by Cross Country Nova Scotia Staff, July 11, 2020
Cross Country Nova Scotia is pleased to announce Halifax Nordic Ski Club’s Fiona McClure as the recipient of the 2020 Support4Sport Junior Female Athlete of the Year Award. The CCNS high performance committee determines the recipient, by calculating the highest point standing accumulated by a female provincial team member on the Canada Points List.
Fiona is a member of Halifax Nordic Ski Club, which offers six groomed trail systems – including snowmaking and lighting to support night-skiing at The Links at Brunello. As a provincial ski team member, Fiona trains at her home club with support from coaches including provincial ski team alumni, Kris Doyon. Additionally, McClure participates in training camps held year-round alongside fellow provincial team-mates and head coach Daniel Murray. In 2020, McClure travelled to races held in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
“Fiona competed at the pre-Christmas Candy Cane Cup in Gatineau, QC, a central location attracting elite skiers from Ontario and Quebec and even New England. She placed 21st in a highly competitive field fo 42. The event is part of the NORAM Cup national points series race. Fiona’s performance reflected her strong training attitude. Before the Gatineau competition, Nova Scotia had not experienced sufficient snowfalls to facilitate effective training on skis.”
DANIEL MURRAY | HEAD COACH | NS PROVINCIAL TEAM
McClure’s training continues as she was named to the 2020-2021 provincial ski team. The provincial team program encourages athletes to take on leadership roles within their training environment and the greater cross-country ski community. Throughout the 2019-2020 season, McClure and fellow team-mate Grace McIntyre, volunteered to teach weekly evening ski lessons to Halifax Nordic Ski Club’s young participants, at The Links at Brunello. As the most senior female athlete on this year’s team, McClure will continue to take on leadership roles within the group.
Provincial team athletes commit to act as ambassadors within the cross-country ski community. During provincial championships team athletes were observed supporting young skiers by cheering them on, presenting their medals, and giving them big high-fives.
Nine able-bodied skiers and one para-nordic skier are a part of the provincial ski team this year. Coach Daniel Murray is leading the able bodied program and Lilla Roy is coaching the para-nordic athlete. The team initiated the season by participating in online training sessions and will continue training regularly – as a group and independently, throughout the year.
We’re proud of all our athletes and volunteers demonstrating excellence in our sport. Take a peek at our historic recipients.
On behalf of the CCNS board of directors, Support4Sport, and the cross-country ski community we extend our heartfelt congratulations on this achievement. Wishing you every success in your cross-country ski training for the upcoming season.
Photos
Click on the photos below to view the full size images of our provincial team.
Cross Country Nova Scotia 