Nothing but compliments rained down on McCall and local organizers of the 2008 Masters World Cup that concluded with closing ceremonies Friday at Manchester Ice and Event Centre.

"It was a perfect competition," World Masters Cross Country Ski Association President Thomas Heckmann of Germany said.

"It was perfectly organized," Heckmann said. "There was some kind of friendship here. You could tell by the faces of the racers each day It was really perfect:"

Because of. the success, McCall will be considered to host the event again the next time the association seeks a North American site, he said. 11.

More than 1,200 Nordic skiers, spouses and guests from around the world packed the ice rink for the closing ceremonies.

The evening included awarding the last medals of six days of racing, a ceremonial passing of the flag to next year's host in Autrans, France, appreciative speeches, a dinner and live music provided by Idaho musician Pinto Bennett.

The party continued after the music stopped, as skiers were not ready for the week to end.
New Friends Made Chief of Competition Gregg Lawley took time at the closing ceremonies to socialize with friends he has made from around the world.

"I'm basking in the glow of a lot of work that has come to a very positive conclusion," Lawley said.

"It has been a fantastic week for myself, all the organizing committee and the city of McCall," he said. "It exceeded my wildest expectations. Everything came off so well."

The weather was excellent with the exception of one snowstorm during the first day of races on March 1 at Ponderosa State Park.

Lawley was impressed by the local volunteers who helped with the event.

"They did a spectacular job," he said. "They were friendly and helpful."

Lawley helped keep the race courses groomed between race days.

"We put a lot of hours in, but we had fun doing it," Lawley said. "I received hundreds of comments about how well the courses were groomed."

Scott Smith of Naperville, Ill., was impressed by the race course at the park.

"The course was just right for me," said Smith, 65. "I had trouble early in the week due to altitude, but I got better as the week progressed."

Smith skis mostly in Wisconsin. He also has competed at other U.S. skiing events and events in Europe and Australia.

"McCall was every bit as good or better than those," he said. "McCall did a fabulous job - trail-wise it was one of the best courses," said Bruce LeGrow, 63, of Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada.

This was the sixth Masters World Cup in the last seven years for LeGrow, a retired judge.
Idaho Mountain Touring owner Chris Haunold was a vendor located at the ice rink.

"This was an amazing event to be a part of," Haunold said. "It was good business-wise and a phenomenal experience."

Haunold had skiers from around the world check out his vendor booth during the event.

"The world stopped by," he said. "I was learning Russian this week. I got by with pointing."