Kira Young was one of four recipients of the CCNWT Post-Secondary Grant recipient in the 2025-26 school year and ski season.
In her words, here’s how the season went:
2025-2026 was my second year training and racing for McMaster University. Although Hamilton is not known for its cross country skiing, my team trains creatively with a prolonged rollerski season, weekly drives North in the winter to a variety of training venues, and McMaster’s state-of-the-art dryland training facilities.
This type of training innovation is paradoxical but reminiscent of frigid nights in Yellowknife spent doing circuits in the ski club or on the ski erg. The funding I received from CCNWT played an important role in my training and racing this winter.
The grant funded essential gear, including a new pair of skate skis. The funds also subsidized race fees and critical travel expenses that enabled my training through the winter. This year, and with the help of CCNWT funding, I raced at several events across Ontario and Quebec, including the Eastern Canadian Championships, the Ontario University Championships, and the Ontario Cup circuit. These races were marked by personal best results in the U20 category and tremendous growth from the previous season.
Training in Southern Ontario to ski race demands flexibility and persistence, but I believe that’s in the nature of the sport. This season has been incredibly rewarding and community-building, and I look forward to training hard over the summer. It’s a privilege to pursue cross country-skiing with the support of CCNWT.