The Red Deer Nordic Ski Club is seeking 200 volunteers, when the city hosts the Haywood NorAm Western Canadian Championships in addition to Alberta Cup 5 and 6, later this month.

Head coach Alanna Butler said they expect 400 racers to compete from Jan. 19 to 21.

The competitions will serve as a test run before the 2019 Canada Winter Games, she added.

“We want to make sure we have a good base of volunteers we can count on and that are ready to help us next year,” she said.

As well, Butler hopes the events will raise the sport’s profile.

“I think it will increase the knowledge of the sport and hopefully make it more exciting,” she said.

“Some people have it in their heads that maybe skiing isn’t too fun or can be boring but it’s definitely exciting to watch the sprints.”

The club is also inviting people to try Nordic skiing for free on Jan. 7 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Riverbend Golf and Recreation Area.