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Learning to play safe

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Dave Norona has done it all. Over 13 years the 34-year-old North Vancouver native completed an 1,800 km ski race across Alaska, two 500-km epic Eco-Challenges, and a 3,000-km Endurazone race. He's biked, kayaked and snowshoed on every continent.

But the most important detail, Norona points out, is that he's done it all injury-free.

Norona will visit Squamish twice this summer to compete and to share his advice as the AdventureSmart ambassador.

Norona made his first appearance during the Test of Metal and placed within the top 40 finishers while promoting safety. And while he raced, the Adventure Smart Youth Team handed out whistles, posters and stickers promoting the "Ten Essentials" of outdoor safety.

"AdventureSmart got involved with the Test of Metal because it is such a well known and respected bike race in the outdoor athletic community," said youth member Jen Hopp. "People were very positive about our goals to reduce search and rescue incidents in BC and were interested to hear our safety messages." Some of the ten essentials include bringing a fire-making kit of waterproof matches and candles, navigational and communication aids, and an emergency shelter that can simply be an orange garbage bag, which can also be used as a signaling device.

The youth team reached more than 1,000 people during the race and their success will ensure their return for the Gear Jammer race on August 20. Norona started presenting to schools throughout B.C. with the BC Injury Prevention Center in 1994 and still speaks to thousands of kids each year inspiring them to get outside, push their limits and stay injury free.

spaillard@squamishchief.com

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