Five-year-olds in a West Fjords play school are learning balance and coordination thanks to cross-country skis, RÚV reports. Tanga play school in Ísafjörður received 16 pairs of skis earlier this winter which have been put to good use during the kids’ outdoor playtime.
Cross-country skiing has long been a tradition in Ísafjörður. Jóna Lind Kristjánsdóttir, department head at the school, says it is important for all children have equal opportunity to learn to ski. “We try to have fun. We play around and through that I teach various skills. They don’t necessarily think they’re practicing anything,” Jóna Lind stated.
The skis were donated to the school by Gullrillurnar, a women’s sports organization. Many of the children using them at the play school had never skied before, and are enjoying the new opportunity.
When asked whether she has fallen over on the skis, Chimanda Silvia Ohiri answers “no. Only sometimes.” Ingimar Davíð Birkisson says it’s no problem to get up when you fall down. “You just put the skis up in the air. Then you put them to one side and lift yourself up,” he explains wisely.
Jóna Lind points out that skiing can be a beneficial activity physically, and also socially, and hopes the children grow up to practice the sport. Hinril Elí Ómarsson certainly plans to. “I am going to ski when I’m ten years old and nine years old,” he remarked.
