Trash talk begins as teams register for the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Community Challenge

WHITEHORSE - The Canadian Forces team is making a confident return to the 51st Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Community Challenge.

The team previously racked up an impressive series of golds year after year before sitting out the competition in 2013 and 2014, following a stunning defeat in 2012 at the hands of current reigning champs, The Beaver Cleavers from Shay-Per Esthetics. After acting as a ringer for the YG Cabinet team last year, Commander of the Joint Task Force (North) Brigadier-General Greg Loos says he will be fielding his best men and women in a bid to reclaim the top spot.

"If there’s one thing that members of the Canadian Armed Forces love – it’s a challenge.  We are excited to compete against the City of Whitehorse and the Territorial Minister’s teams. They are great partners in whole-of-government efforts, they try awfully hard and they have great spirit.  Our team will do our best to let them lose gracefully and keep their heads held high.  Every year we have an amazing time participating in the various competitions at Sourdough Rendezvous and we’re pleased to come back this year and set the bar high," said Loos.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Team captain Minister Elaine Taylor is unconcerned about facing her former team mate.

"The Brigadier-General was a welcome addition to our Cabinet team last Rendezvous, but he’s bound to regret his decision to form his own team for this year’s Community Challenge," said Taylor. "Without the General, we are looking forward to taking the next step to the top of the podium and also hope that Mayor Curtis comes better prepared to compete. His performance at the competition last year was quite a contrast from his brash trash-talk leading up to the event."

In 2014, Mayor Curtis led his team of City of Whitehorse staff and councillors to humiliating defeat.

"The City has been pleased to store the Red Lantern for the past year. To be clear, we will be offering it back to the rightful owners," said Curtis.  "What is not clear, is who will receive the humiliating defeat, will it be the Canadian Forces Team, the YG Team or possibly our hosts, Team Yukon College. Our City is absolutely delighted to have an opportunity to school these great leaders in a well-deserved defeat."
The Community Challenge is sponsored by Yukon College. The fun and games will get underway on Saturday, February 21st at 1:30 p.m. in front of the gazebo in Shipyards Park.

Popular returning events include tug-o-war, smoosh-boarding, tricycle racing, 3-legged racing, bed racing, leg wrestling and a trivia contest. Teams of six players will be judged not only for their fortitude and enthusiasm, but also for their costumes and having the most fun. As always, challenge judges may be persuaded using objectionable means.

There is a registration fee of $40 per team and a maximum of 14 teams can take part. To enter your team of six into the Community Challenge, please register online at  www.yukonrendezvous.com/#!community-challenge-registration-form/c1uar/.