Minnedosa Tribune
UP & OVER
DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE
Hometown competitor Monica Gerrard was among the youth to showcase the accuracy and jumping technique of horse and rider at the Minnedosa Ag. Society’s Fair on Sunday, July 19. Jumping classes offered the heights of 2’ to 2’6” in conjunction with additional saddle classes, along with hitch classes featuring miniature ponies and heavy horses, drawing spectators of all ages. See pictorial recap on page 16.
Ride Like Ole returns this weekend
Event honouring 12-year-old Ole Heie will take place at the Squirrel Hills Trail Park on Saturday, July 25
DONALD BERGER
Minnedosa Tribune
One of Minnedosa’s most inspiring community events is preparing to return this summer, and organizers are inviting both riders and volunteers to be part of the experience.
Ride Like Ole will take place Saturday, July 25 at Squirrel Hills Trail Park, where participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to challenge themselves while celebrating the life of a remarkable young athlete whose legacy continues to touch communities across western Canada.
Hosted by Valley Life Recreation, the event honours Ole Heie, a gifted 12-year-old athlete from Camrose, AB, who died unexpectedly while training in July 2021. While Ole excelled in mountain biking, crosscountry skiing and trail running, family and friends remember him most for his kindness, enthusiasm and encouragement of others. Even after completing races, he often stayed at the finish line to cheer every participant across, believing
everyone deserved support. That same spirit inspired seven mountain bikers to embark on a gruelling 172-kilometre memorial ride later that summer. The ride captured the imagination of thousands of people, raised funds for trail development and sparked what has grown into the annual Ride Like Ole event.
A small anniversary ride in 2023 unexpectedly drew more than 130 participants, demonstrating the powerful connection people felt to Ole’s story. The first public Ride Like Ole event followed in 2024, bringing together nearly 200 riders, volunteers and spectators at Squirrel Hills.
