Last weekend the Olympic torch continued to burn in Worcester and at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton, for the Special Olympic Winter Games.More than 2,300 athletes and coaches took part in this year’s winter games. Athletes from all over the state competed in various venues throughout the weekend.We were at the mountain to coach and cheer the Nashoba Shooting Stars. This alpine ski team of 12 dedicated athletes practice twice a week on the slopes of Nashoba Valley and Mount Sunapee, for three events of Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Downhill.These inspiring special athletes put their heart and soul into these events and, in the end, the hard work paid off because every team member made the medal podium at least one time, to collect their gold, silver or bronze. The North Shore area was represented by a young lady from Swampscott, Gabriella Foley. Gabriella took home a gold medal in the giant slalom and gold in the downhill events. Congratulations Gabriella!uAs we headed north on route 93 last Monday I couldn’t help but notice more and more snow the farther north we traveled, and a 20-degree difference in temperature. Our destination was Mt Sunapee, in Newbury, N.H., where the snow banks were as high as street signs, truly a winter wonderland.We took advantage of a mid week Magic Monday where an all day lift ticket was $39.This is quite a discount when you consider the normal cost for a weekday is almost $60. The best part was the number of runs we were able to ski, on the best groomed trails in New England, according Ski Magazine.We never waited for a chair; it was ski down from the summit and ski up to a chair for the return trip up. We often skied next to our own tracks for most of the morning without any interruptions. With over 6 feet of snow this season, skiing is the best it has been in years, and there is still a lot of winter left, especially up north.uThis just in from Ben Nugent, Don Miller and Jane Vachon at New Hampshire Fish and Game. “Recent stockings of surplus brown and brook trout should lead to some pleasantly surprised anglers in New Hampshire.These trophy fish, former residents of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s New Hampton Hatchery, consist of brood fish and surplus fish that exceeded the production requirements for management plans. The brood fish are larger and older (2 to 4 years old) brook trout and brown trout.Some of these fish have reached the age where they are no longer prime candidates for egg production. While still in great condition, these older fish may not produce the quality and quantity of eggs Department fish culturists seek.”Typically, New Hampshire Fish and Game releases surplus fish in the fall during open water conditions, but the relatively warm water temperatures at the end of 2007 delayed spawning operations at New Hampton fish hatchery. The brook trout display brilliant spawning colors. The dark red/orange flanks and contrasting orange/black/white fins. The brood brown trout are also still in full spawning colors. These fish, topping out at over two pounds and 18 inches, will challenge and reward the dedicated angler.”uWestford Fish and Game will be sponsoring a 3D-archery shoot on Sunday, March 16. The shoot is open to the public and is for all age groups. The Westford Club is located on West St in Westford between Route 40 in Groton and St Catherine Church. Contact Norman Silva 978-692-8277 for additional information.uKittery Trading Post is having a Fishingfest/Spring Turkey Event Monday-Sunday, March 24-30.Kittery has the largest inventory of fishing & hunting equipment in the Northeast! Fishing Fest 2008 features Kevin VanDam, 2-time Bassmaster Classic Champ and three-time BASS Angler of the Year!KTP’s Spring Turkey event features seminars by some of the best turkey hunters in the country, including World Champion Caller Chris Parrish, brought to you by Knight & Hale!Are planning on a spring turkey hunt here in Massachusetts? Don’t forget to send in your perm