Page 11 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 146

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #146 March 2025 11

‘Livin The Dream’ Continued from page 10 are impressive. “In high school,”
she explains, “I played field hockey,
head coach for Peyton’s team and an
novelty of winter’s white coat fades to basketball, ran cross-country and
gray. assistant coach for Landyn’s Blazers track, and played rugby. I also joined
teams. This year, I will be an assistant
The economic implications of snow women’s rec soccer and ball hockey
are equally nuanced. On one hand, it is a coach again. I am also a trainer on the for fun, but I have only continued to
boon for certain industries, particularly bench for Peyton’s hockey team.” run and work out when I have the
tourism and winter sports. Canadian “I work for a non-profit organization
ski resorts draw visitors from around that hosts international high school time. I’m an avid runner and have
the globe, capitalizing on the country’s qualified for, and run, the Boston
natural snowy splendor. The Winter students. I’m the student/host Marathon three times.”
Carnival in Quebec City and Ottawa’s relationship manager, and I enjoy
Winterlude are but a few examples of meeting students from around the Leah concludes: “We are blessed to
how Canadians have turned snow into world. have a very active family who enjoys
an asset, celebrating it with festivals I also train some local hockey participating in sports and activities
By Janeen Wagemans that boost local economies. On the together. Our family has a perfect 3
other hand, the cost of managing snow teams,” Leah continues. Also, her vs 3 game!”
through infrastructure maintenance, personal athletic accomplishments
now is an integral part of Canadian
Sidentity, a dazzling yet daunting snow removal services, and public
element that both unites and divides the safety initiatives can weigh heavily on
people of this vast nation. In Canada, municipal budgets. The balance between
snow is not just a seasonal occurrence embracing snow’s economic potential
but a cultural touchstone, a subject of and mitigating its financial burdens is a
delicate one. Moreover, climate change
romanticization and ritual, grumbling
and gratitude. It is at once a picturesque is altering Canadians’ relationship
backdrop and an unpredictable force, with snow. Winters have become
shaping the Canadian way of life in less predictable, with some regions Pancake Breakfast
myriad ways. experiencing uncharacteristically mild
weather, while others face severe storms.
For many Canadians, snow is This variability affects everything & SILENT AUCTION
synonymous with beauty and nostalgia. from agricultural cycles to water
Think of snow-draped landscapes that supply, adding layers of complexity Sat March 29
transform cities and wilderness alike, to Canadian attitudes toward snow.
into winter wonderlands. Canadians take Canadians have come to accept snow’s ST. JOHNS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
pride in their snowy scenes, reminiscent dual face: it is both a cherished symbol
of classic postcards capturing the of the season and a reminder of the
serene charm of icicles dangling from pressing environmental challenges they
eaves, snow-laden pine trees, and must confront. 7AM - NOON
frozen lakes. These images prompt a
collective embrace of traditions like Ultimately, Canadians’ relationship
snowball fights, ice skating on outdoor with snow is as multifaceted as
rinks, and warm gatherings by the fire. the snowflakes themselves. It is a
In this respect, snow is a thread in the relationship that demands adaptation—
cultural fabric that draws Canadians technologically, economically,
closer together. Yet the reality of snow and emotionally. Perhaps it is this
is far from universally idyllic. Canadian adaptability that best defines the
winters can drag on for months, Canadian experience with snow, a
testing patience and resilience. For willingness to find beauty in its hardship
every enchanting snowfall, there is a and joy in its challenges. Whether
shoveling chore waiting, not to mention Canadians see it as an obstacle or an
the challenges of navigating icy roads opportunity, snow undeniably shapes all proceeds
during commutes. Snow can disrupt the national psyche, carving its way dedicated to
daily life, leading to school closures, into the collective consciousness each
flight cancellations, and an uptick in winter, one flake at a time. As the snow
accidents. For some, the endless cycle falls, so too do Canadians rise to meet Rotary Community Fundraiser -
of snow and slush is a source of seasonal the joys and trials it brings, embodying Donations greatly accepted
malaise, impacting mental health as the a spirit of resilience and appreciation
for the natural world around them.