Cross-country skit WITH THE early -blanket of snow on North Shore mountains, local cross- country ski programs are shifting into high gear. By Eric Malin Contributing Writer West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Ridge provides the focal point for cross-country skiing in the Lower Mainland. In addition to its regu- lar ski-school programs, two na- tionally based cross-country = ski programs — run by volunteers — are offered. Today, more and more people are aware of the benefits of am ac- tive and healthy lifestyle, and cross-country skiing continues to grow in popularity. It provides an excellent way to stay in shape, with the added benefit of enjoying the great outdoors during the winter months. The Jackrabbit program, named after ski pioneer Jackrabbit Johannsen, is designed for children between the ages of eight and 13. The program is in its 10th year on Hollyburn Ridge and is struc- tured to introduce skiing tech- niques and concepts of fitness and nutrition. An awards program motivates children to improve their skill, speed and distances. Each area allows children to measure their progress and to experience the satisfaction of earning badges for newly acquired skills. Participation is the key objec- tive of the Jackrabbit program, and ail participants are encourag- ed to get involved at their own level of interest and expertise. The program consists of six Saturday and Sunday sessions starting Jan. 23. Previous skiing experience is recommended, and non-skiers should take an introductory lesson with the Hollyburn Ridge ski school prior to registering. Jackrabbit Jeaders are generally Wednesday, Decembe. ne perk 17 ng gaining ground fod Shes it) NEWS phoio Paul McGrath HOLLYBURN RIDGE cross-country coach Bill Cooper (left) instructs Kate Moss (centre) and Wendy Malin on the skating technique as part of the Hollyburn Ridge Chailenge program for young skiers. parent volunteers and do not have to possess advanced skiing skill, just a willingness to motivate children to experience and enjoy the sport of cross-country skiing. A leader course is provided to orient volunteers to the program. The Challenge Ski program is geared to graduates from the Jackrabbiz program and skiers 12 to 18 years of age with a mini- mum of one year’s skiing experi- ence. Arv Olson unveils NEVER IN the history of the book industry has there been an unveiling like it...nor, I’m sure, will there ever be. The scene unfolded a week ago yesterday at Point Grey Golf and Country Cluo. - During his 36 years as a reporter for the Vancouver Sun, Arv Olson had attended too many news conferences to count. But never had he been in a position where he would host his own. Olson, born in Winnipeg bul raised in North Vancouver siuce he was in grade school, had in- vited friends from the media and golfing fraternity to help celebrate the launching of his bouk “Backspin...400 years of golf in British Columbia". The project was 2% years in the making — the time it took Olson to complete his research dating back one century before recording his findings in 335 charming pages of editorial content complemented by ‘150 photographs that introduce -the reader to the pioneers of golf in B.C. up to present swingers such as Dave Barr, Richard Zokel and Doug Roxburgh. Oison couldn’t find a publisher he could live with financially, so he took out a mortgage on his North Van home and published it himself. He was appalled to learn what distributors demanded in fees, so he opted to distribute it himself by personally delivering copies to golf pro shops throughout the pro- vince. Originally, Olson’s plan was to dispense of roughly 10 com- plimentary editions of his book to those in attendance at the faun- ching party. He figured he’d hand them out to a select few in the media in return for print or elec- tronic reviews. Can’t blame a guy for trying, right? The book sells for $29.95, the pro shops receive $9 per sale, $1 is being donated to the B.C. Golf Museum and the printing cost (per This program is starting its fourth. year on Hollyburn Ridge and provides skill development in both competitive and recreational skiing in a fun and team-oriented atmosphere. A variety of group - activities, fitness and leadership oppor- tunities combine to make an ex- citing program for youth. The Challenge Ski program consists of 10 Wednesday evening sessions. The program started on Dec. 9 and emphasizes skill devel- opment, technique improvements and fitness instruction. Recreation skiing will be the theme for five Sunday morning sessions starting on Jan. 17. The particpants will be able to practise Orienteering on skis, learn telemarking, help to run a ski race and participate in some fun events with the Jackrabbits. In addition, everyone will have the opportunity to-qualify for the _ tors or B.C. Winter Games, which are scheduled to be held from Feb. 25 to 28 in Kitimat. Challenge coaches possess technical expertise and most aré certified with the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instruc- through the National Coaching Certification Program. To register for these programs, or for more information, call the Hollyburn Ridge Cross-Country Ski School at 922-0825. new book Backspin in style 5 Ao Paes GOAL LINES book) evaluaies to roughly $12. There isn’t a whole lot of profit margin left for the author/ publisher/distributor. Olsen took one look around the room and decided everybody should be given a free copy. Fortunately, his son Glen — a professional roofer — was work- ing on a job in the Point Grey neighborhaod and had dropped by, at the invitation of his dad, to take part in the unveiling ceremo- nies. : Young Glen was sent out in his work clothes to retrieve an addi- tional 60 copies of Packspin from the trunk of his daa’s car. “What the heti?”? Arv reasoned. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment!”’ Glen's grandfather, Ole, was in attendance, too. A former television actor in commercials, the 82-year-old senior Mr. Oison simply blushed when his son —- the host — in- troduced him. It was a proud, happy time for the Olson clan. tn his printed acknow!- edgements prior to Chapter 1, Arv writes: “‘} am indebted to many people for their assistance and en- couragement in writing this book. I'm hesitant to name anyone in fear of omitting one of them. “But this book would still be a vision without the faithful support of my wife and best friend, Alice.” His ‘‘best friend’’ wasn’t on the premises last week, and she later told me why. “I could have arranged to be there,"” she said, ‘tbut this was Arv’s moment and I didn’t want him to be any more nervous than he was with me being in the room. For his Dad and his son to be there was enough of a thrill for me. {’m very proud of what he’s done.”’ The only ‘‘downer’’ of the afternoon was actually funny, to hear Arv describe it. “What I didn’t realize,” tie said later, ‘‘was that the 70 people with a book all wanted them indi- vidually autographed! My fingers are still aching!’ As was mentioned in the outset, folks, never in the history of the book industry has there been an unveiling like it...nor will there ever be.