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Saturday, February 16, 2019 | Your community newspaper since 1916

CITIZEN PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

Team Canada members watch the fireworks – part of the opening ceremony of the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships – from Canada Games Plaza on Friday night.

Prince George welcomes the world Para Nordic championships kick off with opening ceremony Frank PEEBLES Citizen staff fpeebles@pgcitizen.ca

ith the throb of hand drums, the thunder of fireworks, and the warmth of open arms, the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships were officially declared underway. The Prince George Conference and Civic Centre was getting a dusting of snow as the ribbon was cut, to overlay the first time a

world sporting event has ever been hosted on Lheidli T’enneh territory. The Khast’an Drummers, led by Ann Bozoki, performed a thousand-year-old song about a canoe that metaphorically brings people together after times away, then a modern Aboriginal song about how water is used in the movement of people. The beat of the drums gave a primal connection to the ultra-modern advent of para-sports. The founding chair of the International Paralympic Committee, Robert Steadward, a Canadian and visionary sport diplomat, was on hand in Prince George to celebrate the event opening, and this coming together

of people on water – frozen water. On stage, Steadward said that some of the athletes, coaches, judges and other officials in the room would remember past Paralympic events, and if they were there for the Vancouver Games in 2010, they were in for a similar splendid experience in the welcoming hands of a British Columbia host city. He also told Prince George that they, too, were in for a treat. “A whole new generation of fans will witness para-sports for the first time,” and how, in 10 days time, it would forever change their view of human capabilities. He also declared “the facilities and snow condi-

tions are world class.” A skier from the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, Sage Bialuski, got a moment on stage as well. It was explained by master of ceremonies Randy Ferguson (a veteran host and broadcaster of several Olympic and Paralympic events) that she suffered severe injuries when a car struck her while training, and it took her three years to rehabilitate. Bialuski, 20, is also an aspiring singer-songwriter. She sang her original song, Know My Name, the official theme song of the Prince George championships, as a message of perseverance and inspiration. — see ‘WE ARE SO PROUD, page 3

Barkerville opening its gates for winter fun Frank PEEBLES Citizen staff It doesn’t happen often, but for one day, the main street of Barkerville will be open for wintertime fun. A whole menu of activities and events will warm the wintery jewel of the Cariboo. The National Historic Site is typically only open from spring through fall, but this long weekend is an exception. “This Family Day, Barkerville’s historic Main Street will come alive for one day only,” said a statement from the historic town’s operators. “Come out for the weekend. The Barkerville Cafe and Gift Store

Today’s Weather Hi -15° Low -21° See page 2 for more details and short-term forecasts

LOCAL HOROSCOPE NEWS OPINION TRAVEL SPORTS A&E

Cafe, Barkerville’s Shamrock Tube Run, and select museum exhibits will be open Saturday and Sunday too. Join us Sunday evening for Night Tubing on the Shamrock Tube Run until 7 p.m.” On Monday the big fun really snowballs. The day includes many of Barkerville’s best known characters, heritage games, museum exhibitions, live interpretations, and a free hot dog roast. In fact, the whole park is free to visit and the tube run has cut its lift passes to half cost. What’s open on Monday (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

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CROSSWORD COMICS WORKLIFE AT HOME CLASSIFIEDS MONEY RELIGION

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• Miss Wendle is back. Stop into the Williams Creek School for a visit. • Mr. Hankin is back in the Cameron & Ames Blacksmith Shop. See him at work. • Order hot drinks and home-cooked meals from the Barkerville Cafe. • Slide down the Shamrock Tube Run with 50 per cent off lift passes. • Grab a free hot dog from the Barkerville Cafe and roast it on the bonfire. • The Nicol Hotel, Barkerville Hotel, and Lee Chong Co., exhibits will be open for viewing. Special performances • 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.: Justice Brew

Take a ride in Sedona

hosts an Early Justice Interpretation in the Methodist Church. • 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Mr. Bowron hosts Heritage Games in The Clearing. • 1:30 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.: Mr. Grimsby hosts Amazing Tales from the Goldrush Trail in the Barkerville Schoolhouse. • 2 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.: Miss Wilson hosts a Town Tour (meeting at the Pavilion). • 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.: Mrs. Kibbee hosts a Chinatown Tour (meeting at the Lung Duck Tong). • 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Mr. Grimsby hosts Amazing Tales from the Goldrush Trail in the Barkerville Schoolhouse.

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