Skijoring event highlights MS this weekend

Skijoring is coming to the Cold Lake Ag Society this weekend on March. 11. Team MS Ain’t Purdy is hoping to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis.

“It is ridiculous, it is trying to throw rodeo together with downhill skiing and it is a blast. About as crazy as you can get, as dangerous as you can get and we love it,” said James Purdy, Organizer. 

With no admission fees at the Cold Lake Exhibition Park, the event begins at 11:00 a.m. with a pancake breakfast before the competition begins. 

“Over the years it is the passion we put together. We put in so much time, we raise a lot of money and do a lot of work,” said Purdy. 

MS Ain’t Purdy is made up of family and friends who raise funds to increase the quality of life for those affected by MS, and for national research that one day will end MS. Their funds will be going towards the Lakeland MS Walk in St. Paul. 

James Purdy, the captain of MS Ain’t Purdy, was diagnosed with MS in 2008 at the age of 26.

There will be donation tables, 50/50, a craft market/ farmers market, beer gardens, concessions, silent auctions, and some raffles. The team has put out a goal of $25,000. 

This year, 40 teams have registered and will compete in big air jumps, circuit (racing through obstacles), and sprints (head-to-head races). 

Skijoring is snowboarding or skiing well being pulled by a horse, riders go through obstacles, and are able to hit jumps or speed race. 

“It is so much work to build and get this going, we have so many sponsors and people doing work,” said Purdy. 

The team was formed in 2009 and raises an average of over $30,000 per year.