FORT KENT (NEWS CENTER Maine) – The Fort Kent Outdoor Center has hosted thousands of athletes over the last 20 years, but over time the facility has tried to expand to be more than an Olympic training center.
Laura Audibert has lead the way to open the outdoors to everyone in the community.
Along with the help of volunteers, she has created more than five miles of snowshoe trails—adding to miles of cross country trails and an Olympic-grade biathlon stadium.
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"It's a huge positive addition because it allows more people to access the outdoors,” Audibert said.
The marked trail systems allows people of all skill level to get out and experience nature. Audibert is meticulous when it comes to making sure the trails are well maintained.
"Once you cut the bank and level it out it's not as bad as it looks,” she said as she picked up a stray stick in the middle of the trail.
One of the trails has a special meaning for Audibert. It is called the ‘Warrior Trail.’
"Ten years ago, I had ovarian cancer,” she said.
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The trail dotted with purple ribbons on the trees was created to honor those who have battled cancer. Survivors who walk the trail write their name in a book and share a photo inside the lodge.
"It isn't so much about raising money,” Audibert said. “It's more about awareness.”
Now cancer free, she said staying active is key to a healthy lifestyle. That is why she takes people out on the trails regularly, even leading groups of children from time to time.
"The fresh air is good for your mind and your soul,” she said.
While Audibert is proud of what the word-class facility has grown be, she said it is equally as important that it remains a place for the community.
"It's sometimes hard to get off the couch but once you get out and you come out to a place like this it's worth every minute,” Audibert said.
You can learn more about the facility here.
The Winter Olympics 2018 in PyeongChang start on Feb. 8th right here on NEWS CENTER Maine.