Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 3 : Winter 2010 | Page 23

Joey Bard I am a 2008 graduate of Caribou High School. Currently, I am competing for the Maine Winter Sports Center as a regional team athlete. I began skiing at five, starting with chasing my older brother around. I am a bike mechanic and sales associate for MOJO’S in Presque Isle. When I ‘m not on skis, I enjoy all of what Maine has to offer--hunting, fishing, boating, etc. The best time spent on skis is heading out with my family for a little backcountry tour. I have a brother, two sisters and, of course, mom and dad. I am a two time Junior National Championship AllAmerican and two time Class B Maine State Champion. My goal for the season is to continue to love everyday of it. The Event: The 2010 USSA Cross Country Skiing Junior Olympics, featuring some of the best teenage and young adult Nordic skiers in the nation, will be held March 5th – 13th, 2009 at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle. Local Flavor: Three athletes likely to compete are from Maine and train locally: Hilary McNamee, Joey Bard, and Nick Michaud. Temporary Population Increase: The event is expected to bring at least 700 competitors, family members, and support staff to Aroostook County. The Junior Olympics and Maine: The Junior Olympics was last held in our state in 1996, when Black Mountain of Maine hosted the event. For more information: Visit www.juniorolympics2010.org. Russell Currier Stockholm native Russell Currier is a 2006 Junior National Champion. WINTER 2010 USSA XC Junior Olympics 21