Annual awards recognize best in Canadian ski racing performances and contributions over 2018-19 season

Calgary, Alta. (March 18, 2019) – Alpine Canada is calling upon its fan base and the Canadian ski community to help celebrate the best in alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross performances and contributions across the nation by submitting their votes and nominations for the Audi 2019 Canadian Ski Racing Awards presented by Helly Hansen.

In addition to celebrating Canada’s national and NextGen team athletes’ on-snow performances, the Audi Ski Racing Awards also recognize the tremendous role coaches, volunteers, and ski clubs across the country play in the health of the sport of skiing from coast to coast to coast.

“It is through a rich ski community that we can build a healthy pipeline and develop depth for our national alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross programs. Our national team athletes are role models for young up-and-coming and aspiring racers to look up to, and represent our country with poise and pride throughout the season. What I admire most about these awards is that they also recognize the crucial role that the larger ski community plays in building our champions of today and of tomorrow,” said Vania Grandi, president and CEO of Alpine Canada. “From athletes to coaches, clubs, volunteers, builders, and resorts, these awards celebrate the best of Canadian ski racing, and I encourage our community to be sure to participate in that celebration by nominating the people who make ski racing happen in their community, and placing their votes across all categories.”

Fans are encouraged to visit AlpineCanada.org/awards to vote for the male and female Audi Athlete of the Year in alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross, as well as for the high-performance Coach of the Year award.

Nominations are being accepted for the following awards, and their criteria can be reviewed on the awards site:

• Club Coach of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Ski Racing Club of the Year
• Helly Hansen Resort of the Year
• Builder Award

In addition, the Minogue Award of Excellence – a $10,000 bursary – will be awarded to the successful applicant from amongst Canada’s NextGen national team athletes.

“As a brand that is about passion and performance, the Audi Canadian Ski Racing Awards celebrate the best in the sport, recognized by fans and peers alike,” said Gene Fong, director of marketing for Audi Canada. “Audi Canada, a proud partner of Alpine Canada and the ski community, is honoured to continue our support of our teams to the top of the podium.”

The voting and nomination period will close end-of-day on Monday, April 15. All category results will be reviewed and confirmed by the Audi 2019 Canadian Ski Racing Awards’ Selection Committee comprised of delegates from across the country representing the athlete, resort, and ski club community – including retired national team athletes.

“Winning the Audi Canada best male athlete of the year award the past couple of seasons has been a special honour,” said Brady Leman, 2018 Olympic Ski Cross Champion and 2019 FIS Freestyle Ski Cross World Championship silver-medallist. “The Canadian team is always stacked in ski cross; we pride ourselves on being the best team in the world, and standing out amongst my fellow athletes has been a great accomplishment.”

Results will be announced in the spring, with the awards set for presentation at the fall galas in Toronto and Montreal where Alpine Canada will kick-off its celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary.