It’s been an exciting five days of racing for U14s across the Province! Warm temperatures and sunshine made conditions difficult on Day 1. Then the weather took a turn as fog and rain rolled in for the next four days. Needless to say, conditions were never perfect but the race crews and volunteers at both Osler Bluff Ski Club and Alpine Ski Club worked wonders to ensure full coverage and fair race courses.

The first two days of racing saw Osler Bluff Ski Club host two Giant Slalom events. Unfortunately weather forced race organizers to switch the format of Day 3’s races from a Super G to two sprint Giant Slaloms. Nonetheless, all of the competitors had a great time and wrapped up the five days of racing with two days of Slalom at Alpine Ski Club.

At the end of five days the ladies champion was clearly decided – Elizabeth Sullivan won both Giant Slalom races and both Slaloms and was crowned Ontario’s 2016 Mackenzie Investments U14 Ladies Provincial Champion. On the men’s side Griffen Hanson pulled out a victory in the GS but had a tough day on Day 1 of the Slalom races. He managed to climb back on the second day of the Slalom and earn the necessary points to secure the overall victory. Griffen Hanson is the 2016 Mackenzie Investments U14 Men’s Provincial Champion.

“Even though the conditions weren’t ideal I think Alpine Ontario and all the volunteers did a great job putting on the U14 Provincials,” said U14 Men’s Provincial Champion Griffen Hanson. “It was a lot of fun to ski against the top kids in the province.”

“The weather wasn’t great but it started sunny and ended sunny,” said U14 Provincial Champion Elizabeth (Bessie) Sullivan. “The coaches and volunteers did a great job making sure the conditions and courses were safe and fair for everyone. I’m really looking forward to representing Ontario at Can-Ams in a couple of weeks!”

U14 Athletes are now preparing for U14 Can-Ams starting on March 25th in Sugarloaf, Maine.