IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The eagerly anticipated first day of competition at the FIS continental cup ski jumping tournament has been called off. Officials cited unsafe wind conditions as the primary reason, making it impossible for athletes to take to the slopes.
According to Nick Blagec, the President of the Kiwanis Ski Club, “It’s pretty iffy right now. The wind is just a little bit too strong. We’re going to hold off until about 4 o’clock this afternoon, and after that we will not do it.”
Blagec expressed hope for improved conditions in the coming days, stating, “And all our weather reports are, it’s a go tomorrow and Sunday both. Wind conditions are going to be very, very nice. It should be very good jumping tomorrow.”
While disappointed fans and athletes await better weather, the Kiwanis Ski Club has transformed the atmosphere into what Blagec described as “the biggest tailgate party in the U.P.” Moving Mountains Adaptive Program, stationed at the nearby Popple Palace, is providing concessions, with Denise DeLano stating, “Some of the food has been donated to us. Some of it we purchased, and all proceeds go to the benefit of the program.”
Despite the setback, the community came together to support the event, with special recognition given to veterans as the community living residents from the Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center were luxuriously shuttled to the ski hill by the VA’s grand-style tour bus. Though the vets didn’t get to spot any of the high-flying ski jump action, a well-rooted fan-base jumped into action to feed and greet the vets on the bus. Sandi LeFebvre, from the ‘Sugar Shack,’ shared, “Safety first, and they want to keep them on the bus in a safe environment, but yeah It’s special to have the vets here. It’s nice to be able to say thank you for your service, and we got them some cookies and some sweets, and they thoroughly enjoyed that.”
Looking ahead, Blagec noted the eagerness of the athletes to begin the tournament, remarking, “Oh, they’re probably biting at the bit up there.”
Weather forecasts indicate a potential turnaround for the weekend, with some more ideal wind conditions expected tomorrow, coming from the southwest. Competition rounds are scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday, with start times subject to weather conditions. Those tentative start times for tomorrow are 10 am & 1pm central. Sunday’s tournament is scheduled to start at 1p.m. Central.
Organizers remain vigilant, prepared to adapt to any changes throughout the weekend.
The Kiwanis Ski Club would like to thank all the generous sponsors for their contribution to this event including: The Marshfield Clinic Health System Dickinson, Liuna! Local Labor Union 1329, Bacco Construction, and Boss Snowplow.
