While brainstorming a simple way to introduce log rolling
internationally, I came up with an idea... to use the numerous Sister-City
International relationships that have developed in La Crosse, WI (also
a leader in youth log rolling programming). I called Dianne Seyler, the friendly president of the La
Crosse/Epinal, France Sister-City club; her enthusiastic response,
along with her powerful translation skills, got the log rolling.
The ILRF's first major project was born: the "La Crosse
Sister-City Log Rolling Project" will work to introduce log rolling in
La Crosse's six Sister-Cities. The Sister-City network is ideal for
introducing log
rolling to communities because there are already
many relationships developed, so the access to decision makers and
financial support has already been established.
In December, a La Crosse delegation traveled to Épinal, France (35,000 pop.)
where we had very fruitful meetings with the Deputy
Mayor of Sports, Jean Claude Cravoisy. (He and his assistant
approved the concept before we were finished
with our presentation!)
Here's a picture of Jean Claude: note his US Log Rolling hat.
I had an opportunity to meet with a group of
children and their parents, to show them videos and
photographs of log rolling; they all expressed great
enthusiasm for learning, what they called "le
nouveau sport" or "the new sport". They have no idea
how old it actually is!
We will ship logs and begin training instructors in
May. Épinal has one Olympic indoor pool and four
outdoor pools; the mayor expressed a desire to have
log rolling at each pool. Our goal is to have log rolling exchanges and competition taking place
We also met with the mayors of
cities in England, Belgium, Germany, and Italy ...
all Sister-Cities of Épinal. (Do you see the
possibilities for growth?!) They all expressed
excitement about the sport and we agreed to work to
develop programs in each city. They have exchanges
of all kinds with Épinal: business, music, sports,
education, etc. Log rolling will be something new
and exciting to "exchange". Most of these cities
are within a four-hour drive of Épinal.
The Mayor of Loughborough, England (below); his wife; and
his assistant loved the idea of log rolling in their town! Loughborough is
adjacent to Nottingham Forest: Robin Hood meets the Lumberjacks?
Epinal is a medieval city situated in the Moselle River valley,
surrounded by large pine forests. While visiting Epinal's historic
museum, I saw a painting of the old walled city, created in the
1600's. Clearly visible on the river, were two men on log rafts,
floating down the river. I had been told that Epinal was an old
logging town; I didn't know just how old!
Today Epinal is a vibrant small city: very family-oriented and
sports-minded. An old channel of the Moselle has been turned into a
world-class kayaking course, right in the middle of the downtown. Here
are a few photos of the city and people:
Family Fun Run for St. Nicholas fest: future log rollers!
St. Nicholas appears in the village market.
The French drink wine at every opportunity. God bless them!
One of Epinal's most famous wood carvers and designer of beautiful
historical wood block posters for important events; maybe someday a poster for a log rolling event?!
