World Cup Stars Share Priceless Time with Young Racers at Cowboys Camp

Submitted by Michael Janyk and Manuel Osborne Paradis, Canadian Alpine Ski Team

"As our second annual Cowboys Ski Camp closes, we want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who came on board with us and helped out.

Again this year, we had the daunting task of having to choose 10 athletes from a stack of applications. Fortunately for one athlete, there were too many great applications and in the end we chose 11 for this year. This group was dynamic right from the start, full of enthusiasm and energy from the moment they arrived at the house.

Every detail of this camp is carefully taken care of by a wonderful group of volunteers. We had three on-hill coaches helping us set the courses, organize and carry equipment, shoot video and keep the group moving. There was Leslie Clarke, Greg Frechette and Nick Cooper, all who bring vast experience and familiarity with young athletes, as well as special guest coach Robbie Dixon. We would not have had the same success at this camp without these veteran coaches.

Thanks to Jane and Bill, Manny’s parents, the racers began each day with a full, hot breakfast, a snack and some water for mid morning, and then they were off to the mountain geared for training. On the hill, the kids started with warm up runs lead by us (Mike, Robbie and Manny) and then the campers slowly moved into the gates. Every day started off with a demo in the course by one of us and then it was the kids’ turn to show us how it’s done. After a tough day of training, the kids were stuffed with a full buffet lunch with all the trimmings to make sure they had enough energy for the dryland we had organized for the afternoon. After showers and the ongoing games of pool we headed out to Brew Pub for a dinner feast and a recap the day and banter.

We have tried to take care of all the critical aspects so that these racers could focus on getting the very most out of our camp. It’s important to us that they do not need to worry about finances, food or equipment.

We thank everyone who gave so generously of their time and money. It’s been a blast and so much more fun with everyone pitching in.

Until next year, while we look forward to the Olympics on our home mountain and our third annual Cowboys Camp."

Sincerely, Mike Janyk and Manuel Osborne-Paradis “Canadian Cowboys”