Congratulations to Michelle Deacon from Foothills! Michelle is the 2021 Winner of the Nordiq Canada Firth Award for an outstanding contribution to cross country skiing.  Michelle has been coaching kids and adults for the past 12 years, teaches 

NCCP courses, FNSC Past President, volunteers at races, FNSC rep on AWCS board and much more!  

Here is Michelle’s response to receiving the 2021 Nordiq Canada Firth Award:
“It is an honour to receive the Firth Award alongside these other inspiring recipients.  The namesake of the Firth Award speaks to the potential of our sport to indeed reach all people in Canada.  No doubt Shirley and Sharon Firth overcame many obstacles to achieve what they did – Indigenous girls accessing cross-country skiing in the Northwest Territories in the 1960s.  Skinny skis have the power to bring people together, teach us about ourselves, and shine in our very best.  Whether that’s a child trying skiing through the Ski at School program, conquering a physical disability and realizing success.  Or newly trained community coaches sharing their skills and love of skiing to inspire the next generation of podium chasers and recreationalists.  Or the tireless teams of volunteers who commit their time and expertise to boards and committees, hosting events, advocating for facilities and grooming trails so all people can indeed get out on skis.

This award goes to the village of people who have joined me along the way: friends, mentors, teachers, fellow coaches and volunteers, athletes and participants. All of you who are passionately dedicated to experiencing and sharing the amazingness of skinny skis!

Thanks and in the words of my friend Karen Messenger: “carpe skiem””.

The operation of our Club is performed primarily by volunteers, and all volunteer contributions keep the cost of programs, camps, travel and events as low as possible.    Any contribution to the club is helpful, please consider volunteering your time at Foothills when volunteers are needed.