’ve never been involved ina winter sport.”

While Ferris isn’t expecting to win in the Para Nordic Championships, he is hoping to see where he is next to the other athletes.

“This is a developmental competition to see where I rank and where I need to develop to,” Ferris said.

At the competition in Canmore, Ferris will have the opportunity to ski alongside Paralympians getting ready for the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver next month.

“I’m just looking forward to meeting other athletes,” Ferris said. “It’s very inspiring to see how other people have overcome their obstacles.”

With the pressure off to bring home medals, Ferris hopes to learn from the athletes and coaches that will be in Canmore.

“I’ll be able to really ask a lot of crucial questions of these athletes and coaches,” he said.

Already Ferris is looking ahead to the 2014 Paralympic Games.

“I hope to one day put Yukon on the map for Paralympics,” Ferris said.

Ferris will next be eligible for the 2014 games, but says there is a lot of work that needs to be done before then.

“Obviously there are many milestones that will need to be achieved,” he said.

The ski club is hoping to develop the sit ski program into a more public opportunity.

“It’s pretty neat to watch,” Ferris said. “The whole idea is to create more public awareness. Sit-skiing will be a public program.”

Ferris is happy with the support he has received from the ski club so far.

“It’s wonderful to receive so much support.”