CANSI News

Ontario 2010 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Thu, 20 May 2010 02:49:03 +0000

Help make CANSI Ontario work better. Join us for the Ontario Region Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday May 30, 2010 at the Swansea Town Hall on 95 Lavinia Avenue in west end of Toronto.

At 12 noon we will have an informal get-to-know-your-board lunch. The AGM meeting will start officialy at 1:00 p.m.

More info and to register click here.

More Course announcements from CANSI Pacific

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:02:43 +0000

Greetings CANSI Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that we are offering some more courses, including some long awaited Telemark Programs. These courses are now open for registration. As usual we are offering early bird registration with a 20% discount in effect if you sign up 14 days or sooner prior to course start (see detailed list below).

This has been an unusual season, with the Olympics having a big impact in turns of venues and examiners being available as well as unusually warm temperatures on the Coast. As you can see, we will get caught up in March/ April. Thanks for your patience while we work through these challenges. All of our refreshers are free for active CANSI members this year and all courses can provide opportunities for retests or refresher, by prior consent of the course conductor.

]]>Have a great rest of your season and enjoy the next 5 weeks as we will likely see a big increase in interest in Nordic skiing once the general public sees what these athletes (both Olympic and Paralympic) can accomplish. Please visit www.cansi.ca/en/courses for more info on these courses or to register; or email us at CANSI Pacific info@pacific.cansi.ca for more information.

Regards,

Mark Simpson
CANSI Pacific Acting Technical Chair and National Board Rep.

Telemark
Level 1 Telemark Sun Peaks March 5 -7, 2010
Regional Telemark Refresher Sun Peaks, March 6, 2010
Level 1 Telemark Revelstoke Mountain Resort March 12-14, 2010
Level 2 Telemark Revelstoke Mountain Resort March 11-14, 2010
Regional Telemark Refresher Revelstoke Mountain Resort March 13, 2010
Level 1 Telemark Whistler/Blackcomb April 2-4, 2010
Level 2 Telemark Whistler/Blackcomb April 1-4, 2010
Regional Telemark Refresher Whistler/Blackcomb April 3, 2010

Cross Country
Level 2 Nordic Callaghan/Whistler Olympic Park March 8 - 12, 2010
Level 3 Nordic Callaghan/Whistler Olympic Park March 8 -12 , 2010
Regional Nordic Refresher Mt Washington, March 13, 2010
Level 2 Nordic Silver Star Mountain March 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 2010
Level 3 Nordic Silver Star Mountain March 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 2010
Level 2/3 Nordic Part 2 Otway Nordic Center/Bulkley Valley Smithers April 2 -4, 2010
Level 1 Nordic, Mt Macintyre, Whitehorse, April 8 -12, 2010
Level 1 Nordic Mt Washington, April 7-8, 2010

CANSI Arc'teryx Uniforms

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:48:59 +0000

The CANSI Arc'teryx Uniforms are on their way. After some challenging supply and logistical problems, the new CANSI uniforms by Arc'teryx are starting to ship.

The uniform pieces were selected to provide maximum versatility, and are applicable to many different skiing and teaching situations.

I tested the hard shell layered with the soft shell this past weekend, and was impressed with the quality, functionality, and appearance of the new Arc'teryx uniform.

]]>The hardshell is the Alpha SV in Candy Apple Red. When the uniform pieces were selected in September, the hard shell was to be the Theta AR, but there is currently insufficient availability in that product, so Arc'teryx is substituting the Alpha SV, a premium product, at no extra charge.

The Alpha SV features the CANSI red oval logo embroidered on the right chest, and on the back of the jacket. The embroidered logos look great, and are factory sealed, so that the integrity of the shell material is not compromised. The Alpha SV is constructed of Gore-tex Pro-shell, which is relatively stiff, but extremely light-weight. It is engineered to be a durable high performance material. All the zippers are waterproof, and have the Arc'teryx zipper garages .

The jacket is cut slightly longer in the back, and has some added material at the bottom of the sides, to keep the shell from riding up over your hips. There are many design features that I was discovering through the day.

The hood is helmet-compatible, and provides good protection from the elements. The velcro fasteners on the wrists are functional and easy to cinch down to provide a good seal.

The softshell is the Epsilon AR, in Merlot. The jacket has two chest pockets, which prevented having the logo embroidered on the front. The logo on the back is the same size as on the hard shell.

I didn't have a chance to test the Arc'teryx pants that were selected as part of our uniform, but there are hard shell and soft shell options available.

I am very impressed with the Arc'teryx uniform. For information on how to order yours, see the CANSI Uniform page

Glenn Lee
Technical Committee Chair

Telemark Ski Ontario Race Series 2010

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:31:46 +0000

Telemark Ski Ontario & Ski Telemark Ltd. are pleased to present the 2010 Race Series.

Sunday January 17 - Caledon Ski Club
Sunday February 14 - Alpine Ski Club
Sunday March 14 - Devil's Glen Country Club

Classes for all ages - Fun for all - Early Bird Registration by Jan 17, 2010.

Plus Telemark Training Camps

Saturday Jan 16 - Caledon Ski Club

Saturday, March 13 - Devil's Glen Country Club

Download Race Poster: RACEPOSTER2010TSO.pdf
Download Entry Form: STTSO10EBR.pdf or for more info and registration visit www.skitelemark.ca

Meeting points : Seminars and Professional Development Days

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:19:44 +0000

The meeting points for the Telemark Seminar are :
Day 1 (January 6, 2010) : Chalet des Voyageurs* at 8:30 AM.
Day 2 (January 7, 2010) : Green lifts light board on the summit at 9:30 AM.

The meeting point for the Telemark Professional Development Day is :
Day 1 (January 8, 2010) : Chalet des Voyageurs* at 8:30 AM.

The meeting point for the XC Professional Development Day is :
Day 1 (January 8, 2010) : Accueil St-Bernard** at 9:00 AM.

The meeting points for the XC Seminar are :
Day 1 (January 9, 2010) : Accueil St-Bernard** at 8:30 AM.
Day 2 (January 10, 2010) : Accueil St-Bernard** at 8:30 AM.

* The Chalet des Voyageurs is located just right of the base of the Cabriolet lift on the South side of Tremblant. Members who registered before noon on January 4, 2010 will pick up their discounted lift tickets then.

** Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant Centre de services St-Bernard : http://www.skidefondmont-tremblant.com/en/services-st-bernard.php

Annual General Meeting (AGM) January 8, 2010

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:06:53 +0000

CANSI's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Friday January 8th at 19:00 at Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant. A casual get together with snacks began at 17:30.

Details, agenda and reports are available in the AGM portion of the Members Area.

]]>Ski de fond Mont-Tremblant
St-Bernard Service Center
539, Chemin Saint-Bernard, CP 2632
Mont-Tremblant, (Québec) J8E 1B1
Tel: 819-425-5588
Fax: 819-425-9654

Directions
From route 117, take exit 119. At the light turn right on Montée Ryan. Turn right at the round-about (chemin Labelle). Immediately after Hotel Grand Lodge turn left on chemin Saint-Bernard and go to the end of road (approx. 3.5km)

Web site: www.skidefondmont-tremblant.com/en/services-st-bernard.php

Check out what's new in the Members Area

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:06:02 +0000

The Members Area has been updated with information on the latest official uniforms and great Pro-Deals. Check it out now!

Craft Uniform Order Deadline

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:58:23 +0000

CANSI Craft Uniform Program

Craft has partnered with CANSI to offer Craft uniform styles designed for CANSI XC Instructors.

The next order cut off is December 18, 2009. This will be the last chance to order the official Craft CANSI uniform for this season. Get your orders in now!

See the CANSI Uniform page for details.

Atlantic XC and Telemark Courses 2009-2010

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:43:01 +0000

We are pleased to announce that XC and Telemark courses being offered by CANSI Atlantic for the 2009-2010 season are now open for registration. See the Courses page for the list of upcoming courses

Ski Martock (NS) looking for XC Instructors

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:45:19 +0000

Ski Martock near Windsor NS and about 45 min from Halifax is looking for 1 full time and 4 to 5 part time XC ski instructors for the coming season. The full time position will combine instruction with XC park management. Hours for all positions are flexible.

About Ski Martock. Ski Martock is a progressive family run ski hill. The XC ski park has been newly expanded for the 2010 Canada Winter Games. It has 100% snow making coverage, spectator stands and a biathlon range. Weekday ski instruction is primarily school groups and weekend is private and group lessons.

A CANSI XC level one instructor certification is required for the position and a certification course will be run at Ski Martock Jan 16-17 2010.

Contact - snowschool@martock.com

Registration for the National Seminar is open

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:33:38 +0000

Registration for the National Seminar which will be held in the Mont Tremblant area in Quebec is open. Visit the Courses page to register. There is a $30 savings for early registration.

Telemark National Seminar Registration
XC National Seminar Registration

On Friday January 8, 2010, the Telemark and XC professional development days will also be held. These PD days are free for active CANSI members. Places will be limited so register now.

Free Telemark PD/Refresher Registration
Free XC PD/Refreshser Registration

Ontario X-Country Courses 2009-2010 (Updated)

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:11:27 +0000

We are please to announce that the XC courses for this coming winter are now open for registration. Thank you for your patience. We had to ensure we will have enough Course Conductors now that Steve Gentles, Paul Graner and Mike Lalonde are no longer available.

This winter, thanks to Wendy Grater, Peter Grey, Paul Jorgensen (who just moved back from BC), Clare Magee, Rob Henderson, and our trainees Ted Williams, Murray Wood and Jan Vopalensky, we are able to offer you in total 17 XC courses over 8 events and 5 locations.

Note also that this winter not only are we keeping current course prices same as last year, but we also offering four Refresher/Professional Development courses for free. But if you still feel our courses are costly, keep in mind we are again offering Youth Scholarships to qualified individuals.

]]>Bellow is a summary of all the Ontario XC courses planned for this season. Here you'll find direct links to the available course pages from where you can easily register. But if you know exactly what course you want, simply select it from the courses page. Just make sure you select the ON-Ontario and X-Country options (for easier viewing) and register for the right course.

Level I+II+III Instructor Refresher and Preparation - 2 Days

This early season course is especially designed for aspiring instructors, level I and II instructors teaching in Southern Ontario area ski clubs. Refresher and prep courses always provide great learning and a chance to relate to peers working on the same challenges without the stress of a certification course. You must be at least Level I instructor to take part in the Refresher part of this course.

December 19-20 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon

1) Level I+II Refresher - $140 ($100 if you register early and online**)
2) Level I Preparation - $180 ($150 if you register early and online**)
3) Level II/III Preparation - $180 ($150 if you register early and online**)

Note: In case there is not enough snow at this location, this course may be moved to a more suitable location. Your registration fees will be fully refunded if you do not want to drive to the new location. A decision will be made at least 3 days before course start.

Level I Instructor Refresher/Professional Development - 1 Day

If you cannot make the above special refresher, you can always tune-up your skiing and teaching skills in the following three courses. You must be at least Level I certified instructor that did not expire more than 10 years ago to take part in them.

1) January 3 - Arrowhead Prov. Park, Hunstville
2) January 5 - Hardwood Ski and Bike, Barrie
3) January 9 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon
4) January 16 - Mooney's Bay Park, Ottawa

Price: $0

Note: These refresher courses are offered in conjunction with a Level I preparation and/or Level I certification courses, and are limited to no more than 8 students each.

Level I Instructor Preparation

Make sure that your skiing skills are ready for the XC Level I Instructor course. This full day session is for ski improvement, with a focus on the skiing that is required for the Level I course. You must be a strong intermediate skier to take part in this course.

January 3 - Arrowhead Prov. Park, Hunstville

Price: $90 ($75 if you register at least 2 weeks before start of the course)

(Full) Level I Instructor Certification - 2 days

These certification courses train you for teaching beginner XC skiers - be they Classic or Skate skiers. They will introduce you to the fundamentals of XC Classic and Skating skiing technique and the Canadian teaching style. You will improve your demonstration skills and learn how to introduce new people to the sport.

1) December 19-20 - Hiawatha Highlands, SS Marie
2) January 5-6 - Hardwood Ski and Bike, Barrie
3) January 9-10 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon
4) January 16-17 - Mooney's Bay Park, Ottawa

Price: $400 ($350 if you register early and online**)

Note: We recommend completing the XC Level I Instructor Preparation course prior to attending this certification course and/or self-evaluating your skills based on the latest criteria listed in the current Course Conductor manual.

Classic-only Level I Instructor Certification - 2 days

These certification courses train you for teaching beginner XC Classic skiers only. It will introduce you to the fundamentals of XC Classic skiing technique and the Canadian teaching style. You will improve your demonstration skills and learn how to introduce new people to the sport.

1) January 5-6 - Hardwood Ski and Bike, Barrie
2) January 9-10 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon

Price: $400 ($350 if you register early and online**)

Note:
a) We recommend completing a XC Classic Level I Instructor Preparation course prior to attending this certification course and/or self-evaluating your skills based on the latest XC Classic Level I criteria.
b) Due to a limited number of available course conductors, this course is offered in conjunction with a full XC Level I certification course and limited to a maximum of 5 participants.

Level II+III Instructor Certification - 5 Days over 2 weekends

After an absence of two seasons, we are again offering full Level II and III certification courses. This combined 5-day courses are for instructors looking to hone their teaching and skiing skills. It focuses of skills and tactics needed to work with intermediate through advanced skiers.

You must be at least Level I instructor to take part in the Level II course, and Level II instructor for the Level III course.

1) Level II certification course
2) Level III certification course

Both are offered on the two consecutive weekends of January 29-31 and Feb. 27-28, and at the Highlands Nordic, Duntroon resort.

Price: $580 ($500 if you register early**)

Course Conductor Training and Level II+ Refresher - 2 days

This briefing is designed to train current and future Ontario XC Course Conductors. Accommodation is available on site at the Highlands Nordic farmhouse #1 for $25 per night. This farmhouse is located near the main chalet and room for close to 15 people.

December 12-13 - Highlands Nordic, Duntroon

Price: $50 plus $14 per day for a trail pass

Note: You are eligible for reimbursement of the costs of this course (course fee plus reasonable expenses) should you commit to assist in the running of Ontario X-Country courses during this winter.

** Early and online registration means that you will register and pay through our web site at least 2 weeks before the start of the course. Further details about Ontario's course registration and cancellation policies, please read this news item.

CANSI Pacific AGM - October 20

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:22:22 +0000

Dear CANSI Friends,

You are invited to the CANSI Pacific AGM on October 20 at 7 pm in Vancouver. We will conduct our normal business, elect a new Pacific Committee and review our upcoming course schedule. We will be treated to a presentation by Brian Jones on his ascent of Mount Everest and some beverages brewed by yours truly. Presentations, nominations, motions issues etc are welcome both in person and by email. Please copy marks@telus.net and info@pacific.cansi.ca with all email submissions.

Please log onto the website to "sign up" for this meeting as soon as possible so we can predict attendance.

Our first wave of courses will be posted this week. We are still finalizing course conductors and more courses will be added beyond those listed in this email. Please email myself and Mat Wallace at cansi_pacific_tech@hotmail.com with any additional requests.

Regards

Mark Simpson
CANSI Pacific Board Representative.

]]>Welcome Back to the 2009-2010 Season

We are excited about this season - having the Olympics staged in Canada will bring a whole new excitement and exposure to Nordic skiing. We urge you to stay involved in the sport and help CANSI promote Telemark and Nordic skiing.

We are writing to ask you to renew your membership for the coming season. We value you as a member and offer 3 types of membership to suit your individual needs.
• Professional Membership ($70), including insurance
• Associate Membership ($50), excluding insurance
• Affiliate Membership ($20), for those without certifications

Your national executive has worked hard over the summer to identify and deliver on our key priorities for members. Your key membership benefits for this season include:
• Professional Development Day / Refresher included as part of membership (new for 2009/2010)
• Membership fees are frozen (for another year)
• New Uniform program with Arc'Teryx, Craft, and Silverfoot
• Pro Deal programs with Black Diamond, Scarpa and others.
• CANSI will be selling an exclusive CANSI toque designed by Silverfoot at low cost
• Our national office is available to help you - Françoise can be reached at office@cansi.ca or 1-819-827-1800
• High quality membership cards sent by mail within 2 weeks of renewal
• X-Citation (published 4x/year) and a brief Inside Track e-newsletter
• And excellent courses delivered by our Course Conductors

To receive these benefits, please renew your membership online at www.cansi.ca/en/membership/renewal. Please make sure that you update your contact information and e-mail address and check that your certifications are correct.

Information on the pro deals will be on the cansi.ca Members Area shortly. Information on the free PD/Refresher days for each region will be posted on www.cansi.ca with a fee of $0. Space will be limited in these programs, so sign up early.

We welcome you back and wish you a great season of good skiing, camaraderie and fitness and of course... many powder days.

Regards,

Garry Almond
Garry Almond ▪ President; Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) ▪ 416.708.6430 ▪ president@cansi.ca ▪ www.cansi.ca

CANSI Pacific AGM 2009-2010
7:00 - 9:00 pm Wednesday, October 20, 2009
Canada West Mountain School
47 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC

1. Call meeting to order
2. Approval of the agenda
3. Financial Report - Linda Knight
4. Acceptance of Financial Statements as presented
5. National Report - Mark Simpson
6. Technical Report - Mat Wallace
7. Course Reports 2008-2009 - Mark Simpson
8. Role of Canada West Mountain School- Brian Jones
9. Election of Officers- 2 year term

Call for nominations - Mat Wallace is nominated by Mark Simpson. Guy Paulsen in nominated by Mark Simpson. Nominations will close at 7 pm on Oct 20, 2009. Please email all nominations to marks@telus.net

Current Board: Georgia Heraty - 2009, Mark Simpson (National Rep) - 2009, Mike Thomas (VP) - 2009, Sherryl Yeager (Xcitation Editor) - 2009, and Emily Grady - 2008.

10. New Business
Course schedule for 2009/2010 season - Discussion and acceptance of draft course schedule as presented. Note we will offer free refreshers this year as a membership retention strategy.

Motion # 1 by Mark Simpson
That we retain CWMS for 2009- 2010 season for web and course administration and customer interface.

Motion # 2 by Mark Simpson
That we budget $1500 this fiscal year to produce and distribute a electronic and print brochure, enhance our PR and communications with Western Ski Industry. Also we would make these templates available and useable as a national resource.

Motion # 3 by Mark Simpson
That we continue to offer a scholarship program for 2009- 2010 season for training of course conductors and budget $1000 for this purpose.

11. 8:00 Adjourn formal meeting

12. 8:00 pm Presentation with of the Ascent of Mount Everest by Brian Jones with still and video images with free beverages provided by Russell Brewing Company and snacks courtesy of CANSI Pacific.

13. Next AGM Meeting:
Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 7 - 9 pm,
Canada West Mountain School,
47 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Ontario Telemark Courses 2009-2010

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:22:43 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Telemark courses being offered by CANSI Ontario for the 2009-2010 season are now open for registration.

See the Courses page for the list of upcoming courses.

You can request a custom program to fit your own dates if you have 4 or more people. Email us with your information and we will get back to you.

Clare Magee receives Mike Moran Lifetime Achievement Award

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:41:50 +0000

On June 14, at the Ontario 2008-2009 AGM Clare Magee received the Mike Moran Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his outstanding contributions and ongoing dedication to CANSI as a volunteer and educator of the first order thorough many years of service.

Clare Magee became a XC ski instructor in 1973, when this certification was still under the auspices of Canadian Ski Instructors Association. He was certified by Heinz Niederhauser (co-founder of CANSI in 1976). Clare's influence on Nordic skiers, instructors and coaches is still felt today. More words about this influence can be found below - from Cheri Doman (Mike's widow, on right) and Peter Rasberry (his longtime friend).

]]>Cheri Doman's words of appreciation:

As many of you are aware, Mike's fight against cancer was short but genuine and courageous. Through out he remained determined, optimistic and used laughter as the best medicine when times were tough and grueling for him "physically" and "mentally".
Undoubtedly, Mike was an accomplished athlete who excelled at sport and loved outdoor pursuits. His success came from being thorough and consistent in all that he did, always keeping his goals in sight. He drew strength from the pursuit of knowledge and inspiration from the elements in the natural world around him.

But more importantly, his benevolent heart entranced his enthusiasm for friendship. Whether he was working, teaching or playing, Mike showed admiration for the people involved in all of his associations and often referred to them as friends. Clare Magee was one of those friends. Mike and Clare share a history ... Mike as a Student and Clare as an admirable and inspiring Teacher. Their keen connection remained vibrant over the years as they became Colleagues and collectively taught others on many levels, each with their own sincere passion and style. I know that Mike held the highest regard for Clare and treasured memories that undoubtedly grew from the grassroots of their love for Cross Country Skiing. I know most of you here today not only recognize but understand the commendable performance Clare has given to each day of his life as he interacts with everyone in his surroundings. I know Mike did...

Clare presented Mike with this "feather" at a time when things were changing rapidly with in Mike's realm. Mike was very aware of the symbolism and significance of this gift and he immediately kept this feather in his Atlas and used it often to show me the beautiful and exciting sections of his famous bicycle trip in the hopes that his twin brother Bill and myself could return to some of these favouite and most spiritual experiences to spread his ashes to signify all good feelings and optimism. I wish I could share more about this feather but find it extremely emotional...so there is your work for the next while...search out the mean of the Eagle Feather...and you will remember this as another shared learning experience coming from a cherished friendship with Clare Magee. A person most deserving of a highest Achievement Award presented today in Mike's memory. You are the very best Clare!

Blessings of peace and happiness always Clare and thank you for sharing your life with ours!

Sincerely and spiritually, Cheri

Peter Rasberry's words of appreciation:

It was in the winter of '76 as a college placement student that I first fastened a pair of XC skis to my feet - they were wood skis, bases tacky with a coat of pine-tar and a couple of layers of Jackrabbit grip wax. It was Clare Magee that led me on that first outing on the trails, across the lake, and through the Muskoka forest.

It was OK, I guess, but I couldn't quite appreciate the enthusiasm one would have for this sport - I found I was either slipping and sliding like it was roller skates I had on, or picking myself up out of the cold, powder snow every few strides. And friends I otherwise respected as athletes and outdoorsmen were wearing knickers and knee socks!! Snowshoeing made imminently more sense for winter travel. But I've been skiing with Clare, following behind him both literally and figuratively, for the 30 something years since, and loving every minute of it.

I first met Clare about 5 years earlier in 1971 as a 15 year old enrolled in the leadership training program, of which Clare was the director, at an Ontario summer camp. I knew one thing when I left a month later - that like the famous Michael Jordan/Gatorade ads of a few years ago - "Be Like Mike" - I wanted to "Be like Clare". Here was this larger-than-life 20 something year old guy who played guitar and banjo, had been an all-Ontario varsity basketball player, could paddle a canoe with strength and grace, and could name and imitate all the bird calls resonating from the forest. But it was his leadership skills, and the conscientious, principled example he set, that influenced me the most.

All of us who have been taught by Clare, and/or taught alongside him know the dedication and professionalism with which he conducts himself. He has been the consummate role-model for many of us. His combination of technical skills, pedagogical prowess, and sheer energy has swept us all along in his wake with our desire to be as effective as he in empowering others to maximize their own potential as skiers and as ski instructors. At our annual instructor briefings and on courses, Clare would be up late at night making sure that every detail of the schedule had been thought through, every handout edited, every possible glitch anticipated and prepared for, and in his subtle but persuasive way, that each of us would be motivated to be similarly prepared. The highlight for many of us at the briefings would be the annual version of the marking video, featuring "skier in red hat", or "man in tights" craftily edited by Clare to challenge our examining skills and consistency.

It's been as much about fun and life-long friendships, as it has been about skills and leadership. Clare's influence has covered all the seasons in the calendar, and through many other forms of outdoor pursuit. Two summers ago, on a portage in Killarney Provincial Park, we met a young man and woman. The man looked at Clare and said something like - I know you - are you Clare Magee? Clare of course answered, yes, the connection was made between a former Seneca College student and his teacher, and some pleasant and sincere catching-up took place. As we prepared to depart, the young man said honestly and humbly to Clare - "I want to thank you for the huge influence you've been on my life", and that he wouldn't have been there - at that time, place and space - had it not been for the relationship and values fostered years before. Many more who have crossed paths with Clare over the years would surely share that sentiment.

Mike Moran was a character, to say the least. A leader, without a doubt. Combining his formidable skills and leadership abilities with his energetic, infectious and humorous ways, Mike was a provincial, national and international ambassador for CANSI and for Nordic skiing. He challenged us to be the best instructors we could be, and led by example. Mike was the most natural skier I have ever met - on skinny skis, telemark or downhill gear. He was both spirited and inspirational. Mike passed away in the fall of 2006. Those who knew him will remember Mike's smile and his laugh the most, but he left us all with a great deal more than that.

It could not be more fitting that the first recipient of this award honoring Mike Moran, should be his friend and colleague Clare Magee. Although one was tall and one not, one somewhat of an extrovert, one less so, Mike and Clare shared a commitment to personal excellence and excellence in leadership which both of them demonstrated not only on snow but in all aspects of their lives. The bar has been set at the highest peg for future recipients of this award - nothing less would reflect the standard set by these two. On behalf of past and present members of the Nordic ski community, our thanks to them both for their inspiration, their dedication and above all their friendship.

Peter Rasberry

Postscript:

The award consisted of a painting done by Daniel DuBois (a Toronto based artist) and a small, engraved plaque. The painting is from Joe Lake, one portage north of Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park. As Daniel says "The canoe is a Tremblay, or my idea of a Tremblay, a workboat made in St. Felicien Qc. until the 1970's. The company is no longer operating."

CANSI Ontario board directors felt it was more valuable to give a personal gift that could be enjoyed almost every day by the lifetime achievement award recipient. Giving just a larger plague seemed insufficient for this type of award and Clare's contribution to CANSI.