May 24, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – We increased the membership of the AWCS during this AGM by accepting 13 new members. This exciting development was the culmination of a process undertaken by the Board under the leadership of Jean Funk and Dave McMurtry. By broadening the membership base of the Society, we are able to ensure our discussions and decisions represent the x-c ski community in Alberta. Our priorities for this and future membership growth initiatives are based on the “3 Gs” of geography, gender and generation. We want the Society to represent skiers from across the province, to reflect the involvement of both women and men in our sport and to engage skiers of every generation.
Financial Statements
As usual, the AGM was an opportunity to check in on the financial health of the Society. Thanks to the extensive work done by our Treasurer, Andrew Hicks, I am happy to report that the Society is financially stable and has diligently managed our financial resources. The Alberta World Cup Academy operates annually on a break-even basis and benefits from legacy funding providing by the Society. The Society itself generates these legacy funds from the hosting of events and through the wise stewardship of resources. The 2009, short-year, and 2009-2010 financial statements were approved at the AGM.
Our Future
We had a lengthy discussion about the Society’s future direction. Having set out to host 3 world cup events, starting in 2005, we are now embarking on the next phase of our international hosting aspirations. The Society has bid to host the December, 2012 world cup races that are on the FIS calendar and will be held in Canada. Beyond 2012, the Society members expressed the desire to see us continue to be a major player in hosting international events in 2014 and beyond. We also felt it consistent with our mission to be ready and available for discussion with key partners if there was ever an opportunity to be part of a larger scale endeavour (Tour de Ski, World Nordic Championship). So, the future will continue to reflect our core values and purpose :
– To be the leading hosting organization for international level cross-country ski races in Canada,
– To host other, high-level national events in support of our officials development mandate,
– To sponsor and execute through CCA officials development programs in conjunction with events in order to build the hosting capacity within the province and the country,
– To be a significant contributor to the development of athletes in CCC’s LATD model, and
– To contribute to the development of coaches so that our sport continues to make the great strides we have been able to accomplish in the past 10 years
So, in a word, our future is about building capacity : for our sport, for our communities, for our province and for our country. By capacity, we mean the willingness and ability to host events, grow the number and competence of our officials, strengthen the coaching community and help Canada achieve a greater level of international success.
These are exciting times in our sport! The Alberta World Cup Society has a track record of success and is poised to build to even greater success in the future. Our membership is strong and our vision is clear!
It is indeed a privilege to serve as your President and I am honoured by the trust you have given me and the other members of the Board. I truly believe the future is as bright as ever and we stand ready to continue the great success of our first 7 years.
Norbert Meier
AWCS President