As a kid growing up in southern Ontario, JoAnne Maloff loved cross-country skiing. She took part in the Jackrabbit program, which focused on the fundamentals of skiing for children. Over time she fell out of skiing, devoting her time to being a mother and running a daycare.
Last year, she decided to get back into her childhood hobby and she remembered why she enjoyed it so much all those years ago.
鈥淚 love the social [aspect of it],鈥� she said. 鈥淚 got together with the ladies here and it was such a good time.鈥�
Maloff and her friends wondered why there wasn鈥檛 a kid鈥檚 cross-country skiing club in Yorkton. She brought up the idea at Yorkton Cross-Country Ski Club meeting in November of last year. The club said if Maloff wanted to organize a kid鈥檚 club, they鈥檇 support her.
Maloff leapt at the opportunity. She attended a coaching course in Saltcoats and organized the club鈥檚 first meeting.
鈥淲e were ready to roll on Dec. 3,鈥� she said.
Maloff teaches at the Deer Park golf course. She divided the class into Bunnies (four- to seven-year-olds) and Jackrabbits (eight- to 13-year-olds). Parents join the Bunnies while they ski.
鈥淓ach [group] has taken off in their own way,鈥� Maloff said.
Maloff offers a series of obstacles and drills for the kids. Before Christmas, Maloff filled a trail with treasure bags.
鈥淚t encourages them to keep going,鈥� she said.
Stan Reed, a member of the Yorkton ski club, is a volunteer co-coach with Maloff. He says the highlight of the program is watching the kids鈥� progress.
鈥淚t鈥檚 actually been a learning experience for me,鈥� he said.
Reed complimented Maloff鈥檚 ability to get the program up and running.
鈥淸She鈥檚] a mover and a shaker,鈥� he said.
Maloff is proud of the progress her students have made. Two of her pupils, Elia and Zoe Bolme, will be competing in cross-country skiing at the upcoming Saskatchewan Winter Games in North Battleford.
Maloff is enjoying her role as a teacher, working with the kids, and learning more about skiing.
鈥淸The kids] are there because they want to be there, and that makes it fun,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e continually learning.
鈥淚t鈥檚 different every time.鈥�
Maloff has one more class for the season, scheduled for Feb. 11. Registration is $25 with a $10 optional fee to rent skis, which are limited.
People interested in registering can contact Maloff at [email protected].
