[Trdma-l] Jr. Quest canceled

[Scott Chesney]

Here's a press release from the Quest:


For Immediate Release – January 31, 2006


Junior Yukon Quest Postponed Until 2008

Fairbanks, Alaska – Due to a limited number of 
entrants, the Junior Yukon Quest Race Committee 
has postponed the 2007 Junior Yukon Quest until 
2008.  The organization is disappointed, but is 
already showing their commitment to a strong 2008 
Junior Yukon Quest.  Shortly after making the 
decision, the committee renewed their 
reservations at halfway point, Twin Bears Camp, 
and began finalizing the 2008 Junior Yukon Quest Rules.

Junior Race Committee Chair, Donna Olesen cites a 
number of compounding reasons for the low 
turnout.  ‘This year saw a large number of our 
perennial mushers turn 18 and graduate to adult 
racing.  As one of the primary goals of the race, 
we were excited for these mushers.  However, it 
left us with a gap in our population.’

This attrition created the need for additional 
efforts to bring a new crop of Junior mushers to 
the race, however the Race Committee ran into two 
slow downs.  First, the committee decided to 
revise the route to respond to feedback from the 
young mushing community and race officials for 
shorter runs and more skill building 
opportunities.  Problems defining a revised trail 
delayed release of the 2007 Junior Race Rules. In 
addition, technical delays integrating the Junior 
Yukon Quest website into the main Yukon Quest 
site resulted in progress reports and information 
not reaching the target population.

Olesen explains, ‘This year we couldn't get the 
rules changed and the website finalized early 
enough for the youth to plan adequately. For that 
we are sorry and hope that they will join with 
our committee as we move forward with the development of the 2008 race.”

‘This is a heart breaker for all of us,’ 
Executive Director, Julie Estey adds, ‘We are 
committed to building our youth mushing program 
and will support the Junior Race Committee in 
whatever way possible to achieve that growth for 
the 2008 Junior Yukon Quest and beyond.’

-30-

For more information and to arrange interviews please contact:

Julie Estey, Executive Director
Yukon Quest Intl. (Alaska)
(907) 452.7954
<mailto:questdirector at mosquitonet.com>questdirector at mosquitonet.com


--Scott
President, Two Rivers Dog Mushers Association
http://www.loco-lobo.com
http://www.trdma.org

The best long distance runners eat raw meat, run naked and sleep in the snow.
         --From an Alaska Airlines ad  
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