ORDA & NYSEF Honored for Their Work in Hosting U.S. Alpine Nationals

Local Athletes and Coaches Recognized by USSA
Park City, UT - There were times during March’s U.S. Alpine National Championships, at Whiteface, where officials were wondering if skiers were going to be wearing swim suits and snorkels instead of speed suits and skis while they raced. Officials and staff from both the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) battled all types of inclement weather conditions keeping the race on track and on schedule. For that both organizations were named recipients of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association’s (USSA) Paul Bacon Award, given to an outstanding contributor in the field of race organizing. The award was presented during the USSA’s annual dinner, held Friday night, May 14, in Park City, Utah.

“Few venues, world-wide, could have accomplished what this partnership of ORDA and NYSEF produced on behalf of USSA alpine competitors,” stated Bill Marolt, USSA president/CEO. “It certainly stretched our resources, both mentally and physically. The hill preparation prior to the event was the critical link in the process. The efforts to produce world-class events were remarkable, especially while contending with extremely adverse weather and temperatures. ORDA and NYSEF should take great pride in being recognized for your passion for sport and your leadership efforts.”

Jay Rand, NYSEF executive director added, “We are honored to receive this prestigious award, and thank the USSA and all of the officials and volunteers that contributed to a successful national alpine championships under extremely challenging weather conditions.”

Vermontville’s two-time Olympic medalist Bill Demong, NYSEF coach Casey Colby and USSA international representative Joe Lamb, both of Lake Placid, were also honored by the association. Demong was presented the USSA Chairman’s Olympic Champion Award, a tribute to his gold medal achievement during February’s Olympic Winter Games, in Vancouver, Canada, where he won the United States’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in the Nordic combined large hill event. Demong also helped lead the U.S. team to a silver medal in the team event.