Nomination process for domestic awards opened on June 1

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:31:26 -0600

CALGARY, AB (June 9, 2010) – Nominations for the top annual awards in Canadian ski racing have opened to the public, the national governing body for ski racing announced today.

The TELUS Awards of Excellence for Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), honouring outstanding performances in the past season, began accepting nominations on June 1.

"TELUS and its team members are proud of the entire Alpine Canada Alpin team, including the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team, who consistently shine on the world stage,” said Olympic medallist Steve Podborski, TELUS director of Community Sports. “The TELUS Awards of Excellence offers us the opportunity to not only highlight the success of our nation’s athletes but to honour them for their passion and dedication to the sport in a unique and meaningful way.”

TELUS Awards of Excellence voted on by the public include the Jason Lapierre Memorial Domestic Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Volunteer of the Year (Western), Volunteer of the Year (Eastern), Official of the Year, Race of the Year and Alumni of the Year.

The Fan’s Choice Award also enables the public to choose between a select group of exceptional performances from last season. Click here to learn more and vote online for the Fan’s Choice Award.

The nomination process closes September 30 with all winners, including top Canadian Alpine Ski Team awards, announced shortly after.

“Alpine ski racing in Canada relies on the tireless effort of thousands of officials, volunteers, coaches, racers and others in order to put on the highest quality races that enable young athletes to reach their ski racing potential,” said ACA Director of National Programs and Race Events Philippe Bernier.

“And the TELUS Awards of Excellence are an opportunity to recognize those who made the greatest contributions to the sport in Canada in the past year,” he added.

Canada's able-bodied and para-alpine ski teams completed last season with 22 World Cup victories, and 44 World Cup podiums.

Erik Guay (Mont-Tremblant, QC) became the first Canadian since Podborski in 1982 to earn a discipline Crystal Globe, winning the men’s super-G title on the final day of competition.

Canada's Para-Alpine Ski Team finished with 13 of the host nations 19 medals won at the 2010 Paralympic Games, led by Lauren Woolstencroft’s (North Vancouver BC) record-setting five gold medal performance.

The TELUS Awards of Excellence have been granted annually since 2002. For a complete list of past winners or to learn more about the awards program click here.