On Feb. 1, 1981 a dream became a reality in Williams Lake — the Sam Ketcham Memorial Pool opened, providing a premium aquatic centre for both recreational and competitive activities.
On Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011 the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex is celebrating the pool’s 30th anniversary by offering free swimming to the public.
“We are very excited to offer this opportunity to the public on behalf of the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake,” said Coun. Surinderpal Rathor. “In addition to participating in a fun family community celebration, local residents will have an opportunity to remember what a wonderful contribution Sam made to our community.”
Ketcham, originally from Seattle, grew to be a man of the Cariboo Chilcotin. He build one of the largest integrated forest product companies in the Interior, and while doing so, earned the trust, respect and friendship of the community.
When he died in 1977 in a helicopter accident, his friends and business associates decided to honour his memory by developing a community swimming pool in Williams Lake, something Ketcham had long recognized a need for.
Free public swimming will be available to the public from 9 a.m. to noon for a free recreational swim and free lap swimming (three lanes).
Then, from noon until 1:30 p.m., a free family swim gets underway. From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. free lap swimming takes place (two lanes). And from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. there will be a free iceberg swim and refreshments, provided in the lobby of the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, along with brief remarks from local officials.
For more information contact the City’s manager of active living, Deb Radolla at 250-398-7665.
Stamps look to
advance to east
division semifinal
The Williams Lake Stampeders will be in action this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and will look to close out its Central Interior Hockey League East Division semifinal with the Burns Lake Braves.
Williams Lake took game one of the best-of-three series last weekend, 6-5, in Burns Lake.
If necessary, game three will take place on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students and all kids 10 and under are free of charge if accompanied by an adult.
Bull Mountain
set for weekend Blast
On Sunday, Jan. 30, beginning at 10 a.m., the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club will host the Bull Mountain Blast — a fun, participation-oriented cross-country ski event for all ages and levels of skiers.
The event runs over a four-hour time period, with the objective of completing as many laps of the course as possible in the time frame.
Participants can compete as an individual or as a team of two, with skiers alternating laps.
The format, based on the wildly popular “enduro” style mountain bike race, the Pedal by the Puddle, ensures everyone finishes at the same time so no one comes in last.
An alternate course and event will be setup for kids and parents who want to ski a shorter course.
The event is scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. at Bull Mountain, located 16 kilometres north of Williams Lake.
Deadline for entries is Saturday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m.
For more information contact Ivor McMahen at ivormcmahen@shaw.ca.
Smackdown this
Saturday at
Columneetza
More than 200 young grapplers will pack the Columneetza Secondary School gymnasium this Saturday for Smackdown 2011 — B.C.’s largest elementary wrestling tournament.
Elementary grapplers from around the province will be taking part in the event, along with participants from local elementary schools.
The action is scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m.
Primary students (grades 1 to 3) will be wrestling in the Columneetza cafeteria while Intermediate students (grades 4 to 7) will be in the gym.