Almost 350 young mateys took part in the 20th annual Pirate Loppet amid a sea of fresh snow on Jan. 31.

Elementary students from throughout School District 83, including Armstrong, Grindrod, Canoe, Salmon Arm and Sorrento, hit the cross-county ski trails at Larch vying for prizes while also benefiting a district wide initiative.

In a media release following the event, SD83 announced that South Canoe Elementary won the coveted Pirate Flag for having 72 per cent of its Grade 3 to 5 students participating, while Grindrod Elementary came in a close second with 70 per cent. 

In the end, however, everybody won as the registration fees and donors from sponsors go towards supporting the Skis for Schools grant program. Every year the Pirate Loppet committee awards funds to support schools in purchasing cross-country ski equipment. Since 2011, more than $40,600 has been distributed to 16 local schools. This year's total was unknown at the time of the media release.

"A hearty round of Pirate Cheers and a Treasure Chest full of thanks to all the community volunteers who helped support our community's 20th Pirate Loppet," organizer and Bastion Elementary principal Megan Weir added. "An extra thank you to our many volunteers who went above and beyond to ensure the smooth running of the event.