CLARENVILLE, N.L. — Jillian Coates of Clarenville will proudly represent Newfoundland and Labrador next month at the Canada Winter Games, as the teenage Nordic skier has qualified for the national event in Red Deer, Alberta.
Officially placing third in sprints, fourth in skate-ski, and third in classic at the Canada Games trials at Blow Me Down trails in Corner Brook on Jan. 5, Coates placed second overall in selection points.
An accomplished cross-country skier, Coates has already competed in Labrador alongside her Newfoundland and Labrador teammates. She is also leaving on Jan. 30 for the Eastern Championships in Ontario.
After the Winter Games, Coates will also compete in the cross-country skiing nationals in Quebec in March.
She is already a decorated skier, having secured medals in provincial competition. She is the reigning Clarenville Area Recreation Association (CARA) Junior Female Athlete of the Year as well.
In preparation for her upcoming events this year, Coates skis almost every day, along with playing volleyball for her school in Clarenville. She also coaches the junior Jackrabbit program for the Clarenville Nordic Ski Club based at White Hills.
The Canada Winter Games run from Feb. 15 to March 3 in Red Deer. Coates leaves for the Games on Feb. 22.
On Monday, Jan. 21 there was a rally to support the Team NL athletes, held simultaneously in St. John’s and Corner Brook.
