All-Smiles at Annual NGSL Doug Meyers Invitational

Lake Louise, AB – An annual favourite that draws young athletes and families together on the local Nancy Greene Ski League circuit, the Lake Louise Ski Club hosted the Doug Meyers Invitational this past weekend – and the event certainly did not disappoint! For over 20 years, the DMI has evolved ways to celebrate the joy of skiing, a main focus of this entry level program for U6/U8/U10 age groups along with participation and skill development, ultimately reinforcing the core values of the NGSL program.

Doug Meyers was a former ski racer, coach and Nancy Greene coordinator with the Lake Louise Ski Club. He was also a school teacher, tennis instructor, golfer and all-around athlete and lover of life. In April 2003, at the age of 30, Doug passed away to brain cancer. The next season, the Lake Louise Ski Club approached the Meyers family and asked if they could name their race in his honour.

Since that first Invitational in 2004, the race has become an event that many clubs look forward to every year, with over 300 young athletes taking part as was the case this past weekend. It is a 2-day event, the most memorable highlight of which sees every racer taking part in a parade down the front side of the mountain via Easy Street, led by club mascot Grizz of course, and sporting bright yellow t-shirts to celebrate Doug’s favourite colour.

This year’s program was a little different than previous, with all racers taking part in a 2-run dual GS on the Saturday, followed by a revamped ‘events day’ on Sunday. Held on Juniper, coaches built the first ‘Dougie’s Downhill’ event which included four DH-style turns followed by a wedge jump athletes could pop off and measure their longest distance (9 metres was the record!) All participants gathered in the finish corral after that one to get their ‘I jumped [distance]’ helmet stickers. The day also hosted a speed trap, with the fastest time tracked at 87 kmph, a Moguls challenge, where kids could ‘choose their adventure’ between Charlie’s Choice and Tickety, a timed ski-cross style Terrain Track AND an obstacle course through Jerry’s Jungle. (Did we mention that over 300 kids took part?) No doubt a ton of fun for the kids, parents, and everyone on the hill…and a good night’s sleep on Sunday!

Gavin Preziosi, ED of the Lake Louise program, says that part of the magic around this event is the right timing. “It comes at the time of the year when, after everyone involved has been working really hard to get to this point in the season, we all benefit from this perfect reminder of why we do this. These kids wear the joy of the sport on their faces.” Preziosi went on to say that he comes away from the DMI re-energized and keen to keep building an even better ski racing program at Lake Louise where he’s been in the role for 4 years.

Thanks go out, as always, to club organizers, Alberta Alpine, and the many volunteers and team sponsors who contribute so much to the success of these events, and the memories created.

Club Spotlight: The Lake Louise Grizzlies Ski Club is the home of Nancy Greene skiing at Lake Louise, dedicated to teaching skiing essentials to children 5 to 9. We foster good sportsmanship, teamwork and a love of outdoor activities. Our athletes are provided with world class ski coaching in small group environments designed to maximize both technique and enjoyment. Building on a strong foundation of their ski skills, these little athletes have the opportunity to later transition to the Lake Louise Race Ski Club if speed is their love, or the Lake Louise All Mountain Ski Club if ripping on big terrain at Lake Louise is their passion. No matter where their hearts take them, they will learn the skills they need and love for the sport with the Grizzlies.

Find out more information at https://www.lakelouisegrizzlies.ca/contact.html