Icicle Trackers prep for Special Olympics

Folks who ski on the land behind the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery on Sunday afternoons may notice a group of skiers and snowshoers, many of them wearing purple jackets, practicing on the hills and flat areas. 

The athletes are members of the Icicle Trackers cross country ski team who are preparing for the 2019 Special Olympics, which is scheduled for the first weekend in March. 

The Icicle Trackers team  was started by Terry and Paul Anderman in 2004. Like many of Upper Valley Connection’s programs, Icicle Trackers helps connects specially-abled individuals to the community, and encourages interaction and socialization with others. 

Head Coach Rachael Pashkowski started as a volunteer when her son Robert joined the team. 

“I went to my first Special Olympics and it was such a positive environment,” Pashkowski said. “Everyone is so encouraging." 

When the Andermans, who are still involved with the program, wanted to step aside from the head coaching roles, they asked her to take up the mantle. As a coach, Pashkowski said she loves talking and working with athletes.

“The connections you make with them, watching them work hard and be successful, how happy they are to be skiing,” Pashkowski added. “To be able to support that and be a part of that. To go out and ski with them, you’re creating a relationship. You get to know what they like and don’t like. That’s the best part.”

Pashkowski said all of the skiers on this year’s team are returning athletes from last year and will once again compete in the games. She noted athletes will compete in two events, ranging from 10 meters to 10 kilometers. 

There are three skiers who will race in long distance events, including two competitors who will ski in the 2.5km and 5km meter races, as well as Robert, who will be skiing in the 5km and 7.5 km competitions. There are also athletes who will participate in snowshoe races. 

For this year’s games, the Icicle Trackers will have one snowshoe unified relay team and two cross-country unified relay teams. 

For practices, Pashkowski said she tries to pair one skier with another coach or volunteer. Each coach will adapt to an athlete's training style and regiment. The team also works on interval training, warmups, skiing motions and ski-pole training during the fall. 

On the last Sunday before the games, Pashkowski said the team will stage unified races that will include noises and cheering. She said the team started the practices last year as a way to help athletes become familiar with the noises and racing environment. 

She added that the athletes on this year’s team are very competitive and understand the importance of racing. 

“I’m just amazed at how great my athletes are in being make to make decisions for themselves and know what’s safe for them,” Pashkowski added. “They’ll tell you on what they want to achieve.” 

Pashkowski said she is thankful for the support the program receives from the community. For example, the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club gives athletes free passes as a way for them to practice during the offseason. The LWSC also grooms the hill and courses on Sunday before every practice.

She added that the team is always looking for more coaches and volunteers. For more information about coaching or volunteering opportunities with the team, contact Maren Cagle at uppervalleyconnection@gmail.com or call (509) 888-4181. 

This year’s Special Olympics will begin on March 1 with the preliminaries at the Leavenworth Sports Club/Fish Hatchery from 12:30-2:30 p.m., followed by the Opening Ceremonies at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee that evening. 

Races will continue at the Fish Hatchery on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The competition finishes on Sunday, March 3, from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.