Seeley Lake Dryland Showdown draws newcomers and veterans – Seeley Swan Pathfinder

Report on the Seeley Lake Dryland Showdown and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Event Overview

• The third annual Seeley Lake Dryland Showdown was held at the Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails, featuring dog-powered sports.
• Race categories included canicross (running), bikejoring, and racing with carts or scooters, accommodating various skill levels.
• The event attracted a diverse field of national and international participants, with competitors traveling from as far as Canada and Iowa.
• It serves as a qualifying event for world championships, attracting both seasoned athletes and newcomers to the sport.

Contribution to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

1. The event actively promotes physical fitness and an active lifestyle for participants of all ages, from a 10-year-old winner to veterans with decades of experience.
2. By taking place in a natural forest setting, it enhances mental well-being and provides a healthy outlet for stress reduction for both human and canine participants.
3. The sport encourages positive training and focus, harnessing animal energy in a way that contributes to the health and well-being of the dogs.
4. The inclusive format, welcoming all skill levels, ensures broad access to the health benefits of outdoor physical activity.

Fostering SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

1. The event cultivates a strong, inclusive, and supportive community, demonstrated by participants and non-racers collaborating to assist one another.
2. It represents a sustainable use of public recreational spaces to strengthen social cohesion and bring community members and visitors together.
3. The welcoming environment for newcomers and the strong sense of camaraderie among competitors contribute to building a resilient and inclusive local and sporting community.

Promoting SDG 15: Life on Land

1. The event fosters a deep appreciation for terrestrial ecosystems by utilizing forest trails for recreation in a responsible manner.
2. It highlights a positive and symbiotic partnership between humans and animals, promoting respect for biodiversity and the ethical treatment of animals.
3. The use of existing trail infrastructure for the races represents a sustainable model for enjoying natural environments without causing undue ecological impact.

Supporting Additional SDGs

• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): The prominent roles of female organizers and top competitors, such as Teresa Petterson and Kat Spencer, highlight female leadership and equal participation in sport.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By attracting national and international visitors, the event contributes to the local tourism economy, supporting sustainable economic growth in the Seeley Lake area.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the Seeley Lake Dryland Showdown connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting a community event that promotes physical activity, social inclusion, community bonding, and local tourism through sport.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article focuses on a sporting event (dryland racing, canicross) that requires physical exertion from both humans and their dogs. This directly promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The event attracts participants from outside the local area, including other states and countries, which can contribute to the local economy through tourism.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The event is portrayed as highly inclusive, welcoming participants of different ages and abilities.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The race fosters a sense of community among participants and utilizes public recreational spaces, strengthening social cohesion.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities and themes described, the following specific SDG targets are relevant:

1. Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being. The article describes racing as a way to “harness puppy energy into focus and training” and as an “addicting” activity for participants, suggesting it contributes positively to the well-being and mental engagement of both people and their animals through physical sport.
2. Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. The article mentions that “Racers traveled from as far away as Canada and Iowa to compete in Seeley,” indicating the event functions as a form of tourism that can bring economic benefits to the local community.
3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social… inclusion of all, irrespective of age… or other status. The article emphasizes the inclusive nature of the sport, stating it “encourage[s] people and their dogs of all skill levels to join” and highlights the success of the “youngest racer, 10-year-old Hayden Johnson,” demonstrating inclusion across age and experience levels.
4. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces… The event takes place at the “Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails,” a public recreational space. The article also notes how “Non-racers teamed up to help corral dogs to the start line, showing how the sport welcomes newcomers,” reinforcing the inclusive and community-oriented use of this public space.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several qualitative and quantitative indicators that could measure progress towards the identified targets:

• For Target 3.4 (Well-being):
  • Implied Indicator: Rate of participation in organized community sporting events. The article mentions “About a dozen runners joined the class in Seeley on Saturday” and that this is the “third annual” event, suggesting consistent participation.
• For Target 8.9 (Sustainable Tourism):
  • Implied Indicator: Geographic origin of event participants. The article provides direct evidence of tourism by stating, “Racers traveled from as far away as Canada and Iowa.”
• For Target 10.2 (Inclusion):
  • Implied Indicator: Age diversity of participants in sporting events. The article explicitly mentions the participation and victory of a “10-year-old Hayden Johnson.”
  • Implied Indicator: Participation of newcomers and varied skill levels. The text notes that the races “encourage people and their dogs of all skill levels to join” and that the community “welcomes newcomers.”
• For Target 11.7 (Inclusive Public Spaces):
  • Implied Indicator: Number and frequency of community events held in public green spaces. The article identifies the event as the “third annual Seeley Lake Dryland Showdown” held at the “Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails.”
  • Implied Indicator: Strength of community engagement. The article describes a “strong community in dryland racing” where even non-racers help out, indicating a high level of social cohesion.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: seeleylake.com