Nordiq Canada is the national governing body for cross-country and Para nordic skiing in Canada. As a non-profit organization, Nordiq Canada works in partnership with divisions, clubs, and other stakeholders to provide the leadership, support, and resources needed for all Canadians to find their own greatness in the sport—whether they aim to compete for their country or simply ski for fun and fitness.

Position Title

Para Nordic Wax Technician

Job Type

Contract

Summary

Reporting to the High-Performance Director, and the Para nordic wax team lead, the Para Nordic (PN) Wax Technician is a travel-intensive position supporting athletes competing on the Para nordic World Cup circuit and at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Applicants must be available for the following competitions and dates:

• Canmore PN Continental Cup: November 25–27
• Canmore PN World Cup: December 1–14
• World Cup Period 2: January 1–25
• 2026 Paralympic Winter Games: March 1–16

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct ski and wax testing and provide support
• Work closely with athletes to select, manage, test, prepare, and maintain both individual and team ski fleets
• Assist with glide wax and kick wax selection and application
• Transport equipment, athletes, and staff as required
• Participate in both long-term and short-term planning with the service team
• Assist in other areas as needed

Requirements

• Experience waxing and testing skis at a national/international level
• Ability to quickly learn new protocols
• Physically fit and capable of testing skis for extended periods; able to join athletes on easy training sessions for testing observations
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment
• Ability to work within a team
• Knowledge of ski construction, bases and grinds is an asset
• Ability to operate ski grinding equipment is an asset
• Previous experience working with Para athletes is an asset
• Familiarity with FIS/IBU fluor wax testing protocols and procedures is an asset
• Proficiency in both official languages is an asset

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, both individually and in group settings
• Detail- and task-oriented, goal-driven, strategic and tactical thinker and planner
• Positive and professional demeanor
• Strong database management skills
• Confident winter driver with the ability to operate a manual transmission

Working Conditions

• Required to work evenings and weekends while traveling with the team
• Required to work long days while traveling with the team
• Required to plan, and prepare outside of the trip dates provided
• Required to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Open to Canadian and international applicants

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to info@nordiqcanada.ca, with “Para Nordic Wax Technician – [Your Name]” in the subject line. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Application deadline: August 25th, 2025 or until the position is filled.

Nordiq Canada is an equal opportunity organization that welcomes all contractors regardless of gender, race, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, or marital status. We are a family-friendly organization that supports flexible work arrangements to promote diversity and a healthy work-life balance. As an athlete-centered organization, our recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of the athletes in our programs.

Listen to the entire interview here: Who I Race For series: Catching up with Alison Mackie

At just 19 years old, Alison Mackie is emerging as one of Canada’s most exciting cross-country skiing talents. Her recent season was a record breaking one, including 2 history making bronze medals at the 2025 FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Schilpario, Italy. 

But her journey to the podium started in the snowy trails of Gold Bar Park in Edmonton, where skiing was a family affair.  

“My parents had me on skis as soon as I could walk,” Alison recalled. “They both grew up skiing, but not really racing, and they wanted it to be part of my childhood.” 

Alison (right) skiing with her little brother (left).

From hot chocolate and Jackrabbits to international podiums, Alison’s trajectory has been steep and fast. Her breakout moment came in 2022 at the Olympic trials in Canmore when she was 16. “I had originally gone just to qualify for a Team Alberta trip, and then realized that I had skied really well,” she said. “That was the moment where I set my goal for the next season to qualify for the 2023 World Junior Ski Championships.” 

Alison doesn’t just dream, she makes a plan.  

“I think just setting process goals and knowing and being aware of what I need to improve as an individual is really, really important,” she said. “At the end of the day, I can’t control exactly what happens in a race… but I can control how I prepare.” 

And that preparation paid off. 

Alison burst onto the international scene with an impressive debut at the 2023 FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Whistler, finishing as the top Canadian woman. She seemed poised for a big follow-up season. 

From left to right: Sonjaa Schmidt, Liliane Gagnon, and Alison Mackie after qualifying for the 2024 World Juniors.

But one year later, at the 2024 World Juniors in Planica, Slovenia, Alison became ill and missed all but one race.  While her teammates made history, with Sonjaa Schmidt winning Canada’s first-ever U23 women’s sprint gold and the mixed relay team, including Liliane Gagnon, capturing another gold, Alison was confined to her hotel room.  

“In that moment, it was hard seeing all my teammates doing so well and not even being able to celebrate with them,” she said.  

 “My inability to race that year really lit my fire,” she said. “I left the past in the past and focused on what I can control, which is myself and how I prepare.”  

So Alison did just that.  

In May 2024, she sat down with her coach and set a clear goal: finish top five at one race at the 2025 World Juniors. “But in my mind,” she added, “I really wanted a medal.” 

Alison delivered. 

Alison after crossing the finish and winning Canada’s first women’s World Junior medal since 1989.

In the 20km classic, she battled the leaders through a grueling final lap. “I hung on for dear life,” she said. “On the day I was third and I was still thrilled. Being the first Canadian woman since 1989 to win a medal at World Juniors… it was really, really cool to be part of that.” 

Then she did it again. 

She followed up with a second Bronze in the 10 km Interval Start, freestyle race. “I had wanted one top five, and I ended up getting three top fours, including two bronze medals,” she said. 

A revealing part of Alison’s mindset, came after the races. “I remember feeling really proud and also not that surprised,” she said, “because I had so much belief in myself the months leading up to it.” 

Her performances earned her a place on Canada’s team for the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, a massive leap forward for any athlete, let alone one still in their teens. 

“Definitely the most spectators that have ever been on a race I’ve raced at,” she said. “Again, crowds were amazing. Really motivating, to hear everyone cheering as you’re suffering uphill.” 

Alison racing in Trondheim at World Championships. ©Modica/NordicFocus.

Despite being a rookie, Alison held her own. In the team sprint, she and teammate Liliane Gagnon finished 10th. “It was one of my first experiences racing in a relay format internationally,” she said. “I felt strong all three legs and was really happy to race well.” 

But perhaps the most telling part of Alison’s season came after the championships, when many athletes begin to fade. Instead, she surged, heading out onto the World Cup. 

“Once I’ve achieved my goals, I tend to feel a little bit lost… so I set the next goal for the rest of the season to get top 30,” she said. 

She did just that—twice. First in Oslo, where she placed 28th in the 20km individual start, and again in Lahti, where she finished 26th in her first-ever 50km race.  

Alison after completing her first-ever 50km race, finishing an impressive 26th.

“It was quite daunting because I’d actually never done a race longer than 20K before,” she said. “Even though Therese Johaug was out front going so fast from the start, I was able to hold. It was the race I was most proud of.” 

Alison’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s about belief. “I’m a pretty stubborn person,” she admitted. “If I have my mind set on a goal or an achievement, I will do everything in my power to try and make that come true.” 

Now, Alison is setting her sights on the biggest stage of all: the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. 

he’s realistic about the challenge, but undeterred. “It definitely makes me nervous and excited,” she said. “But I have confidence in myself and believe in myself and know that all these months of hard training will pay off.” 

If she qualifies, she will become the youngest cross-country skier named to an Olympic team since Amanda Ammar (now Butler) in 2006.  

“It’ll be a dream come true,” she said. “But it’s more about showing myself that I can do anything I set my mind to… and that all my determination and hard work has paid off.” 

And for Alison, representing Canada is about much more than personal victories. “I’m proud to represent everyone who has helped me get to where I am today,” she said. “Whether it be my family or my community back in Edmonton, my coaches… I’m racing, representing all of that.” 

Application process 

Interested applicants are asked to complete the following application form. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2025. 

Application Form 

Coaching Opportunities   

Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships (Trondheim, Norway) 

The Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships is a multi-sport event with the best U20 and U23 athletes in the world.  

Dates: September 8-11 /  February 21 – March 9, 2026 

Positions: Up to 4 Coaches 

Recommended Requirements: L2C Trained or Certified 

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Team Lead by co-leading a competition group; daily training support, athlete debriefs/goal setting, video analysis 
• Attend TCMs and help lead team meetings 
• Support local logistics 
• Transportation of athletes 
• Race service; on-course and wax room support 
• Assist in all other areas as required 

**successful Coaching applicants will be required to attend a High-Performance Coaching Seminar and Workshop in Canmore, September 8-11, 2025. Travel days are 8th and 11. Expenses will be covered following the Nordiq Canada Travel and Expenses Policy.  

Wax Technician and Race Service Opportunities 

Dates: February 26 – March 9, 2026

Positions: 6 Wax Technicians 

Responsibilities:

• Implement wax protocols and procedures  

• Ski and wax testing  

• Glide wax support 

• Kick wax support 

• General ski maintenance 

• Athlete ski testing support  

• Assist in other areas as required 

SafeSport 

Nordiq Canada’s SafeSport policies require everyone taking part in a Nordiq Canada trip to complete the following SafeSport requirements before departure.  

• E-PIC 

• 1 reference letter 

• SafeSport Application Form 

• Screening Disclosure Form 

• NCCP Making Ethical Decisions (coaches only) 

• CAC (Coaching Association of Canada) SafeSport Training 

• Rule of Two online learning – (CAC) 

• Driver’s Abstract – required to drive athletes 

Requirements do not have be to be completed to apply. Successful application will be emailed instruction on how to complete them. 

Expenses  

Expenses related to travel, accommodation, food, SafeSport certifications, and approved miscellaneous costs will be covered by Nordiq Canada.  

Expense claims must be made using the Nordiq Canada Expense Claim Form which will be provided to successful applicants. 

 We are also proud to announce that Morgan Rogers has been re-elected as Board Chair for a third term, continuing her dedicated leadership and commitment to the sport. 

Marie-Hélène Thibeault
Marie-Hélène Thibeault is a bilingual communications and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience across sectors including education, sport, tech, and environmental conservation. A former Canadian Alpine Ski Team athlete, she has held leadership roles at Deloitte Canada, the University of Calgary, and Fast and Female, and has worked as a media attaché at two Olympic Games. Marie-Hélène holds an MBA from the University of Sherbrooke and a BA from Dartmouth College, where she competed in alpine skiing and tennis. A passionate cross-country skier, she previously coached in the Jackrabbit program. 

Mark Parsons
Mark Parsons is Vice President and Chief Economist at ATB Financial, where he leads a dynamic team in providing insightful commentary and strategic economic outlooks, primarily focused on Alberta. Mark has over two decades of experience in senior economic and leadership positions in both the private and public sectors. He has established himself as a trusted authority in his field and is a regular speaker at industry conferences and a frequent contributor to media discussions on economic trends. Mark holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Alberta. 

Andrea Poole
Andrea Poole is a financial executive with over 25 years of private and public sector leadership experience in finance, profit and loss management, accounting, auditing, and compliance. Andrea is an experienced board member with specific expertise in Canadian National Sport Organizations, having served on Hockey Canada’s 2022 transitional board and as an audit committee member with the Canadian Paralympic Committee. She is also the founder and principal of the Ottawa-based accounting firm Numeris CPA. 

Full list of board of directors : 

Morgan Rogers – Chair  

Canmore Nordic Ski Club, AB  

Committees: Human Resources (chair); governance (chair); Safeguarding (co-chair); nominations (chair)   

Anton Scheier – Vice Chair  

Nakkertok Nordic, ON  

Committees: Finance, audit, and risk management (co-chair); governance  

Janet Gates – Vice Chair  

Avid recreational skier, ON 

Committees: Finance, audit, and risk management (co-chair); human resources; nominations   

Thomas Holland 

Alberta World Cup Society, AB  

Committees: Finance, audit, and risk management; governance; Nordiq Canada development fund  

Kate Scallion  

Strathcona Nordics, BC  

Committees: human resources; safeguarding  

Shawn Leamon  

Blow Me Down, NL  

Committees: human resources 

Andrea Poole 

Avid recreational skier, ON 

Committees: Finance, audit, and risk management; governance 

Mark Parsons 

Avid recreational skier, AB 

Committees: Finance, audit, and risk management 

Marie-Hélène Thibeault  

Avid recreational skier, QC 

Committees: human resources, fund development (chair), safeguarding   

Pat Petelle – Division Chairs Council Chair  

Montériski, QC 

Committees: governance; safeguarding  

Katie Weaver – Athlete Director – Olympic  

Hollyburn Nordic, BC  

Committees: Nordiq Canada Development Fund; safeguarding; nominations   

Julian Smith– Athlete Director – Olympic  

Georgian Bay Nordic, ON  

Committees: Nordiq Canada Development Fund; safeguarding  

Emma Archibald – Athlete Director – Paralympic  

Scotia XC Ski Club 

Committees: Nordiq Canada Development Fund; safeguarding  

This site visit was a crucial step in the preparations, allowing FIS representatives to assess the venue’s enhancements, particularly the integration of the new Biathlon Building into the hosting plan and the expansion of the stadium specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs of Para races. These infrastructure improvements are part of a broader commitment to ensuring a world-class experience for all athletes and officials.

Organizing Committee leadership volunteers and FIS representatives connect at a casual BBQ, fostering collaboration during the recent FIS Site Visit in Canmore. Photo Credit: AWCS

“We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of the FIS Site Visit. Their positive assessment validates the preparations being made by the AWCS and its Organizing Committee and the significant investments made in the Canmore Nordic Centre, particularly the thoughtful design of our new Biathlon Building and the expanded stadium, which are pivotal for hosting Para events at the highest standard. This World Cup is not just a competition; it’s a key preparation for Canada’s Para Cross Country National team, as they gear up for the Paralympic Winter Games, continuing our proud tradition of hosting pre-Games events.” said Norbert Meier, Vice President, Events Chair, AWCS.

“With the construction of the new functional building in the Biathlon Arena, a very high international standard for skiing has been achieved. The stadium and the entire track network can be used multifunctionally in winter and summer. Canmore therefore fulfils all the requirements for staging the FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup in December 2025.” said Georg Zipfel, FIS Race Director Para Cross-Country

“It’s been some good work to put together some courses that make us of the new stadium layout. We’ve tried to create accessible courses that can be used as legacy pieces for the future. We’re aiming to provide courses that are fun and challenging and can help support Canadian Athletes’ development as they learn to compete on world class courses.” said Brian McKeever, Nordiq Canada, Para Nordic Ski Team Coach.

The successful site visit reinforces Canmore’s reputation as a premier destination for Nordic sports, capable of delivering exceptional events. The AWCS, supported by its dedicated volunteers, is now fully focused on the final preparations for December.

“Hosting an event of this caliber requires an extraordinary team, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a wealth of local volunteer talent,” added Nancy Richard, Local Organizing Committee Chair, AWCS. “Their dedication will be paramount in ensuring a fair, safe, and impeccably run competition for all.”

The December 2025 FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup promises to be a thrilling showcase of athletic excellence and a testament to Canmore’s enduring commitment to the global ski family. This will be followed by the IBU Para Biathlon World Cup from December 11-14, organized by the Alberta Events Hosting Society for Biathlon, creating an extended festival of Para Nordic sport.

About the Alberta World Cup Society (AWCS): The Alberta World Cup Society is a driving force behind the development and growth of cross-country skiing in Alberta and Canada. We achieve this through the strategic hosting of World Cup races and by providing essential resources for the advancement of officials, coaches, and athletes. Complementing this, the AWCS proudly operates its Academy program, recognized as one of Canada’s most successful Development Training Centres, directly nurturing athletes to represent Canada on the international stage. Since its inception in 2003, the AWCS, thanks to its dedicated volunteers, has organized numerous successful international events.

Media Contact: Nancy RIchard nrichard@albertaworldcup.com 403-585-0503

Nordiq Canada is the national governing body for cross-country and Para nordic skiing in Canada. As a non-profit organization, Nordiq Canada works in partnership with divisions, clubs, and other stakeholders to provide the leadership, support, and resources needed for all Canadians to find their own greatness in the sport—whether they aim to compete for their country or simply ski for fun and fitness.

Position Title

High Performance Coordinator – Olympic Stream (OLY)

Job Type

Permanent/Full Time

Summary

Reporting to the High-Performance Director, the High-Performance Coordinator (OLY) provides dedicated administrative and logistical support to Nordiq Canada’s High-Performance Director, system, staff and Olympic stream National Ski Team programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administration and communication support to the High-Performance Director including scheduling, budget tracking, project management, selection criteria and logistics
• Ensuring all National Ski Teams are compliant with the FIS anti-doping and CADP, working in conjunction with CCES to establish and maintain the National Athlete Pool (NAP).
• Oversight and support of the Sport Canada Athlete Assistance Program
• Facilitation and management of the budget process by overseeing accurate budgeting and forecasting, timely expense submissions and meeting designated timelines
• High-Performance communications support including content for the website, weekly newsletters, MOU’s, agreements and contracts
• Planning and logistics for team training, travel, camps, competition and other activities while monitoring budgets and communicating with the finance department on expenses
• Team uniform planning, ordering, distribution and inventory management
• Ensuring out of country travel plans are in place including travel insurance
• Leads document drafting and oversight, including SharePoint management as well as documenting key discussion points and action items from meetings.

Requirements

• Relevant diploma, degree or two years of job-related experience
• Strong computer skills, incl proficiency in Microsoft Office suite such as Excel, Teams, Word and PowerPoint
• An ability to learn new programs quickly
• Strong organizational skills and proven attention to detail
• Superior communication skills
• Proficiency in both official languages is an asset
• Works well within a dynamic environment

Skills and Competencies

• Establish awareness how role contributes to the overall organization and seeks to understand other departments
• Earn others’ trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and professional presence, and achieves results with little oversight
• Prioritizes tasks and strives to achieve high standards in terms of quality and timeliness of all work products
• Contributes to the creation and projection of a Nordiq Canada image characterized by inclusiveness, integrity, reliability, respect, courtesy, openness and commitment to excellence
• Adapt to changing needs, conditions and work responsibilities
• Make timely, informed decisions that consider the facts, goals, constraints and risks
• Focus on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them – get the job done!
• Follow fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards when committing fiscal resources or processing financial transactions
• Great team player who successfully interacts with staff, athletes, coaches, and others
• Identifies where improvements can be made and implements changes
• Flexible, both in schedule and in tasks

Working Conditions

• May be required to work evenings and weekends
• Will be required to work outdoors, including on snow
• Candidate location must be within the Calgary-Canmore area
• Must be able to legally work in Canada

How to Apply 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to info@nordiqcanada.ca, with “High Performance Coordinator – your name” in the title. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

The application deadline is August 1^st, or until the position has been filled.

Nordiq Canada provides equal opportunity to all employees regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, or marital status.  

We are a family-friendly organization that allows for flexible work arrangements in order to support staff diversity and ensure a healthy work-life balance. We are an athlete-centered organization. Our recruitment and selection process reflects our commitment to the safety and protection of the athletes in our programs. 

Six local organizing committees will welcome thousands of Canada’s top cross-country skiers as they vie for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, compete on the international stage, and contend for national titles.  

The Nordiq Cup, the premier level of domestic competition, will feature four events: 

• Nordiq Cup Season Opener – Nov. 28–30, 2025 | Vernon, B.C. 

• 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials – Dec. 13–16, 2025 | Prince George, B.C. 

• Nordiq Canada World Junior/U23 Selection Trials – Jan. 29–Feb. 1, 2026 | Canmore, Alta. 

• Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals – March 9–14, 2026 | Mont-Sainte-Anne, Que. 

“The domestic circuit not only plays a vital role in the development of athletes, but also of coaches, officials, organizing committees, wax technicians and volunteers,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. 

All eyes will be on Prince George as the country’s top athletes compete for spots on the team bound for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano–Cortina, Italy. 

“Hosting the Olympic Trials is a true honour for Caledonia Nordic and the Prince George community,” said Kevin Pettersen, event chair. “We are proud to support Canada’s athletes as they chase their dreams and inspire the nation on the road to Milano–Cortina.” 

In addition to the Nordiq Cup, four Canada Cup Series events will offer additional FIS-level race opportunities in both Eastern and Western Canada. These events aim to deliver high-calibre racing while reducing travel costs for athletes and clubs: 

• Western Canada Cup – Nov. 29–30, 2025 | Vernon, B.C. 

• Eastern Canada Cup – Dec. 19–21, 2025 | Gatineau, Que 

• Western Championships – Jan. 30–Feb. 1, 2026 | Canmore, Alta. 

• Eastern Championships – Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Gatineau, Que. 

The season will conclude at the 2026 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals in Mont-Sainte-Anne, where more than 800 athletes will compete for national honours. 

“Skibec Nordique and Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne are proud to host an event that will bring together Canada’s elite and next generation of skiers in the beautiful Mont-Sainte-Anne region,” said the local organizing committee. “With the support of our valued partners, we look forward to welcoming the Canadian cross-country ski community for a celebration of talent and passion at the 2026 Ski Nationals.” 

Domestic Season Race Calendar

Please Note: All race formats are subject to change based on factors such as weather conditions, snow conditions, and considerations by Nordiq Canada and the Organizing Committee. 

This year, we’re proud to recognize the following recipients: 

Dirk Van Wijk – Dave Rees Award 

Leigh Heie – Firth Award 

John Cameron – Distinguished Volunteer Award 

Fred Bushell – Distinguished Volunteer Award 

Daniel Bellerose – Distinguished Volunteer Award 

Mathieu Laberge – Media Recognition Award 

Polar – Sponsor of the Year 

Leaving Tracks and Planting Loonies: Dirk Van Wijk’s Enduring Legacy in Canadian Skiing 

This year’s Dave Rees Award goes to Dirk Van Wijk, a lifelong contributor whose influence spans more than five decades. Dirk’s impact is wide-reaching: from his own years as a national-level athlete, to his role in building Nakkertok Nordic into a foremost ski club, to his leadership as a world-renowned snow groomer. 

Dirk has personally invested in land, trail-building, and snowmaking infrastructure, transforming Nakkertok into a high-performance venue and daily training ground for Eastern Canadian athletes. He has led grooming at three Olympic Games and multiple World Cups, elevating Canada’s reputation for world-class event hosting. He’s also mentored countless volunteers and officials across the country, always sharing his time and expertise to build capacity. Dirk’s vision, generosity, and humility have left an indelible mark on the Canadian ski landscape. 

“Skiing was always a big part of my life growing up,” Dirk shared. “I skied with my parents when I was five or six, then got into racing and competed at the World Junior Championships in 1979. Years later, when my own kids started skiing, I felt Ottawa was missing a true Nordic centre. I had a vision for lit trails, a stadium, buildings…a place to build community and performance.” 

In 2003, Dirk and his wife Claudia purchased the land that would become the home of Nakkertok South. “It’s been an ongoing project built on love of the community. Nakkertok’s members and volunteers are some of my best friends. I still love getting out and working on new trails.” 

Dirk also played a key role at the 2010, 2018, and 2022 Olympic Winter Games, where he served as a lead groomer and also posted about his adventures through a blog. “I was so surprised with how many people were reading the blog,” he said, referring to the posts he and his wife Claudia wrote during the Games. “A lot of people didn’t know how much goes on behind the scenes. It’s not what you see on TV.” The story resonated with Canadians, with multiple news articles and a CBC News segment featuring his Olympic grooming journey. Watch it here. 

At the Games in Korea and China, Dirk buried a loonie under the finish line for good luck, but in China it needed to be a quiet gesture carried out mid-groom, in the dead of night. “In China, I just opened the window and threw the loonie out of the machine,” he laughed. “It was a good luck thing to do.” 

Dirk’s efforts remind us that a single person’s vision can leave a legacy. That same spirit of care shines in the work of our next award recipient. 

From Bunnyrabbits to a National Movement: Leigh Heie’s Journey of Joy and Empowerment

The Firth Award, named after Olympians Sharon and Shirley Firth, is presented to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to Canadian cross-country skiing. This year’s recipient, Leigh Heie of the Camrose Ski Club, exemplifies that legacy through her 15+ years of coaching and leadership.

Leigh’s path to coaching began before her children were in Jackrabbits and a good friend asked if she’d help coach the Bunnies (3-5 year olds). “I said, ‘I barely even know how to ski,’ and she said, ‘Don’t worry – all you need to do is fall down and get back up and make it

fun!'” Leigh went out that evening, feeling very out of her element. It was dark, cold, and wintery, but the stadium lights were on, the kids were having fun, and parents were pitching in too. There was something truly magical about it and that night, she was hooked. That intro grew into a coaching career that has guided athletes from Bunnies to the Youth Olympic Games and USA Biathlon Nationals podiums.

“I think it’s my superpower that I didn’t grow up skiing,” she explains. “It helps me connect with people who find it intimidating. I can relate to them, help them feel like they belong, and give them the confidence and skills to believe they CAN do this.”

Creating belonging is at the core of everything Leigh does, especially in her work with young athletes. “My role is to believe in them and then help them build that same belief in themselves and in each other,” she says. “Teens especially struggle with self-doubt, figuring out who they are and where they belong. If you can create that sense of belonging and make the process FUN, the results will follow.”

That sense of connection became even more important following the loss of her son Ole, a young athlete on the team. “The team became a family,” she reflects. “We had to support each other, and we had to somehow make it joyful again.”

“Everyone needed each other,” she adds. “I was there for the kids and they were there for me, and this entire nordic community became our lifeline.”

“Ole was all about encouraging others in all aspects of his life,” Leigh says. “We carry Ole and his spirit into our practices and races and it’s created an unsaid bond.” Through the Ski Like Ole Foundation, Leigh and her family have created a movement about joy, encouragement, and community. The annual Ski Like Ole Lapapalooza has rallied hundreds of skiers across Canada and the world to log kilometres, share stories, and raise funds for skier scholarships and community projects. Live Like Ole now extends to Run Like Ole trail nights, Ride Like Ole events, and a message: sport is about empowering others.

Leigh nurtures that same spirit at every practice. Athletes start and end each session by sharing something with the group – whether that be about technique, training, or just life. “It builds connection,” she says. “There’s a lot of meaning in being able to share and really be listened to and train with people who really truly get you.”

On winning the Firth Award, Leigh is humbled. “I didn’t expect this at all…it completely caught me off guard. To be recognized alongside trailblazers like Sharon and Shirley Firth, and so many women I admire, is incredibly meaningful. I’m deeply honoured.”

Leigh’s leadership and commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen and empowered make her a remarkable coach and a truly deserving recipient of the Firth Award.

Honouring John Cameron: A Champion for Skiing in Nova Scotia 

John Cameron has been a driving force in Nova Scotia’s ski community for over two decades. As President of Cross Country Nova Scotia (CCNS) from 2016 to 2022, John helped elevate the organization’s profile, streamline operations, and lead it from Tier 3 to Tier 2 status within Sport Nova Scotia. His legacy includes launching a travelling ski fleet for schools, forging partnerships with municipal rec departments, and co-leading a national pilot program to welcome New Canadians to skiing. 

Whether coaching at the club level, volunteering at races, or training new coaches, John’s dedication is unwavering. He continues to be a mentor, builder, and advocate whose impact has helped make skiing more accessible and inclusive across the province. 

Fueled by Joy and Dedication: Fred Bushell’s 30 Years of Coaching and Community 

A fixture at Rossland’s Black Jack Ski Club, Fred Bushell has been coaching and volunteering in the Kootenays for nearly 30 years. From driving vans full of young athletes across B.C., to organizing dryland camps and multi-day adventures, Fred’s energy and warmth have shaped generations of skiers. He has served as chief of race, zone rep for the B.C. Winter Games, and mentor to many now-coaches. 

Fred is known for building strong relationships with his athletes and for creating a joyful, welcoming environment that keeps kids in the sport. Despite his deep commitment, Fred has always refused compensation. He gives his time purely out of love for skiing and community. 

Hundreds of Kids, One Passionate Leader: Daniel Bellerose’s Legacy of Youth Skiing 

In Lanaudière, Quebec, Daniel Bellerose has been the backbone of youth ski racing for nearly two decades. As the organizer and race director behind the NorAm Youth Championships, Daniel coordinates more than 100 volunteers annually to host one of Canada’s most beloved youth events. The 30th edition in 2025 brought together over 400 young skiers from across Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. 

Daniel has also led the Classique Défi regional final, served in numerous technical official roles across the province, and supported athlete education and inclusion initiatives. He is known for his tireless energy, his attention to detail, and his unwavering belief that every child should have the chance to fall in love with skiing. 

Beyond the Finish Line: Mathieu Laberge’s Gift for Storytelling in Sport 

A journalist with Sportcom, Mathieu Laberge is this year’s recipient of the Media Recognition Award for his thoughtful, timely, and engaging coverage of Canada’s World Cup skiers. Mathieu consistently goes beyond results to tell the human stories behind the performances, helping Canadians connect with our athletes on and off the trails. His professionalism and passion for sport storytelling make him an invaluable member of the ski community. 

Powering Performance, One Heartbeat at a Time: Celebrating Polar’s Impact 

Polar has been named Sponsor of the Year for their outstanding support of Team Canada. By providing heart rate watches and monitors to National Ski Team athletes, along with financial backing, Polar equips our teams with the tools they need to train, recover, and compete at on the world stage. Polar’s commitment to high-performance sport is appreciated in every heartbeat of our athletes. 

Thank you to all of our 2025 award winners for helping shape the future of cross-country skiing in Canada. 

Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Nordiq Canada (incorporated as Cross-Country Ski de fond Canada) on June 23 at 5:00 pm MST:

1. Welcome and Call to Order
2. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
3. Roll call and Establishment of Quorum
4. Confirmation of votes per member
5. Approval of the Agenda and appointment of meeting secretary
6. Appointment of scrutineers
7. Adoption of Minutes: 2024 AGM
8. Board Chair report (presented in advance)
9. CEO report (presented in advance)
10. Report of Auditors (2024-2025)
11. Appointment of Auditors (2025-2026)
12. Proposed Bylaw Amendments (see below, including suggested changes for presentation by members)
13. Nominations Committee Report
14. Election of New Directors (available positions: one woman and one man for independent director positions; candidates)
15. Adjournment of AGM

Please review the following documents before the AGM:  

• Division Voting Delegate Form for 2025 AGM
  • If the Division Chair will not be voting, you must submit the Division Voting Delegate Form for 2025 AGM  to nwilliams@nordiqcanada.ca no later than seven days before the AGM.
• Proposed By Law Changes for 2025 AGM
• Board Candidates