Winners Announced For 2021 Canadian Ski Racing Awards

The Canadian Ski Racing Awards recognize the best in Canadian ski racing performances and contributions over the past season. While this season was one like none before, the perseverance, resilience, creativity, and determination of our ski racing community ensured that Canadian ski racing has a bright future. 

A committee of volunteers and ski racing experts from across the country worked through nominations to recognize members of the ski racing community for their extraordinary contributions this season and beyond. 

“The list of candidates across all the categories are not only worthy but are a vital part of the fabric that holds our sports, our communities, and even our country together,” said committee member and Canadian Ski Teams alumni Kelly VanderBeek. “They do this through action, through commitment, and in ways that go beyond any measurable metric.  This is especially true in a year that challenged everyone to be creative and fluid in their efforts.”

This year’s recipients are:

• Alpine Athlete of the Year - Female: Marie-Michèle Gagnon (QC) 
• Alpine Athlete of the Year - Male: Jack Crawford (ON)
• Ski Cross Athlete of the Year - Female: Marielle Thompson (BC)
• Ski Cross Athlete of the Year - Male: Reece Howden (BC)
• Para-Alpine Athlete of the Year: Special recognition to the whole team who continue to focus on preparation for the 2022 Paralympics in a season void of competition.
• Minogue Award of Excellence: Cassidy Gray (BC)
• Coach of the Year - National Teams - Male: Chris Powers (QC)
• Coach of the Year - Provincial Teams - Female: Montana Molyneux (BC)
• Coach of the Year - Provincial Teams - Male: Nick Cooper (BC)
• Coach of the Year - Domestic Programs - Female: Claire Horton (AB)
• Coach of the Year - Domestic Programs - Male: Dave Anderson (AB)
• Ski Club of the Year: Mont Ste-Marie (QC) 
• Resort of the Year: Given the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on the ski community they would like to recognize all resorts across Canada. 
• Nancy Greene Builder Award: Jake Robbins (ON)
• Volunteers of the Year: John and Sue Mealey (ON)

The Nancy Greene Builder Award is being posthumously awarded to Jake Robbins, father of Canadian Alpine Ski Team alumni Lynda Robbins and Derek Robbins and grandfather to current team members Erik and Jeff Read. Jake was an avid sportsman his entire life, competing in ski races in Canada and the United States from the 1940s through the 1970s, and continuing to race every year in the Osler Bluff Ski Club Championships, including last past March at the age of 94. Jake was an icon of Osler with his unrelenting commitment, dedication, and leadership to the club. Jake passed away on May 7, 2020. 

John and Sue Mealey, who have been recognized as Volunteers of the Year took the extraordinary step this year to build a ski hill on their property, and inspired by a neighbour, they created a local chapter Special Olympics fundraiser on their property. 

“On behalf of the entire committee, it is my honour to pass along our sincerest thanks and congratulations,” adds VanderBeek. “Thank you for your time, thank you for your effort, and thank you for the inspiration that you've provided this committee and our community at large. It is because of people like you that our collective future is bright.” she concludes. 

Alpine Canada would like to thank the committee of volunteers for their contributions and commitment to celebrating Canadian ski racing excellence: Gordie Bowles (BC), Nigel Cooper (ON), Viviane Forest (AB), Louis-Pierre Hélie (AB), Kevin Nichol (ON), Justine Parent (QC), and Kelly VanderBeek (AB).