Competitions showcase best of the Valley

The calendar now says March, and for a large chunk of the planet, that means thoughts turn to spring. Here among the more northern latitudes, such thinking is premature. To prove it, a couple of high-profile winter events are on the early March calendar, and both provide opportunities for Valley residents to showcase their talents.

Alaskans know the first weekend of March means Iditarod. This year, 87 mushers and their dog teams will hit the famed Iditarod Trail in long-distance sled-dog racing's premier event.

The Valley has long been a mushing hot bed. The Iditarod race itself was spawned in the area, and some of the race's most loved and decorated mushers call the Valley home.

This year is no different. Eighteen Valley mushers, including four-time champion Martin Buser and perennial top finishers DeeDee Jonrowe and Ramey Smyth, will be part of the 1,100-mile race to Nome.

Since its inception, the Iditarod has stood as a symbol of the uniqueness and wildness of Alaska. The men and women of the race, along with the canine-athletes they manage, are part of the fabric of life here on the Last Frontier.

We wish the entire field the best of luck in this year's race - and perhaps a bit extra to Valley mushers!

Not quite as high profile but no less auspicious is the kickoff this weekend of the Arctic Winter Games. Hundreds of young athletes from northern climates around the world are gathering on the Kenai Peninsula for the quadrennial competition. Among them are 22 Valley residents who will participate in a variety of sporting activities while sharing cultural values with others their age.

Although the immediate focus of the Games is on individual achievement, the overall benefit transcends personal athletic glory. The Games also provide a vehicle for sport development throughout the north, as well as an opportunity for community development, confidence building and pride. On the larger scale, the international flavor of the Games fosters a greater sense of unity, partnership and cultural understanding among northerners.

As such, those who compete are positioned to be part of a lasting legacy. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all Valley participants. We hope that good sportsmanship and friendly competition will rule

the day.