Young jumpers take first flights at SWSA camp

SALISBURY — Some of the area’s most adventurous children convened at the Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s (SWSA) annual ski jump camp, which was held Dec. 27 and 28 at Satre Hill. Standing by to teach and assist the kids were SWSA President Ken Barker; jumper Julian Holland of Falls Village, who jumped and competed for many years with the program; and other SWSA members.

The two-day camp was attended by about 26 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 13, who represented all levels of experience. Some had jumped before, and some were still learning downhill ski technique.

The first day of the camp was focused on skiing down the landing slope without going off the jump. By the second day, most of the skiers were flying off the jump as if they had been doing it their entire lives.

“Many started off riding the landing hill and crashing every time. By the end of the second day, they were going off the jump,†Barker said.

The children were extremely supportive of each other and shouted encouragement to their friends. And they continually asked the coaches what they had done wrong and how they could improve.

Holland pointed out that many jumpers begin on Alpine skis and later switch to jumping skis. At first, many of them struggle with the new skis and some ask to go back to their old skis. They all, however, end up working through the difficulties.

“It’s really exciting to watch them embrace the jumping skis and progress to a more forward flight,†he said.

This year, SWSA hosts the 2011 Junior Olympics ski jumping competition between Feb. 22 and 26. Roughly two weeks prior to the Junior Olympics will be Salisbury’s own Jumpfest Weekend, Feb. 11 to 13.

Volunteers are needed to help with the competitions; and jumpers will train and compete  throughout the winter.

For more information or to register, contact Barker at 860-806-0471 or by e-mail at kennethsbarker@gmail.com. Visit the SWSA websites at jumpfest.org and teamswsa.blogspot.com.

Latest News

Legislation targets wetland regulations

SALISBURY — Raised Bill No. 7174 was proposed earlier this year in Hartford as a series of amendments to the state’s existing laws surrounding protections of wetlands, rivers and streams. It has since passed through the state’s Environmental Committee and currently awaits a General Assembly vote.

Salisbury resident Bruce Palmer warned the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC) during its April 14 meeting to familiarize itself with the bill, suggesting it could significantly affect the commission by altering its jurisdiction on property adjacent to lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, known as the upland review area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Falls Village approves new members to rec commission

FALLS VILLAGE — At the Board of Selectmen’s regular monthly meeting Monday, April 14, the selectmen appointed Chris Wadsworth and Matt Gallagher to the Recreation Commission as regular members to fill the vacancies of Rachel Mills and Daniel Glass.

Fire Chief Matt Hansen reported that the Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department will be participating in a Jamboree event at Lime Rock Park June 27 to 28. The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department will be at the Emergency Services Center to cover any calls.

Keep ReadingShow less
Salisbury Central School second trimester honor roll

SALISBURY — The second trimester honor roll for the 2024-25 school year at Salisbury Central School was released last week.

Eighth Grade

Highest Honors

Keep ReadingShow less
Grumbling Gryphons gear up for summer

Last summer, Grumbling Gryphons performed “The Snow Queen.”

Provided

CORNWALL — A summer of theatrical events awaits at Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children’s Theater.

On Tuesday, June 3, at 1:30 p.m. the student body at Cornwall Consolidated School will take part and perform an original production of “The Ghost Net: An Environmental Musical of The Sea.” This production is dedicated to protecting marine life and highlights the dangers of ocean pollution and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Keep ReadingShow less