Boarder looks to community for support

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

Kimberly Sutherland has been determined to push herself to the limit since the first day she picked up a snowboard.

She has faced a few serious injuries along the way, but kept going to propel herself to a point where now, six years later, she has a chance to train with the best of the best. All she needs are funds to get up to the peaks of Whistler, B.C.

Sutherland has been offered the opportunity to train alongside National Snowboard Team coach Adam Robertson during a National Snowboarding Training Camp in Whistler from June 19-23. She’s hoping for a bit of community support to help raise roughly $1,400 to cover flight expenses and a few other costs. “I’ve already been accepted and the plans are made, I just need to come up with the money to get there,” Sutherland said. “I am willing to do whatever it takes to get to the next level and I definitely want to take (my snowboarding) as far as I can go.”

Only three people going from Nova Scotia

There are only three people from Nova Scotia going to this camp for Boarder-cross, which is like a motocross competition for snowboarders, and it will be great to use the time to build skills for the 2011 Canada Games, Sutherland said. “If I can compete and can do well in the Canada Games, it could get me to a next level, with more recognition.”

The 2011 Canada Games will to be hosted by Nova Scotia, at Ski Martock, Feb. 11-26. “There’s nothing like the rush of having to throw down an awesome run in front of a crowd,” Sutherland said. “It’s one thing to be out (snowboarding) with friends, but in competition your adrenaline is just pumping. This is simply my thing; it’s what I do. “If I could travel and do snowboarding as my job, that would make my life complete. “Even with my share of injuries (including torn ligaments in her knee and a broken collarbone) I stayed with this and I’ve worked super hard,” Sutherland added. “I’m not a quitter.”

Will carry groceries Sunday

Sutherland plans to help carry out groceries at the Superstore in Windsor from noon until 4 p.m. June 14 in an effort to earn donations for her upcoming trip to B.C.

The Town of Windsor, the Municipality of West Hants and the Superstore have each offered Sutherland donations totaling $250. Anyone who wishes to offer her further financial support can give sponsorship at the Windsor Town office or to Vince Upshaw at the West Hants African Resource Centre in Garland’s Crossing.

Sutherland can be contacted also at 792-7058 for more information.