July 4, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – At the recent Cross Country Canada Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Canmore, AB, the following individuals were recognized for their contributions to the sport of cross-country skiing. Congratulations to this year’s award winners! Thanks to all for their outstanding support for our sport over many years.

Firth Award  2011
Presented to a woman who has made a longstanding outstanding volunteer contribution to cross country skiing in Canada. Established in 1985 to honour Sharon and Shirley Firth.

– 2011 Winner: Ms. Susan (Sue) Holloway, Ottawa ON
(Nominated by C. Ramonat and Women on Skis Committee)

Sue was a competitive cross country skier in the 1970`s to present. She continues to be an active volunteer in our sport with active involvement in organizing workshops, multi-sport workshops and conferences, she is a key speaker at Women on Ski Events and Fast and Female Events, a leader for the Jack Rabbit program and club volunteer. She is the first Canadian to compete in both Summer and Winter Olympics in the same year! (1986). Sue was an Olympic silver and bronze medalist in 1984 – women`s canoe sprit K2, K4 500 m. She was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1986.

Dave Rees Award 2011
Awarded to any man or woman who has made a long-term, outstanding commitment to the sport of cross country skiing in Canada at all levels (local, regional and national) and in any of the many ways in which volunteers or professionals give of themselves to our sport. This award was created in 1989 in recognition of the outstanding contribution by Dave Rees to cross country skiing in Canada.

– 2011 Co-Winner Mr. Reiio Puiras, Thunder Bay, ON
(Nominated by Cross Country Ontario)

Reijo Puiras is both an athlete and a builder. He is one of the leaders that developed Thunder Bay as a major cross country ski area in Canada. He developed the Lappe Nordic Ski Centre in 1975, sharing his perfectly groomed trails and lodge complete with sauna, showers and kitchen with the ski community. He was a major force in attracting and hosting the 1990 World Junior Trials, 1991 Canadian Masters Championships, 2006 Ski Nationals, 2011 World Junior Trials and many annual events. He has mentored race organizers and officials over many decades. The Lappe standard is stamped on every competition. Reijo is an Olympian (1976) and national cross country skier from the 1970s as a local, provincial and national champion. He was inducted into the Thunder Bay Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

– 2011 Co-Winner Mr. Dale Swanson, Calgary, Alberta
(Nominated by Cross Country Alberta and Alberta World Cup Society)

Dale Swanson is a leading visionary in providing private sector support (financial and lobbying) for cross country skiing, establishing the Nordic Advocate Guild as a private sector group which contributed to the 22M expansion of the Canmore Nordic Centre and has provided financial support to many athletes. He always steps up to the plate to help host key races in Canmore (Race chief to Race secretary), and is a “super hero” Canadian ski fan at major events, decked out in his Canadian Flag regalia.

Volunteer Of the Year Award
Presented to any man or woman to recognize significant achievement in the regional or national development of cross country skiing in Canada.

– 2011 Winner: Mr. John Stephenson, Yellowknife Ski Club, NWT
(Nomination by Kevin Hodgins, Yellowknife Ski Club)

John is a tireless quiet volunteer, active in the local club to sustain trails, programs, fundraising and hosting major events (e.g. Arctic Winter Games). John has been a volunteer for Nordic skiing since 1974–2011 ongoing… A few highlights are below.
• Grooming and trail improvement, organizing trail grooming workshops 1987-ongoing
• Jack Rabbit Youth Leader 2004-08
• Fundraising 2000-2010…ongoing
• Official: Chief of Course for Arctic Winter Games (1990-2008), W Canadian Ski Championships

– 2011 Winner: Mr. Gerry Rideout, Newfoundland and Labrador
(Nominated by Judy May, CCNL Executive, Cornerbrook Newfoundland)

Gerry is a club builder par excellence and active and tireless volunteer in hosting major events in Newfoundland. He is often considered Newfoundland’s “Mr. Cross Country Ski” Since 1984-ongoing.
A few highlights are below.
• Club Executive Positions: 1984-ongoing President Menihek Nordic Ski Club
• Officials: 1984 ongoing Chairman or Asst Chair of Canada Cup Races, Great Labrador Loppet, World Cup, Canadian Races
• Ski School Programs and Jack Rabbit programs: 1986- ongoing
• Builder and Fundraising: 1989 and Pisten Bully groomer acquisition , Chair of Canadian Masters Cross Country Ski championships, Expansion Project to upgrade facilities in 2007-2010 and fund raiser over $800,000 raised for new trails and Menihek Nordic 2008 and 2009. Winner of Pitcher Plant Award 1993.

Media of the Year 2011
Awarded to an individual, a newspaper publisher, television station or scribe in social media who has effectively highlighted and portrayed athletes in our sport, and or our sport in a positive and
exciting manner, continuously throughout the year or at one significant event (e.g., National Championships, Olympic Games).

– 2011 Winner: Mr. Anton Scheier, Ottawa, ON

Thanks to Anton who provided ongoing current media clips, commentary and facts on every major cross country race of this season, rising early to post information in a very timely fashion. This was picked up by the international FIS organization. Toni’s passion and dedication for the sport is reflected in his many years of writing training materials and media news clips for the sport of cross country skiing.
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Sponsor of the Year 2011
Awarded to the sponsor or supplier who goes beyond the scope of their sponsorship agreement with CCC by making a significant commitment and support to the sport and to the National Ski Teams.

– 2011 Winner: Haywood Securities Inc.

Haywood Securities Inc. has been a sponsor of CCC since 2002 with ongoing monumental contributions to Nordic skiing ever since. They went beyond their solid financial support to plan and support a celebration in Canmore (Paint Box Lodge) of national skier Devon Kershaw’s medal successes at this year’s Tour de Ski. Ron Blanchard, President of Haywood Securities Inc. flew in to extend personal congratulations. They arrived again in Oslo to celebrate the men’s team sprint World Championship Gold Medal (Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey) and to extend congratulations to the whole team, coaches and support team. They continue to host dinners, events, and media advertisements of the sport. Sincere thanks to this company for their outstanding support.