Mayor to Join in Fit City Kids Classic Ski Race at Capitol Square

MADISON, WI — Madison-area kids will have the chance to take on Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and get some great midwinter exercise in the Fit City Kids Classic cross-country ski race around the Capitol Square this Saturday, January 14, at 3:00 p.m. The race is part of the weekend-long festivities surrounding the second annual Capitol Square Sprints, an international Olympic qualifying event for cross-country ski racers that includes activities for non-competitive skiers and first-timers as well. “I’m not doing this for my ego”, said Cieslewicz, who noted that in a September race with kids around the Square during the Iron Man competition, he finished in the middle of the pack. “Winter is often a tough time in Wisconsin to stay active. The Fit City Madison initiative is helping to sponsor this event to show Madison-area residents, including kids, that fitness can be fun even in cold weather.” Madison Nordic Ski Club teamed up with Fit City Madison to recruit volunteers from area ski clubs to help the first-time skiers with their gear, as well as to collect hats, gloves and other winter wear for youth who may not have their own. About 100,000 square feet of snow will be trucked in to transform the Capitol Square into a skiers’ paradise. Scheduled events include: · Midwest Junior Olympic Team Qualifier · Wisconsin High School Relay Championships · Special Olympics Wisconsin · Fit City Kids Classic · Open Ski (rental equipment will be available & provided on site) · Rail Jam Competition for snowboarders · Ice sculptures For more information on the Capitol Square Sprints, visit http://www.capitolsquaresprints.org . For more information on the Fit City Kids Classic race or Fit City Madison, contact Kathy Andrusz at (608) 294-5323.