If you’ve lived near Eau Claire anytime in the past 123 years and haven’t went to the annual ski jump event, now’s as good a time as any to give it some attention. The 123rd Annual Silver Mine Invitational ski jump event (at Silver Mine Hill on Silvermine Drive) is once again drawing some of the best ski jumpers in the world for USSA-sanctioned competition involving individuals soaring more than 80 meters in mid-air. Competitors this year include the very best of Norway, Canada, Russia, Poland, Finland, the U.S., and even Eau Claire! As an added bonus, heroic and controversial sports figure Lindsey Van will be making an appearance with the U.S. Women’s Ski Team! Lindsey won the first gold medal in the women’s ski jumping event earlier this year, and also is one of many plaintiffs involved in a lawsuit against the organizers of the 2010 Olympics, because no females are permitted to enter the ski jump event in Vancouver. Their presence and the competition are sure to be nothing short of awesome this year.

Silver Mine Invitational Jan. 22 and 23 • Silver Mine Hill, Silvermine Drive, Eau Claire • www.ec-skiclub.com