Review-Mirror

•Continued from page 1 the one K oval in time for a 9 a.m. race start. While the family day weekend seemed ideal with the public more at leisure to participate, mov- ing the event is not some- thing Skate the Lake chair John Bongers doesn't think could be considered for the future. "The later in the winter the more risk we have of not having it," said Bongers who had another simple truth. "Some year it's not going to happen because of the weather. That's how a weather dependent event works," he said. The two-day event and the arrival of the Dutch brought extra preparation. Plans were made for the visit a year and a half ago when Bongers and Skate the Lake founder Marco Smits met with Dutch organizer Toine Dorelei- jers in Portland who was ultimately pleased with the event. "It was a pleasure and an honor to "skate the lake" on the Rideau. All Dutch participants were very enthusiastic about the day. They felt really wel- come in Portland. Also they were happy with the good ice. It must have been a challenge for you to prepare it, but it worked out very well," wrote Dorleijers to orga- nizers. The Dutch skaters and their companions weren't the only Dutch on the ice on Saturday. "I think there was a lot of the older Dutch com- munity that came out to see them. They were happy to see a large Dutch contingent participating in our event. The amount of the public over the last two days was tremendous" said Bongers. One member of the Portland community that was notably absent was Marco Smits, who was at the Olympics working for NBC as a skating analyst. A telephone link on Sun- day morning had him start the first race by phone from Korea. "There was a lot of extra preparation. We real- ly wanted to make sure that we put on a good impression for this area," said Ken Maxwell, the registration chair who's the first point of contact for many skaters. Some things got spruced up this year including a new start fin- ish which was designed and built by Frank Qua- trocci out of telephone antennas. Two of the new garage shelters served as change stations and a third served as the 'skate-up' food and beverage station for the 100 K race. Bongers said this year's even required more finan- cial resources with a $4000 bill for the Olympia ice resurfacer and another $1000 for the garage shel- ters. Two participants who may have noted the changes were Sergio Almeralla, 41 and Guy- laine Larouche, 59 who have been long time win- ners at the event led the 100K on Saturday and the 25K race on Sunday. "For the most part all of our regulars were there," said Maxwell who enjoys the year to year contact with skaters who have made Skate the Lake part of their calendar. He noted that besides the Dutch, skaters also travelled from Vermont, California, Illinois and Michigan to participate. Skaters didn't travel far for the shorter races which had good local participa- tion in the 5, 10, kids 5 and relay events. Maxwell and his wife Marcia are among 40 or more volunteers who make the event possible plus the sponsors. "I couldn't ask any more from our communi- ty. They are into this heart and soul. It's just so neat to be part of an event that everyone enjoys putting on," said Bongers. The Review-Mirror February 22, 2018 – 16 Above, a happy group of skaters, volunteers and dignitaries kick off Skate the Lake on Saturday. At right, A group of Dutch skaters in the 100k on Saturday. Photos by Garth Gullekson for the Netherlands Embassy, Ottawa Skate the Lake to return to January Rideau Valley Guide Your Complimentary Annual Guide to Events, Attractions and Services in the Rideau Lakes Region 2017-18 Published by The Review-Mirror in cooperation with Westport and Rideau Lakes Chamber of Commerce An affordable opportunity to reach visitors and local consumers throughout the area and beyond. Distributed to hotels, motels, Rideau Canal locks, liquor/beer outlets, bait & tackle shops, grocery stores, restaurants, municipal offices, tourist information outlets and The Review-Mirror. For more information call Bill Ritchie at 1-800-387-0796 or 273-8000 advertising@review-mirror.com • 43 Bedford St., Box 130, Westport, ON K0G 1X0 Rideau Valley Guide 2018-19 Mirror The Review Published by The Review-Mirror in co-operation with The Westport & Rideau Lakes Chamber of Commerce Deadline April 13, 2018 No time to cook? Homemade comfort food made with the freshest quality ingredients •Single-serve frozen meals • Lots of variety Generous portions • Thaw, Heat & Serve Soho's 43 Bedford St., Westport (beside The Review-Mirror) 613-273-8848 • soho@rideau.net People of all ages took the opportunity to experience curling at Skate the Lake. Photo by Margaret Brand

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