FIS FREESTYLE WORLD CUP

Volunteer’s are  what I call the unsung hero’s of sport, but are seldom recognized or for that matter even thanked. Which for my liking is simply not right!

Freestyle Skiing is doing it right. They will recognize a dedicated group of volunteers when the world’s athletes gather in Calgary for the FIS Halfpipe and Mogul events.

Thirty-one (31) Albertans, all of whom have volunteered for at least five years will be thanked and presented with certificates by the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association.

“The level of commitment and dedication of all our volunteers is never a surprise to me,” said Larry Bilton, chair of the COP World Cup organizing committee. “The five-year members have shown that extra level of commitment being part of our World Cups. Friendships have been made and are re-kindled every year as folks come together to help produce this world-class event. I have been fortunate being part of this group and have been extremely proud of our accomplishments over these years.”

Among Canadian team athletes competing in Halfpipe this weekend will be Albertans Megan Gunning (Calgary), Keltie Hansen (Edmonton), Mike Riddle (Sherwood Park) and Chris Atkinson (Calgary).

Halfpipe qualifications are scheduled on January 2 running between 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.

The finals will take place January 3 starting at noon and 1:45 p.m.

Moguls, featuring 2010 Gold Medallist Alex Bilodeau, 2013 World Cup Champion Mikaël Kingsbury and last year’s Calgary Gold and Silver medallists Justine and Chloé Dufour-Lapointe will take place on Saturday January 4.

A local young skier Luke Ulsifer from Calgary will also be competing as well and we wish him well in his event.

Qualifications begin at 9:30 a.m. Finals will start at 1:30 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. Thanks to Canadian Freestyle Ski Association for the info.

Volunteers being honoured this weekend are:

Al Ulsifer

Ali Nelner
Alice Adams-Wood
Brayden Bilton
Colleen
MacDonald
Dave Nelner
Denise Schneider
Dr Oliver David

Elisa Kurylowicz
Gigi Bilton
Graham Reiser
Greg
Winter
Jeremy Batchelor
Karen Ulsifer
Kathy Kraljic

Kathy Waddell
Ken Huyghe
Kevin Joosten
Larry Bilton

Laura Scott-Lane
Linda Hunter
Maureen Calder
Megan
Bilton
Michael Barr
Michelle Leslie
Mike Poulin
Neil
Orr
Rosemary Joosten
Scott McKnight
Steve Hunter

Trisha Drake