SLED DOGS

In 1988 a group of enthusiastic volunteers assembled to work as the Ladies’ Technical Course Crew for Olympic Winter Games in Calgary. High winds and higher temperatures created huge challenges for the entire Organizing Committee and consequently crews worked around the clock to get races off. The Course Crew determined that they were being worked like “dogs”.

The analogy morphed into that of a Siberian Husky; a breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, speed, endurance and its preference for the outdoors - also its ability to work hard and haul a lot of stuff. The Sled Dogs were born and quickly defined themselves by their work ethic and their ability to enjoy the festivities and when necessary, create them.

The essence of a Sled Dog is captured in our brand. First and foremost he has a sparkle in his eye, a little bit of an attitude, confident, that “relish in the face of adversity” kind of a look. He is ready for the task at hand with his belt, drill and shovel at the ready as well a frosty beverage for the end of the day.

Today The Sled Dogs are recognized throughout ski racing circles as the volunteers corps of the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup who come together to ensure the Men’s and Ladies’ races go off without a hitch.

Being a Sled Dog is no ordinary volunteer job - work hard, play hard is the credo. The friendships, the laughs and the experience make it all worth while.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

DOG DU JOUR - THE ORIGINAL DOG



COLIN GORDON
Aka: Exalted Sled Dog
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Ski Club: Banff Alpine Racers, Sled Dog Alpine
Race Time Hangout: Fallaway
(because that’s where we left him)
Favourite Place to Ski: Where the pitches are steep and the snow deep
Lake Louise Memory: Road trip to meet his newborn grandson in 1999




Chief of Course, Ladies' Technicals, at the '88 Olympics in Calgary, Colin was the mastermind behind many a caper and not so silent leader of various other indulgences. It was under his stewardship that the Sled Dogs were born. He served our sport at every level including Chairmain of Alberta Alpine, Vice Chairman of Alpine Canada, Techincal Delegate with the FIS and as Chief of Race at Lake Louise.

Colin passed away suddenly in the fall of 2001 and in his honour, and that of all founding Sled Dogs, the Second Generation is charged with carrying their spirit to the Games in 2010.

It is Colin's initals that grace the left ski of the Sled Dog logo: CG.
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