McClory: Special Olympic spirit abounded

From Sochi Russia to Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton, the Olympic torch continued to burn last weekend.The Nashoba Shooting Stars alpine ski team once again competed in The Special Olympics Massachusetts Winter Games. This team walked away with plenty of gold, silver and bronze.With bright sunny skies, ideal snow conditions prevailed throughout the weekend on the race courses. In preparation for the events, this ski team of 35 determined athletes train for three months, two to three times a week, on the slopes of Nashoba Valley, Gunstock and Mount Sunapee to compete in the sport they adore.What a show the team put on for parents and spectators as they put all of their skill on the line! The result was that almost all of our athletes won a medal, with some scoring up to 3 medals because they can compete in all 3 events of slalom, giant slalom, and downhill.These inspiring special athletes, as well as all of the other athletes competing in the various venues throughout the Worcester area, put their heart and soul into these events – and it showed. Local Special Olympic athletes Gabriella Foley from Swampscott and Ryan Horrigan from Marblehead competed again this year. Both athletes successfully navigated the slalom, giant slalom and downhill race courses to win medals in their respective events. Congratulations to Gabriella and Ryan!uThe largest gun show in the northeast will take place at the Radisson Hotel in Nashua, N.H., next weekend. With emphasis on safety, there will be many opportunities for those interested in the shooting sports to sign up for hunter, archery and handgun safety courses. Archery manufactures as well as gun manufactures will be on hand with their latest hunting equipment.uIf you have been thinking about trying fishing from a kayak you might want to attend the free seminar being offered by the Concord Rod and Gun Club, 74 Strawberry Hill Road in Concord Tuesday from 7-9 pm. The seminar will be presented by Eric Harrison who writes the monthly Kayak Corner column for On the Water Magazine.Harrison will discuss the great kayak fishing opportunities all over the northeast, especially Boston Harbor and the North Shore as well as many freshwater lakes and ponds. Tactics for everything from bass to trout to striped bass will be reviewed. Eric will also have his fully rigged kayak on display for your review.Charlie Shadan, a fly-fishing guide and owner of the Evening Sun Fly Shop in Pepperell, will also be on hand to show his latest above and below the water perspective video of the Nissitissit and Squannocook rivers. His presentation will provide the audience with an effective introduction to fishing these rivers covering accessibility, parking, types of fish and some of the rivers’ hot spots. Fly patterns and equipment choices will also be covered.uLooking for something to do next week? Kick off the spring fishing and hunting season with fantastic deals on fly-fishing, saltwater and freshwater tackle gear, target/skeet and trap shooting, turkey hunting and home defense!Take advantage of the lowest prices on fishing equipment and spring hunting equipment during the year at the Kittery Fishing fest and Shooting Sports Event Thursday through next Sunday.The trading post has the largest inventory of fishing and hunting equipment in the Northeast. The seminar program includes speakers that will present great ideas on both fresh and saltwater fishing as well as some of the country’s best wild turkey hunting pros. We’ll see you there!