The 2010 Winter Olympic Games have dazzled us with many inspiring moments. Here are just a few:

• Bode Miller races to his potential, winning Olympic gold in the Men’s Super-Combined after withering under high expectations four years ago.
• Shaun White defies gravity in the Men’s Snowboarding Halfpipe with flips and spins that send him orbiting above his competition.
• Lindsey Vonn skis through pain, blazing down the mountain to take the gold medal in Women’s Downhill.
• In Men’s Hockey, a young Team USA defeats favorite Team Canada on home ice, skating into the quarterfinals 30 years after the original Miracle on Ice.
• Apolo Ohno slices his way to the front of the pack in Men’s Short Track, on his way to the most career medals ever won by an American at the Winter Games.

Inspired by the dedication, strength, and ability of the Winter Olympic athletes? Here in Northeastern Wisconsin, you can try winter Olympic sports for yourself, and even compete for a medal. Want to try curling? You can! Or maybe you want to hit the ice in an adult hockey league. Experience cross-country skiing or ski jumping events for yourself at a local ski club.

Now that the Winter Olympics are drawing to a close, take inspiration – from the games, from the passion of the competitors, from the possibilities of the human body. You don’t have to be an Olympian to be considered an athlete.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Compare your speed against skiers and boarders across the country in every age group. In NASTAR, racers compete against the clock, with the potential of earning medals and qualifying for national events. NASTAR Racing is held Saturdays and Sundays at BlackJack Resort, Bessemer, Michigan, and Thursday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays at Pine Mountain Resort, Iron Mountain, Michigan. At Norway Mountain, Norway, Michigan, five different racing teams train and compete in events with Team Norway Racing.

Cross-country Skiing

The American Birkebeiner will be held this weekend in Hayward, Wisconsin, as it is every year. In “The Birkie,” America’s largest cross-country ski race, professional competitors on the Worldloppet circuit ski amongst the masses in 11 waves on a 50K course. While registration for this year is closed, you can still take part with the estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators.
http://www.birkie.com/

Ski Jumping and Cross Country Skiing
The Iola Winter Sports Complex offers 20K of cross-country trails open to the public for a daily fee. Or join the Iola Winter Sports Club, where you and your family can participate in cross-country ski events and learn about the sport of ski jumping on ski jumps ranging from 5 to 60 meters. Stay in nearby Stevens Point with our discount certificate to the Fairfield Inn, or use this travel coupon for the Stevens Point La Quinta Inn.

Hockey
Adult hockey leagues  play year round at the Appleton Family Ice Center. In the Green Bay area, the Cornerstone Community Center of De Pere offers adult hockey leagues for Novice and Elite players 18 years old and up. The Oshkosh Community YMCA Ice Skating Rink offers adult hockey leagues and clinics for players of all abilities.

Speed Skating
At Cornerstone Community Center, Team Cornerstone Speed Skating offers classes for all ages.

Ice Skating
In Oshkosh, Figure Skating and Ice Skating lessons are available at the Oshkosh Community YMCA Ice Skating Rink. In De Pere, the Cornerstone Community Center offers Open Skating, Figure Skating Lessons, and Skating Fitness classes.

Curling
At the Appleton Curling Club, leagues are available for all ages. New members are assigned a mentor to help get the training they need. A New Curlers Clinic is usually held at the beginning of December, and they offer a Learn to Curl League, with no experience required. The Green Bay Curling Club is offering Open Houses March 1-5 from 6pm to 9 pm, with instructors available. Leagues are available for every level.