Who Let the Dogs Out?

International Pedigree® Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Communities Send Students to Jr. Sled Dog Race

Jackson, Wyoming - January 1, 2001--Students ages 8-14 from 8 Wyoming communities will participate in a sled dog race of their own, the IPSSSDR Jr. Stage Stop on February 7, at 2:00 during the final day of the International Pedigree® Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, at Teton Village.

Each community on the 2001 IPSSSDR route--Jackson, Moran, Dubois, Pinedale, Lander, Mountain View/Evanston/Lyman, Afton and Alpine - is eligible to send three students to represent their towns in this short exhibition fun run. In order to participate in the race, students agree to perform 10 hours of community service work prior to the race, and donate $25 to Jackson-based PAWS - a nonprofit organization created by friends of companion animals. The organization sponsors local spay/neuter clinics, medical care for dogs and cats that are rescued, medical care for pets of the elderly, plus educational programs.

The Jr. Stage Stop program was launched in 1999 by International Stage Stop co-founder Jayne Ottman, and Jackson Hole musher Maria Hayashida. "Our mission, in creating the Junior Stage Stop, was to broaden the goals of the IPSSSDR, and to improve the status of youth in our communities statewide," says Maria Hayashida, director of the Junior Stage Stop. "The Junior Stage Stop provides an opportunity for youth to increase their self-esteem, social competency, community involvement and personal sense of self worth. We want to teach students that it feels great to support the non-profit of their choice."

Students do not need their own dogs or previous mushing experience to participate--equipment and dog teams are provided by the IPSSSDR. In addition, many Jackson area sponsors made contributions to the race including Pearl Street Bagels, Wilson Backcountry Sports, Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours, Continental Divide Sled Dog Tours, Dubois; Valley Feed and Pet, Wildflour Bakery, Chamber of Commerce, Bank of Jackson Hole, Lifelink/Croakies, Visitor’s Center, Mostly Fun, M&Ms and Skinny Skis.

The IPSSSDR is the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states attracting top International musters to compete for its nearly $100,000 purse. The 2001 event takes place January 27-February 7, beginning in Jackson Hole then traveling through 14 Wyoming communities before returning to Teton Village. For more information the about 2001 IPSSSDR and the Junior Stage stop, refer to the Web Site at www.wyomingstagestop.org; or contact Maria Hayashida at (307) 733-0750.
 

JACKSON
Wes Krajsky, 11 - Animal Shelter
Gracie Clark, 9
Alexandria Bickner, 9
Colby Sandoval, 9

MORAN
Christopher O’Neil

DUBOIS
Nick Binder, 13 - Timbermist Tracks Kennel
Anna Neary, 12 - Dubois Sr. Citizen Center, St. Thomas Church
Rayde Wilson, 9 - Recycling Center

PINEDALE
Cassie Webb, 11
Morgan Lauf, 14
Shantelle Rust, 13

LANDER
Jacklynn Calvert, 12 - Lander Pet Connection
Brandi Nipper,9
Clayton Underwood, 8 - Lander Children’s Museum

KEMMERER
Ethan Backman,9
Cody Chamberlain, 14
Falon Chamberlain, 9

AFTON
Kelsey Merritt, 12
ALPINE
Hope Overturf, 10 - Metealf PT