Another season finished and a big thank you!

 

Last day of grooming was April 19th... exactly 150 days of skiing, thanks to a November start.  A big thank you to all our members (633 this year), our many many volunteers, our dedicated grooming & kiosk staff, and our many community supporters.  Thanks to everyone, we're able to support ourselves as one of the biggest ski clubs in western Canada.  Enjoy the summer and see you next winter.

 

 

A thank you from George Grey

 

This past season has been my most exciting and successful season of my career.  With Vancouver hosting the 2010 Olympics I knew it was a special opportunity to race in my home country and further more, my home province.  The last four years of my life have been dedicated to training for the Olympics and the journey has been something I will never forget.  I had my career best race at the Olympics placing 8th in the 30km pursuit.  The emotions of a home Olympics were higher than ever and it felt so good.  I am overwhelmed by the support of my home in the Kootenays.  So many people came forward to be a part of my Olympic preparation by offering donations and sponsorships.  Thank you for helping me reach my dreams!

 

 

Black Jack welcomes Dave Wood as new head coach and bids farewell to Chris Manhard

 

The Black Jack Ski Club is excited to announce that Dave Wood has accepted the head coaching position with the club's Skier Development Program.  Already a part-time resident of Rossland for the past few years, Dave is returning to his roots of teaching at the grassroots level after serving the National Team for almost 20 years, the past 12 as head coach and World Cup team leader.  Under Dave's leadership, Canadian cross-country skiers improved their international results significantly, and for the first time ever achieved podium success at both the World Championships and Olympics.  Welcome aboard Dave!  (For more info on Dave's accomplishments, go to http://www.cccski.com/main.asp?cmd=doc&ID=6909&lan=0.)

  

Dave will be taking over from our current head coach Chris Manhard, who has recently accepted the head coach position at the National Development Centre in Callaghan Valley, near Whistler.  Chris has done an outstanding job leading and growing our Skier Development Program the past 4 years and we wish to congratulate him on his exciting career move.  All the best Chris and make sure to visit often!

  

(Black Jack's Skier Development Program has about 60 to 80 kids aged 4 to 18.  The program is completely funded by generous grants and donations, as well as program fees.  Thank you to those that have recently donated - much appreciated.)

 

 

Interested in joining the exec? 

 

We're still looking for a couple of keen individuals.  The Social Chair is primarily responsible for spearheading the fall Ski Swap and the spring Year End Wrap Up & AGM.  Each event has an established format and a dependable crew of helpers (you know who you are), but we need someone to take the helm.  The Communications Chair makes sure any newsworthy items get forwarded to the local media and our webmaster, ensures that local businesses have a supply of brochures and that the kiosk has trail maps, etc... If you're curious or interested in either position, please reply back to me at this email address.  Thanks in advance for considering it.

 

 

Interested in helping with Big Cat Kitty fundraising?

 

As dictated by our membership, terrific consistent grooming is the club's #1 objective.  This requires properly functioning, reliable grooming equipment.  The "Big Cat Kitty" is our grooming equipment fund, which we hope to significantly bolster this summer, especially because we have a matching grant opportunity that could match us dollar-for-dollar.  I'm trying to get a small group of keen individuals to help out with this.  Let me know if you're potentially interested... I can fill you in on the details.  It'll be fun and exciting.