Kiki Alexander & Logan Dunn Awarded 2021 Read Family Scholarships
Canmore, Alberta – Alberta Alpine is pleased to announce that Alberta Ski Team athletes Kiara (Kiki) Alexander (Sunshine Ski Club) and Logan Dunn (NATC) have been named recipients of the 2021 Read Family Scholarships.
Despite a restricted competition season in 2020-21, Kiki was one of only three female athletes named to the Canada’s Team to the 2021 World Junior Championships. She posted numerous podium performances including a bronze medal finish at the 2021 US National Championships. “This season was one for the books,” said Kiki. “I have made great improvements physically in the gym and skiing, and mentally with confidence and determination.’
Her strong results across all events have positioned the third-year Alberta Ski Team athlete as one of the top juniors in Canada, as our nation heads towards hosting the 2022 FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships in Panorama, this March, with her main goal to be named to the Canadian Alpine Ski Team.
“Kiki leads by example on and off the hill when it comes to doing the work” said Alberta Ski Team women’s coach, Gavin Preziosi. “Perhaps her most impressive trait is the way she manages highs and lows. She is humble when on top and never lets her lows affect her teammates and is always there to pick them up. She had two minor injuries before two of the most important race series this season and while obviously disappointed, she focused on her recovery and still went to the hill to support her teammates.”
For Logan, the 2020-2021 season was certainly unique. ”Having to constantly adapt to health protocols and restrictions and to mentally adapt to such an inconsistent race schedule, tested my ability to perform on demand and my ability to stay motivated through the unknown,” said the fourth-year member of the Alberta Ski Team.
Logan opened the year capturing the 2020 U19 Canadian Championship title in slalom. Restrictions limited competition opportunities, so he focused his energy positively. “This was a big learning curve especially not knowing when or where my next race was going to be. I made great improvement in my technique and learnt a new side of my mental preparation when it came to ‘training intensity’. This gave me the time to slow down and fix some of the long-overdue habits, to use this winter as a building year. I also took the time to appreciate my home club, NASA/NATC, by volunteering with various age groups and hopefully inspiring our next generations.
“Logan has stepped up into the leadership role,” said AST men’s coach Jonas Haelen. “Although usually a silent leader, his actions and work ethic are hard to miss.”
For over 30 years, promising young Alberta alpine ski racers have been named as recipients of the Read Family Scholarship which recognizes excellence in alpine skiing for athletes who one day hope to represent Canada at the highest levels of competition.
“To succeed on the Alberta Ski Team requires focus, hard work and commitment,” said Alberta Alpine President, Patrick Gillespie. “We are thrilled to recognize Kiki and Logan, athletes who lead by example and represent our province and country well. They are outstanding examples of the talent that Alberta can produce. Our goal is to provide our athletes every opportunity to achieve, and keep strengthening our programs and ski clubs.”
About the Read Family Scholarships
Since 1988 the Read Scholarships have supporting young athletes who show both a passion for the sport and who aspire to represent Canada at the highest level. The scholarship is awarded annually to Alberta Ski Team athletes. Dee Read was an athlete, coach, volunteer and parent. She also set many precedents as a woman in sport: one of the first FIS Technical Delegates world-wide, the first Chair of Alberta Alpine and Board Member of Alpine Canada. Her dedication reached far beyond her family to influence athletes, parents, coaches and sport administrators right across Canada, who benefited from her knowledge, generosity and warm spirit in lending a firm but insightful hand as a sport leader in Canada and Alberta.
Photos: Malcolm Carmichael