September 12, 2016 – Ski Fit North Alberta is proud to announce Les Parsons will be responsible for the direct coordination, implementation and delivery of Ski Fit North Alberta’s program and services. Les comes to Ski Fit North Alberta with an extensive background in cross-country skiing, coaching youth, outdoor leadership, and Aboriginal relations.

Graduating from the University of Alberta with a Degree in Physical Education, Les went on to work with Outdoors Alberta, Alberta’s Outdoor Leadership Training Program. From there, Les joined the Outdoor Recreation faculty at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta where he coached cross-country skiing, running and volleyball. Following that, Les worked as Head coach of Club Nordique Mont-Ste-Anne, Quebec from 2002-2007, and Head Coach of Edmonton Nordic from 2008-2011, before most recently working as Head coach of the Augustana Vikings and Camrose Ski Club in Camrose, Alberta.

Throughout his career, Les has demonstrated enthusiasm and genuine interest in the development and achievement of children and youth. Les has a long history of relationships with Aboriginal communities across Alberta and throughout Canada’s north. His volunteer activities as they relate to Aboriginal youth have recently included being a witness to the Aboriginal Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, and coaching Aboriginal youth in central Alberta.

“I am very excited about focusing my enthusiasm and energy toward Aboriginal youth and Aboriginal leaders,” said Parsons. “My passion for skiing, fitness and fun combined with my compassion for Aboriginal people is the reason I want focus my leadership energies with Ski Fit North Alberta. I love having fun with kids on skis, and I know this program makes a real difference in the lives of some of our province’s most disadvantaged and marginalized youth.”

Ski Fit North Alberta is pleased to have Les Parsons join our team, and look forward to his positive and valuable contributions.