Back from Squaw Valley

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 38, 12 March 1985, Page 2

Back from Squaw Valley

Back home in Raetihi after seven weeks of extensive ski training in California, is Shirene Mosaed, a fifth former at Ruapehu College. F.ight young New Zealanders were on the trip to ' the Squaw Valley resort, which was conducted by the director of the Turoa Ski Academy, John Ball.and his wife, Ali Shannon. Shirene returned last week to begin her fifth form year at Ruapehu College, although some of the other New Zealand youngsters are still holidaying in America. While in the United

States, they stayed in Tahoe City and travelled into the Squaw Valley resort six mornings a week. On their days off, Shirene said the ski pupils washed their clothes, went sightseeing and did some more skiing! Even qfter skiing all day, and on their days off, the youngsters would go out again in the evenings. "Night skiing was great fun,"said Shirene, "We'd try to beat our shadows all the time." In the organised races, the New Zealanders had to ski last in the field, which put them at a disadvantage, but Shirene managed third out of fifty in the John Rothrock Slalom. The trip was great for gaining experience, said Shirene, "It was good to see who we are up against in the

world, and see how the other girls race." On her return to Raetihi, Shirene said she was grateful to the Turoa Race Academy for enabling her to attend the ski course, and also to Ali, who had been "mother" to them all during the time away. During her seven weeks in America, Shirene said the weather was great. "We never saw rain. It was either really fine or there was a snow storm." Skiing is a family passion in the Mosaed household.

as Shirene's brother, Chris, is currently racing in , Europe. Several weeks ago he competed in the world championships in Italy. He finished 38th, ten seconds behind the winner. However, he was the only New Zealander to feature in the results, as Markus Hubrich and Graham Goodwin crashed and Simon Wi Rutene was disqualified. Chris will be returning home to Raetihi later this month after competing in the Austrian championships.