PRESS RELEASE FAVORS 'TOM CODS'

Recent Press Release Favors Tom Cods

In a further attempt to bring attention to and improve wellness in the public sector, Minister Joan Burke announced “... that effective April 1, 2008, educators who are a team member in The Sea To Sea Challenge need NOT cease recording their km skied... that is, active school teachers, instructors in colleges, student assistants can continue to log on and enter kms skied in the Sea To Sea Challenge after the March 31st deadline.”

This announcement was the result of 11 hour discussion between the Minister of Education and the President of Cross Country Canada. It was generally agreed that teachers deserve a(nother) break because of the stress endured in their profession...especially if their own wellness is an issue. Time to accumulate kms also entered into the decision.

When asked to reply to this announcement, Team Captain of The Tom Cods, Greg Noonan first reaction was to compare this to the Brad Gushue Gold Medal Game in the last Winter Olympics. “At the time the Gold Medal Game was so important to the province and country as a whole, it was felt that the government sector be granted time and have an opportunity to view history. Once again, the people involved in education receive a bonus.” Noonan was very cautious when he added, “it was felt throughout the winter months that because of their work commitments they(teachers) were behind the eight ball... when compared to the retired group of skiers who are involved with The Sea To Sea Challenge.” “The time for teachers to “clock up” the kms had to be completed under the lights.” Overall, Noonan felt that it was a fair decision. “It does not apply to the retired folk, the term “active” is key.”

The new deadline for teachers/instructors is April 15th. It can be applied to Tom Cods, Alex Parr, Shawn Tilley, Debbie Noonan, Mike and Jill Benoit and Team Captain, Greg Noonan.

When asked if this will change where the Tom Cods will place on April 15th, Noonan replied unselfishly “... Sea To Sea is a challenge not a race, it’s fun, not competition, wellness and participation is the theme...but I hope members of the Sea Urchins and Rolling Caplin don’t get upset when the Tom Cods pass them as a result of this extension.