Randy Tarchuk: Honoured Lifetime Volunteer

Randy Tarchuk: Honoured Lifetime Volunteer

From athlete to ski racing parent, to a volunteer that has reached Olympic heights

Canmore (AB) – Ski racing has been a life-long passion for Randy Tarchuk. His early racing days were with the Banff Ski Runners, as Randy and his two brothers raced across western Canada, supported by their mom who did alterations for Monod Sports, trading her time for ski equipment.

Friends and family set the foundation of a volunteer ethic and commitment to sport for Randy and his wife, to provide the same opportunity for their own family. “Debbie and I helped wherever needed to give our children the opportunity to enjoy and excel in the sport. It was apparent that they were not only good ski racers, but ski racing became a big part of family life and the ski racing community was a great group of people to be a part of”.

“Helping”, as every ski racing parent knows, is actually volunteering to help run races. All the roles of gatekeeping, timing, start & finish refs and the leadership roles. For Randy, this commitment to events grew from supporting events run with their children in the Banff Alpine Racers. This grew to his first national assignment as Chief of Course for the K2 Canadian Championships and then on to Chief of Course for Nor-Am, Canadian Championship and World Cup events.

“I brought my work ethic to the race course in order to ‘Get r Done’” says Randy. “In return, the race course has taught not only me, but my whole family great work ethic including how to keep committed to achieve your goals. It also has been a fun and healthy lifestyle and many of friends have come from this community.”

This incredible range of experience meant Randy was a choice candidate to help organize major international events. “My key highlights have been working Race Organizing Committee and sharing the success of the 2007 Ladies World Cup at Panorama, BC and being the Crew Chief of the best Course Crew at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics Men’s Alpine Events.”

His commitment to volunteering for major events continues. Randy, Mike Irwin and Andrew Abbott form a core crew to roll out the annual Nor-Am slaloms on Hayfever at Panorama. “I have had many mentors throughout the years that all deserve a mention and the fear is that I would miss mentioning someone. However, I would not have been able to achieve many of these goals without my sidekick & buddy, Mike Irwin.”

Why does he put so much effort and time into ski racing? “You will find that it is a small community and you will have friends wherever you go. Get out and enjoy the moments on the hill. Athletes, remember one simple thing, there are people out there that care about you and your career; you will probably never know how deep and wide that community is. Use this thought to inspire you! And remember to show your appreciation whenever you can.”

Good advice, from one of our most dedicated supporters of athletes and ski racing.

The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Randy Tarchuk, our 2017 Honoured Lifetime Volunteer, for serving as a dedicated volunteer running events at every level including the Nor-Am, World Cup and Olympic Winter Games.

The Class of 2017 will be inducted at the Hotel Arts in Calgary on Wednesday, November 8th as the feature event of the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame. This is a free event for all supporters of alpine ski racers.

Click here for your invitation and event details

Randy Tarchuk: Honoured Lifetime Volunteer – Class of 2017 Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame (photo by Darrell MacLachlan)