Carpathian Ski Club marks 75th anniversary, sponsors annual ski races (04/18/99)

Carpathian Ski Club marks 75th anniversary, sponsors annual ski races

by Roma Hadzewycz

WINDHAM, N.Y. - The Carpathian Ski Club began celebrations of its 75th anniversary most appropriately: with ski races here at the Ski Windham resort on March 6. Sixty-six skiers of all ages competed in the event.

Known by the Ukrainian-based acronym of KLK, the sports club was founded in 1924 in Lviv by enthusiasts of skiing and sports in general. KLK officials proudly point out that the Carpathian Ski Club is one of the oldest ski clubs in Europe, as well as in the U.S.

Its portfolio has included much more than skiing, however, as a quick glance at the organization's 60th jubilee book titled "Almanac 1924-1984 of the KLK Ukrainian-American Sport Club" proves.

The volume divides the club's activity into three stages: 1924-1944, the period of its founding and activity in Ukraine, when a resort was built in Slavske for club members' use; 1945-1950, when KLK was active in Germany and other countries of Europe - "na emigratsiyi," having emigrated abroad in the post-war years along with its members; and 1955-1984, from its first sports meets in the United States to its 50th anniversary celebrations and its activity in North America during its 60th jubilee year.

In that volume, edited by Olha Kuzmowycz, one sees KLK's involvement in tennis, swimming, table tennis, canoeing, and track and field, and reads about its activity also in canoeing, water polo, volleyball and basketball.

Of course, there is also skiing - plenty of skiing: from the mountains of western Ukraine, to Germany and, finally, the United States and Canada. Highlighted are 25th anniversary ski races in Mittenwald, Germany, the first ski races in the U.S., held in 1954 at Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid, N.Y., and others.

The Carpathian Ski Club is now experiencing a revival in Ukraine - much like other organizations that were born in Ukraine, were brought to the diaspora, where they were lovingly cared for and nourished, and then re-emerged decades later on its native land. As it turns out, said longtime KLK activist Wolodymyr Hnatkiwsky, "The U.S. members of KLK were the catalyst for the KLK's resurrection from the ashes in 1989 in Ukraine."

Thus, each year the U.S. club sends its official representatives to KLK ski races in Ukraine. Like their counterparts in the U.S., this year's national ski races, which were held in Lviv on February 19-20, celebrated the KLK's diamond jubilee. However, the event also marked the 10th anniversary of the Carpathian Ski Club's rebirth in Ukraine. The U.S. KLK was represented at the event by Severin "Erko" Palydowycz. Twenty-six youths and 66 adults competed in the Lviv races.

In the U.S., ski races are held annually during the first weekend of March. This year's races at Windham attracted 66 skiers of all ages, from age 4 through seniors - truly a family affair as entire families competed in the races. All raced on a standard NASTAR course and were divided into 11 groups: three girls', one women's (gently dubbed women "age 20 and above") four boys' and three men's.

A jubilee dinner and dance were held in the evening at the Windham Ski Lodge. Trophies and ribbons, funded by the Ramada Hotel of East Hanover, N.J. (managed by Orest Fedash), were presented to the top skiers in each group as they were announced by KLK President George Popel. (See results on the right.) A special guest of honor was former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Karl Plattner, who competed for the Austrian ski team.

Also during the dinner, which was emceed by Mr. Palydowycz, brief remarks about KLK's 75th anniversary were delivered by Roman Hawrylak. Mr. Hawrylak noted that through the years KLK has seen sports, not only as a pleasant and healthy pursuit, but also as a means to educate, to build character and instill noble qualities such as fair play, patriotism and dedication to the community - the very same traits on which the Olympic movement is based.

He noted also that the Carpathian Ski Club has flourished because its members have always felt that "KLK exists wherever its members are."

Celebrations of KLK's 75th anniversary will continue at the organization's traditional fall get-together at the Ukrainian National Association estate Soyuzivka in Kerhonkson, N.Y., on September 18. The program includes a tennis tournament and a jubilee banquet.

Results of 1999 KLK ski races

Girls age 8-10

1. Larissa Kobziar, 41:07
2. Orysia Kucher, 43.19
3. Melanie Siokalo, 49:24

Girls age 11-15

1. Roxanna Kobziar, 34:33
2. Alexandra Kachala, 34:75
3. Katya Gaynor, 34:85

Girls age 17-19

1. Taissa Kachala, 34:09
2. Talia Fedash, 34:25
3. Tamara Heimur, 39:32

Women age 20 and up

1. Volodymyra Hankewycz, 37:46
2. Christine Kochan, 38:20
3. Christine Gaynor, 38:54

Boys age 4

1. Petro Iwasiwka, 1:02:61

Boys age 6-7

1. Mark Kochan, 42:43
2. Nicholas Siokalo, 55:05
3. Paul Hadzewycz, 1:06:28

Boys age 11-14

1. Adrian Zelechiwsky, 31:69
2. Alex Kosovych, 35:94
3. Adrian Rybak, 36:73

Boys age 15-18

1. Justin Matycio, 30:35
2. Jeremie O'Connell, 32:02
3. Roman Hankewycz, 32:94

Men

1. Damien Vena, 27:68
2. Taras Popel, 29:76
3. Danko Kobziar, 32:58

Men age 35-50

1. Yuriy Kucher, 29:90
2. Andrij Sonevytsky, 30:57
3. Peter Strutynsky, 31:13

Men age 50 and up

1. Orest Fedash, 31:81
2. Gerald Tysiak, 34:61
3. Andrei Kachala, 34:69

Special Category

1. Yuri Kobziar, 25:54

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