Around the area near Syracuse, Indiana, there are many lakes, big and small. One mini lake named Cindonway Shores hosts ski tournaments regularly. Dotted with a few houses and surrounded by farm fields, Cindonway seems like a charming slice of Hoosier life.
Sure, skiers win awards for their performances in the different events. There are a range of categories, from age to ability, so a skier is pitted against skiers like themselves. After local tournaments, skiers can move on to state, regional and national competitions.
But what I'm thinking about today, is the social aspect of these get-togethers is great sometimes. Participants camp out on shore, set up shade tents, and unpack their picnic supplies. They watch each other ski, be they athletes from kids to teens to adults to seniors, and cheer each other on.
It's good-spririted competition, one person at a time. In between sets kids play frisbee, tennis, and run around and jump on trampolines. Thoughtful skiers and family members help organize, judge and run events.
On this July Saturday, a pregnant mom who couldn't ski helped out by baking pans of lasagna (along with the other chefs in the lakeside household kitchen). They served up a great meal for all, and folks walked down to their screened-in porch, served themselves from the spread and sat together to eat at picnic tables. It doesn't get much better than that.
The Indiana State Tournament will be held in Indianapolis this year, and the Midwest Regional competition will be in Wilmington, Illinois, near Chicago. Indiana has produced some great skiers over the years, including current world record holder Nate Smith, ladies such as Marla Lott and Prissy Edwards, and many others. All those lakes, so little time - summer is over in a flash. Ski on, ski hard, or go home.
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