Whether or not the juniors of today become the medallists of tomorrow is secondary to the junior programs true purpose.
Junior events expose more people to mushing, and to the sport in an overall sense.
The junior musher may grow up to shun cold weather, preferring volleyball to mushing, cats to dogs, but they will always remember the important facts of mushing. The dogs are loved, the dogs are cared for, and most importantly the dogs want to run. Mushing teaches our young people how to compete in a safe and supportive environment, some-times with less pressure than may be found in the local little league team. It teaches them the responsibility of dog ownership and care, something not issued with a soccer ball. It also allows them to participate in a sport that often becomes a lifestyle for their parents, allowing them not to see the dogs as competition for mom and dad's attention, but as a way to spend time together.