BC Alpine staff, coaches, club executives and members gathered in Kelowna for 3 days of learning, collaboration and information sharing; we are ready for a new season!“This year’s AGM and Member Summit in Kelowna broke the all-time record for attendance, and I know we all left feeling a little smarter, more curious and most importantly excited for the coming season”, said Anders Hestdalen, CEO of BC Alpine. “I want to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the weekend’s success.”
This year we brought coaches, officials, club executives and members from around the province together in one room to listen to special guest speaker Dr. Robert Reid, Director of Sport Science for the Norwegian Ski Federation.
Dr. Reid entertained and educated the audience over the course of three days by breaking down the physical and technical demands of alpine ski racing, demonstrating how the laws of physics set the foundation for turning technique and sharing the Norwegian approach to long-term athlete development. He revealed a little-known secret that much of the Norwegian model is borrowed from the Canadian LTAD and went on to explain how Norway has successfully approached some of the challenges around implementing the program. Dr. Reid wrapped up the weekend with a captivating discussion on “Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast”, how to turn culture into a competitive advantage.
BC Alpine VP Johnny Crichton shared the exciting new online LTAD website soon to be launced by Alpine Canada. Johnny has been instrumental in helping develop this inovative and interactive tool for parents, coaches, clubs and PSO's at all levels of alpine ski racing. Attendees also enjoyed three interesting mini “Ted Talks”. Mike Janyk, Grouse Tyee Program Director, gave some insight into his unique approach to mental training as demonstrated in his work with the BC Ski Team. Fernie U16 Coach Montana Molyneux talked about the challenges and rewards that come with being a woman who has chosen a career in ski coaching and rookie BC Ski Team member Marcus Athans shared what it was like to make the transition from club racer to provincial team athlete. BC Team Head Coach Nick Cooper gave an overview of the team’s summer training, plans and goals for the 18/19 season, and answered questions from the audience.
On Saturday CEO Anders Hestdalen presented a report on the previous year’s challenges and successes and summed up his first year at BC Alpine. The organization is in good shape and membership numbers reached the highest ever in the 2017/18 season. Over 6,000 registered members in BC means the clubs are doing a great job. Financially we are also doing well, but with Rio Tinto withdrawing its support of the the Nancy Greene Ski League, there is now an opportunity and a need for new sponsorship dollars to secure the future success of BC Alpine and youth ski racing in BC.
BC Alpine is close to formally rolling out our new Strategic Plan, the roadmap for 2018 through 2022. A draft of the plan was shared at the Kelowna meetings and the member clubs engaged in roundtable discussions about the measurable goals we have committed to delivering on over the next four year.
The official BC Alpine AGM business portion of the weekend moved quickly and without a hitch. We announced the retirement of Diana Haight-Arn and Phil Mittertreiner from the Board and thanked them for their years of service. We welcomed Patrick Kinghorn as the new Kootenay Zone Chair and elected Warren Schindler as new Vice President of Finance.
Officials Chair Mark Schwenck addressed the group noting Officials Updates are scheduled for November 3 – 4 in Kamloops.
Anders reviewed the Responsible Coaching Movement and emphasized that creating a healthy and safe sport environment benefits all participants, whether you’re a coach, administrator or parent.
The annual awards banquet and social on Saturday night was a great time for the over 90 people who came to celebrate with us.
“We are always excited when we can recognize and present Goldie awards to some of the most dedicated and hardworking volunteers, coaches and athletes in our province”, said Johnny Crichton, VP of BC Alpine. “And the Bohemian Café delivered as always!”
We thank you, our members, for all you do for our sport and we look forward to a great season ahead!
ALL SUMMIT/AGM DOCUMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE HERE
BC Alpine Board of Directors
· Hugh MacNaught, Chair – BC Alpine
· Doug Jevning, Coast Zone Chair
· Patrick Kinghorn, Kootenay Zone Chair
· Philippe Bernier, North Zone Chair
· Catherine Martin, Okanagan Zone Chair
· Mike Giannelli, Secretary/Treasurer
· Gordie Bowles, VP Athletics
· Warren Schindler, VP Finance
BC Alpine Officials Chairs
· Mark Schwenck, Officials Chair for BC Alpine
· Bob Walton, Officials Chair – Coast Zone
· Lloyd Steeves, Officials Chair – Kootenay Zone
· Jim Martin, Officials Chair – North Zone
· Graham Cope, Officials Chair – Okanagan Zone