Calgary AB, (January 4, 2021) – As a part of Alpine Canada Alpine’s (ACA) continued commitment to increasing the safety of all participants in ski racing the organization is proud to announce the addition of Joseph Gurgis as the organization’s new Safe Sport Manager. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Joseph to the organization in this critical role,” said Alpine Canada’s President & CEO Therese Brisson. “Alpine Canada is unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding sport and we have made it a priority.  We have taken concrete action over the last few years to ensure a healthy and safe sport environment for all ski racing participants in Canada and we look forward to having Joseph’s leadership to help build on that momentum.”   

The Safe Sport Manager will report directly to the President & CEO and will lead the evolution and implementation of Alpine Canada’s Safe Sport Framework, including supporting the Provincial & Territorial Organizations.  This includes the research, policies & procedures, education, prevention, response, monitoring, and advocacy related to safeguarding ski racing in Canada.  

Joseph is in the final stages of completing his PhD in Exercise Sciences at the University of Toronto where his research was focused on safeguarding sport.  Over the course of his career, he has assisted several organizations with safeguarding sport, coach development, and program evaluation including the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE), the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO), and the Jays Care Foundation.  Joseph led the content development for the mandatory Safe Sport Training offered by the CAC.  He is a coach developer with the Coaches Association of Ontario and has spent time working on issues such as women in coaching, Indigenous sport, and the sport experiences of individuals with intersectional identities which will serve him well in his new role with Alpine Canada. 

“I am thrilled to be joining ACA as their Safe Sport Manager. It is essential that every individual in sport is safeguarded from harm and made aware of their fundamental right to participate in safe, inclusive, and accessible sport” Joseph said. “I am grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to continuing to establish a safe sport space for every member of the Canadian ski racing community.” 

Joseph will work with all ACA stakeholders, including the Board, staff, Canadian Ski Team coaches and athletes, Provincial and Territorial Sports Organizations (PTSOs), clubs, and registered participants in support of creating an optimal sport experience for all ski racing participants in Canada.  

Joseph will begin his role on January 4, 2021. Please join us in welcoming Joseph to Alpine Canada and the ski racing community. 

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For more information or media inquiries please contact
Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.org I 403-471-6032

About Alpine Canada
Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community. In 2020/21, Alpine Canada celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.