Mt. Baldy Alpine Club

Senator Nancy Greene Raine’s Olympic Gold was a long time ago, but the ski program that bears her name is still going strong across Canada and at Mt. Baldy. The Mt. Baldy Alpine Club is a dedicated group of parent volunteers, who run the race program at Baldy. Over the last few years under the leadership of Coach and Ski Dad Warren Everton, the club has evolved and grown and is now offering a full U12 and U14 program. This season, they have hired Yanni Lou Gagnon as Head Coach for the club. Yanni is a 24 year old CSCF Level 2 certified ski racing coach, with an impressive list of racing accomplishments, and 5 years of coaching experience. Yanni coached part time last winter, and the kids enjoyed her energy and enthusiasm.

For information on the club and Nancy Greene program, you can contact Paul@okaped.com, or check out the Baldy Racers website,  http://baldyracers.blogspot.ca

Below is a program description provided by B.C. Alpine

The Nancy Greene Ski League – sponsored by Rio Tinto Alcan in B.C. – is a national program, inaugurated shortly after Nancy Greene Raine’s gold medal win at the 1968 Grenoble Olympic Winter Games. Since then, the program has been successful in introducing thousands of children to alpine skiing. Many of Canada’s top international skiers received their early training in Nancy Greene Ski League programs.

The program introduces children to basic ski techniques and skills, basic safety rules, and teamwork. Enjoyment of the sport and the mountain environment is also emphasized. The program is aligned with the Gliding Start, Skier Essentials and Learn to Train phases of the Long Term Skier Development Model (AIM 2 Win), and the Snow Stars Skill Achievements Program. Focus is put on developing skills to ski on all terrain, in all conditions and most of all, have fun on skis!

The Nancy Greene Ski League also introduces children to competition. These events, held at the club, zone, and provincial level, provide young skiers the opportunity to test the skills they have learned in the program in a fun and friendly environment. The emphasis in competition is placed on individual progress, team results, camaraderie, and fair play.

Photo and article supplied by Sandra Smith