Champions of Service

A letter from a community member:
“I was in a rollover accident on highway 131 outside of Oak Creek on Sunday, December 8th. Behind me were two SSWSC vehicles on their way to Aspen. Two of your volunteers (or employees) got out of the vans and ran down the embankment to help me and my two dogs get out of my totaled vehicle. I believe their names are Robert and Mac. They called 911, helped me get out of my car, held on to my dogs’ leashes, checked that I was physically okay, and waited with me until emergency personnel arrived on scene. I am extremely grateful for their kindness and care during one of the scariest moments of my life. Please pass along my message to them and let them know that in their honor, I will be donating to your organization today for CO Gives Day. Thank you both so much for your help. I won’t forget your kindness.
- B Torres”


Huge thanks to coaches Mack Dorro and Robert Baker!

Nordic Combined

Our local Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined athletes kicked off the season at home this weekend in the annual Winterstart competition at Howelsen Hill!  This competition was a qualifying event for the 2020 Youth Olympics in Lausanne, SUI, as well as Junior World Championships in Oberwiesenthal, GER.  Additionally, it was the first US Cup of the season and a placement event for the upcoming Continental Cup in Park City, UT. 

SSWSC athletes and alumni showed up in force.  Of the eight available spots on the Youth Olympic Team, Steamboat secured five!  Ski jumping siblings Annika and Erik Belshaw both qualified. On the Nordic Combined side, Niklas Malacinski, Tess Arnone, and Alexa Brabec all made the team.  This is a huge result for our SJ/NC program and visibly built confidence in our young team.  For many of them, the Youth Olympics will be fuel to the fire of their Olympic dream.  The event includes a brand new athlete village, opening ceremonies, and all the prestige that comes under Olympic rings. 

Junior World Championship qualification is still in progress and will be concluded after two more events in the midwest this January.  The team quota is larger for that event, and that puts even more SSWSC athletes in the running. Gunnar Gilbertson, Canden Wilkinson, and Annika Malacinski are aiming at that event moving forward. 

The Winterstart event had beautiful conditions and the volunteer presence was outstanding.  We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who came out to support our athletes and make this event happen!