Mountain Idol Awards
Tuesday, November 4 · 7:30 p.m.
Presented as part of Radical Reels at the 2008 Banff Mountain Film Festival
The members of the Mountain Idol Selection Committee gathered this month to complete a difficult task — review the “resumes” of 10 young Bow Valley athletes and role models nominated as Mountain Idols, and narrow the list down to three finalists. Organized by Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre, the Mountain Idol competition was created to celebrate and recognize active and involved young people in the Bow Valley outdoor community who exemplify active lifestyles, pursue mountain sports, and inspire their peers to lead a healthy, active outdoor life.
Members of the community were invited to nominate Idols, and the selection committee then voted for the three finalists. The winner, chosen by the committee, will be announced during the Radical Reels screening on Tuesday, November 4, as part of the 2008 Banff Mountain Film Festival. All three finalists will be invited on-stage for the event.
“Mountain Idols excel in mountain sports, and they’re seen as role models and mentors in the Bow Valley outdoor community,” says Laurie Harvey, strategic partnership manager for Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre. “The trend toward a growing separation from nature is not only unhealthy from a physical standpoint, it’s also unhealthy from a mental and spiritual standpoint. If our future leaders have no connection to natural resources it will be difficult for them to make wise decisions. Our goal is to celebrate exceptional young mountain athletes and to inspire more youth to adopt a healthy, supportive, and active outdoor lifestyle.”
2008 Finalists
Rosanna Crawford, 20, is a Junior National Biathlete with consistent top 15 finishes in the Europa Cup Series. Rosanna placed 16th in the World Juniors and first and second at the Nationals. She leads, mentors and inspires through participation in Fast & Female, Girls with Guns, and as an energetic and kind teammate, friend, and ski club member.
Eric Sethna, 16, was ranked first in difficulty and second in speed in the North American Continental Climbing Championships in Denver and placed 10th in the 2007 Youth World Championships. Eric helps with the climbing program at Banff Community High School and volunteers at summer climbing camps at the Vsion climbing gym in Canmore. A well-rounded mountain athlete, Eric is a very competent alpine skier, finished first in his age group in the 2007 Melissa’s run, and has his black belt in hapkido.
Bryce Shaw, 18, participates in numerous outdoor activities, from mountaineering and climbing to mountain biking and biathlon. Bryce paddles class five whitewater and has explored numerous remote rivers in Northern B.C. and the United States. For his age, Bryce is on the cutting edge of creeking and river running. He is a Junior National Kayak Team member, with third place in Junior National Whitewater Slalom and third overall at the 2007 Kananaskis Whitewater Festival. Bryce is also an effective leader and ambassador in his sport through his dynamic personality, willingness to help others and commitment to perfection while always having fun.
Each finalist receives two complimentary tickets to attend Radical Reels, a $100 cash award, New Balance shoes, a Deuter pack, PETZL headlamp, MSR outdoor gear and other fantastic prizes. The 2008 Mountain Idol will be awarded a $1000 cash prize, great outdoor prizes, and a photography session with Bow Valley photographer Michael Flynn.
Mountain Idol is sponsored by Devonian Properties and the Banff Crag & Canyon with support from lululemon athletica.