The Power of Rest

Over the next few weeks, the ski club will be on a little programming shut down, giving everyone time for a rest, play and explore other aspects of life. Within a the context of sport, rest can be a powerful weapon to rediscover ones passion, build up new creative skills and re connect with the joys of the activity. In 2007, Canadian speed skater Jeremy Wotherspoon did just this.

After early success, young in his career which included world cup victories, world records and an Olympic silver medal in the Nagano ‘98 Games, Wotherspoon fell on disappointing times. His next two Olympics in Salt Lake City and Turin were met with struggles to find the podium after which he decided to take some time off for himself. Below are some excerpts from Bryce Barry’s book, “More than Medals”:

“Jeremy moved to a small deserted island in Norway. He spent some time by himself and also worked on a fishing boat… ‘I spent a lot of time on this island, walking around, going fishing from the shore but mostly resting and relaxing.’ After his sojourn in Norway, he returned to speed skating with a vengeance, faster and more focused. He was like lighting, clocking world records and winning events. He didn’t quit the sport, but stopping everything to do with it in order to come back to it fully made all the difference. It pinpointed his focus on what he wanted in his life and what he still wanted to do in his sport.”

For all the younger athletes out there in our club, these same principles apply to use the time to step away from their normal routines, play new sports, do activities for fun and tap into their creativity.

Enjoy the next month, we’ll see you back for the August 30th dryland camp and a few weeks for the FIS athletes going to Sass Fee. Between Blanca and I, someone will be around with questions during this time as well.

Sincerely,

Mike
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Mat Leduc moves on to Ski Cross Team | Thank you Mat and Good Luck!

Even though this hasn’t been a secret, we hadn’t made an official announcement so wanted to take the opportunity to share. After three full season coaching in the U12 program, Mat is leaving his role and taken a coaching position with the Evolve Ski Cross team based out of Calgary.

“This new job is an opportunity to work in a discipline that I loved racing and feel these skills have something unique to offer the sport and team. I’m super grateful for the opportunity I had to learn and lead with the club and the support given by members and colleagues during my time. I’ll miss shoveling ruts on the West Coast, watching athletes send it off cliffs and receiving my gummy bear’s coach tax at Chic Pea. I look forward to seeing everyone on hill and be sure to say hi. I’ll be watching on the result sheets.”

From all of us at the Whistler Mountain ski club, we wish Mat the best in his new adventure.

Ps, he’ll still be back to coach the dryland camp at the end of August… so we still have him for a bit longer.
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2021-2022 Coaches Update

We had a nice feedback note after our last E-news asking about if we had any lead coach updates to share. So in the spirit of transparency, we’ll fill you in with where we’re at.

As of now, officially the U12, U14, and U16 lead coach positions are vacant, but we are in talks with a few great candidates. In both U12 and U14, our hopeful hires have recently been sent offers of employment and are waiting for their responses. For the U16 lead role, there is a candidate, though in the early stages of discussions and are hopeful to have some progress in the next few weeks. Behind the lead coaches, there are a great mix of assistant candidates ranging from last seasons returning staff to new ones who have sent their resumes in.

This summer has for sure been full of change within the coaching staff and as they are our most valuable assets, we’re working our networks to attract a diverse and professional coaching staff for the 2021/22 season. We will be sure to share any news when things become official.

If you have any comments, questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out.

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Fitness August

GYM

During the month of August, our gym will be open to all our current members, athletes and alumni. The doors will be open from 7 am to 7 pm daily. Requirements to access WMSC facilities

Your Family Membership, Racer Account and BC Alpine fees must be current
You must be 14 or older
Open on first come, first- served basis. Maximum participants at any given time is 8
Fill out the Health Check (QR Code posted on the entrance door)
Wipe and disinfect equipment before and after use

August Fitness Camp #3

We will be running a fitness Camp for our U14 to FIS Athletes from August 30th to September 3rd. For U12s we will continue with a 2-day camp joining the U14s on Thursday and Friday September 2nd and 3rd.

More details to come from your Lead Coaches. Stay Tuned and safe the dates!
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Membership Registration and Winter Program Fees are ready for online payment | Registration closes Sunday, October 31

To Join our 2021-2022 Season:

1. Register or renew your WMSC Family Membership and Pay all BC Alpine Fees

Membership Registration

U12-U16 | FIS

2. Register to a WMSC Winter Program. Program fees are eligible for a 3-installment payment plan (August 31st, September 30th and October 31st)

Winter Program Registration

U12 | U14 | U16 | FIS

If you would like to make a donation through our Developing Champions Fund with Sport BC, please select the payment plan option at checkout.
Donations deadline is Thursday, September 30th
Contact us directly for more information at blanca@wmsc.info

2021 – 2022 WMSC Program Fees and Donations to BCASF are now ready for online payment | Full payment due on Sunday October, 31

The 2021/22 program fees are now posted on our website and available for viewing. One note to highlight is a change in the FIS/U21 program fee structure. For FIS/U21 we’ve moved to a year round and in season model with the goal to incentivize and reward commitment while freeing the coaches up to offer better programming. The two day Core option remains in place to maintain athlete accessibility. More details can be found on the website for this and all programs.

​If you are planning to make a donation to the Developing Champions Fund (BCASF) through Sport BC, please contact the office prior to making any payment on your Active Racer Account online. Donations deadline is Thursday, September 30th

​Please, also review and accept our WMSC policies and submit the WMSC Registration Forms (Athlete Code of Conduct, Teamship Value, Medical disclosure and Respect in Sport) by November 1st or prior to any on snow training.

​If you have any questions, please contact us at Blanca@wmsc.info or mjanyk@wmsc.info

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FIS new program fee structure info session | Monday, July 26 – 6 pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86934847177?pwd=ZHVOcWRsMXVERnRNMjhTVjJNeGZVdz09

Meeting ID: 869 3484 7177

Passcode: 653356

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Developing Champions Fund information Session | Wednesday, July 28 at 2pm – Zoom

Would you like to learn more about our Developing Champions funds?

Join us to an information session to learn about our fundraising goals for 2021-2022, ways to contribute and the tax benefits to you. See zoom details below:

Time: Jul 28, 2021 02:00 PM Vancouver

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84232501634?pwd=UG9YdktVZHpzczRqc2NPdFNHTVJxQT09

Meeting ID: 842 3250 1634

Passcode: 577004

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Fitness – July and August

There will be no programming from July 25th to August 24th.

The gym will be open to our current U16 and FIS/U21 Athletes and Members on first come, first served basis. We can only have up to 8 people at any given time. Please check in at the office. Open hours 9 am to 7 pm

August Fitness Camp – August 30th to September 3rd. Save the date! Details to follow

After 17 months, our first BBQ! Come and join us at the Club Cabin! | Saturday, July 24th 1pm
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Two of our top Canadian Ski Racers, Brodie Seger and Jack Crawford, will submit themselves to a Q&A about their World Championship 4th place performances and to some roasting from our Executive Director.

Take the chance to meet Mike Janyk and re-connect with our ski families. BOD members will be also in attendance if you have any questions for them.

This event is open to all athletes, members and alumni. Come, have a burger, drink, mingle and celebrate with us.

Health safety reminder – please join only if feeling well and free from any symptoms.

Safe Sport – A discussion about maltreatment

The athletic journey can be one of self-discovery, social connection, physical health and enjoyment. It is a unique opportunity to cultivate positive values, grow natural talents, develop new skills, and experience a world we may only dream is possible. For most kids in sport, it’s an overwhelmingly positive experience to work with coaches and teammates, but for some, and here any number is too high, participating in sport is damaging and has a negative impact on their lives. I’m speaking of maltreatment. Maltreatment is a behaviour that is executed deliberately, even if well intended, that is harmful or has the potential to be harmful to the recipient. Maltreatment is an umbrella term that is but not limited to, abuse, assault, neglect, harassment, bullying, hazing, and discrimination. Maltreatment can be carried out as a pattern of behaviour that is experienced over time or it can be one single, serious, and harmful incident. Maltreatment is not an accidental injury within sport.

As sport evolves, we in alpine skiing are growing too. Starting this season, club members and those involved in ski racing across the country, will be required to complete Safe Sport training to volunteer in events. The program was launched last season as mandatory training for coaches and is invaluable for growing our abilities to recognize maltreatment in sport. Allison Forsyth, a WMSC alumni has being at the forefront of this movement in advocating and working for change within our systems. Last month she gave an interview on the Leave your Mark podcast, where she is open about her experience extreme maltreatment of sexual abuse as a ski racer, educates on how to recognize signs before it happens and shares tools we can put in place for systemic change. I encourage all parents to listen with your kids, click here to do so and have a conversation about what is learned.

​Everyone has a role to play in this pursuit of making sport a healthy and thriving environment for all participants. To take the Safe Sport training (1hour interactive online course), please visit www.safesport.coach.ca and follow through the prompts. You will have to create a Coach.ca locker account for yourself to complete and the training free of charge. For those interested on the Universal code of conduct, please click here to see the document and as a general reminder, there is the independent third party Canadian sport helpline to call with any concerns, reports or questions. Within the club, myself or any board member can be called to report any maltreatment and we remain vigilant to create an environment of trust where you feel safe to do so.

I look forward to evolving this conversation and please reach out with any feedback, questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mike Janyk

Ps, please find below sign up for next week’s adventure camp, info on program fees and the celebration of champions.Safe Sport
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U12-FIS Adventure Camp 2 | July 19-24 | Registration deadline, Sunday, July 18

We still have spots available for this camp! Register now!

Our Coaches have put together an amazing camp full of adventure, fun activities and team-building workouts. Visit the registration page to view the calendar and more details

Water Rafting
Biathlon Shooting
Triathlon : Paddle board, run and bike
Ziplining
Wall climbing, and more

U12 | U14 | U16 | FIS

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Celebration with Champions | Saturday, July 24th 1pm
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Our first club social in over a year! On Saturday, July 24th we will be gathering to celebrate the world championship 4th place results of Brodie Seger and Jack Crawford. This event is open to all athletes and members, come for 1pm, have a burger, drink, mingle and join us in welcoming our Whistler Mountain ski club alumni home as they currently race on the world cup for team Canada. Have your sharpies ready

Details

Location: Whistler Mountain ski club

Date/Time: Saturday July 24th at 1pm

Health safety reminder – please join only if feeling well and free from any symptoms.

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2021 – 2022 WMSC Program Fees and Donations to BCASF are now ready for online payment | Full payment due on Sunday October, 31

The 2021/22 program fees are now posted on our website and available for viewing. One note to highlight is a change in the FIS/U21 program fee structure. For FIS/U21 we’ve moved to a year round and in season model with the goal to incentivize and reward commitment while freeing the coaches up to offer better programming. The two day Core option remains in place to maintain athlete accessibility. More details can be found on the website for this and all programs.

If you are planning to make a donation to the Developing Champions Fund (BCASF) through Sport BC, please contact the office prior to making any payment on your Active Racer Account online. Donations deadline is Thursday, September 30th

Please, also review and accept our WMSC policies and submit the WMSC Registration Forms (Athlete Code of Conduct, Teamship Value, Medical disclosure and Respect in Sport) by November 1st or prior to any on snow training.

If you have any questions, please contact us at Blanca@wmsc.info or mjanyk@wmsc.info

U12 | U14 | U16 | FIS

Let yourself be inspired!

Where do you find your inspiration from? What motivates you?

​When you think about your aspirations, what you want to do and who you want to be, there are often others who have come before you. People have blazed trails, taken risks, dared to dream and even though their results may look different, the spirit to bring them out is the same. Inspiration can come from a parent, a friend, role model, art, music, nature, or a book, wherever you find it, whenever you feel it, this is a gift. Inspiration is a spark that can just be enjoyable in the moment or if nurtured, can grow into a fire of enthusiasm.

On Saturday July 24th, we will be hosting our first social in a while and doing it in celebration of Jack Crawford and Brodie Seger’s Top 5 performances from last season’s World Championships in Cortina, Italy. Along with their fellow ACA teammates Broderick Thompson, Asher Jordan, Kyle and Cam Alexander, Marielle Thompson, Mollie Jepsen and Riley Seager, these athletes show us what’s possible and embody qualities we wish to grow. So next time you feel a little flint of inspiration, stay with the sensation, be curious a little longer cause and see if you learn something new. Maybe you’ll find yourself taking leaps you didn’t even know were possible.

Sincerely,

Mike

​Ps, Join the fitness camps if you can, remember your membership registration and hopefully be seeing more and more of you throughout the summer.
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2021-2022 WMSC Membership Registration | Deadline Sunday, October 31st

WMSC and BC Alpine Membership renewals and new members registration is now open until Sunday, October 31st.

To participate in any of our Fitness sessions, Fitness Camps or pre-season camps; your Family Membership, BC Alpine Fees and Racer Accounts must be current.

U12 | U14 | U16 Register Now
FIS | Register Now

Winter Program Calendars and Pricing will be published later in July.

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July Fitness Camps | Camp # 1 July 5-9 | Adventure Camp # 2 – July 19-23

U12 – FIS July Summer Camps are open for registration. To view all the details, schedules and registration please visit:

www.wmsc.info | Programs | Select your age program (U12-FIS) | Summer Fitness Camps

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Celebration with Champions | Saturday, July 24 – 1 pm

Join us on Saturday, July 24th for a BBQ at the ski club in celebration of WMSC alumni Jack Crawford and Brodie Seger’s World championship 4th place results. It’s a wooden spoon party ;) There will be drinks and food, bring your questions for our special guests.

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FIS Saas Fee, Switzerland Camp | August 19-Sep 09

We have received a lot of interest on this trip. To secure your spot, please register and pay a deposit of $500.

The trip is capped at 10 athletes plus 2 on wait list. Registration will be on first come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to athletes enrolled to a WMSC Winter Program. Family Membership, FIS BC Alpine Fees and Racer Accounts must be current.

For more information or specific details contact your FIS Lead Coach, Richard Jagger at richard@wmsc.info

Pay Deposit

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COVID-19 Update – Phase 3 – July 1st

Today we are easing off on some of protocols and restrictions at the Club Cabin

Masks are optional for athletes and coaches fully vaccinated
Gym and Studio capacities have increased
Indoor workouts have returned to normal, no restrictions of intensities.
Capacity for outdoor activities is back to normal within our coach:athlete ratio limit
Some protocols will remain to support the health and safety of our staff and members:

Daily Health Checks are mandatory
Stay home if feeling sick and remain home for 14 days if experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms
Sanitize hands upon entering and exiting any training facilities, with soap or hand sanitizer
Sanitize the equipment and facilities used during fitness training
We would like to thank each of you for all your support and compliance during the last 16 months. You are an essential part of all the efforts that allow us to move forwards into Phase 4 and, what we hope, a racing season.