Message from the President

December 27, 2016
 
To new member families:  Welcome to the Wentworth Ski Race Club!   And to returning member families:  Welcome back!
 
As most of you probably know, the WSRC is a not-for-profit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors.  Your board has been hard at work to improve the club and as we look forward to the 2017 ski season, here is an update about the non-skiing activities that have been on-going since our last run of 2016.
 
At the end of last season, we conducted our annual member survey.  We had 39 respondents, representing about 40% of our membership.  We encourage all members to complete this survey as the board does rely on the results to inform our priorities.
 

• 89% of members view the program in a positive manner
• 92% agree that athletes are receiving the expected benefit from the club
• The main area identified for improvement is in coach-parent and board-parent communication

 
Additionally in June, immediately following our AGM, we ran a strategic planning session and had a great turnout.  Thanks to all who participated, we had a record attendance level at the AGM in many years. There was a lot of valuable input provided focusing on the core values of the club and related objectives.  Here are some of the key things we have done or will do in the 2017 season related to the output:
 

1. Improved Communication:
   1. New Website complete with club documents
   2. New Parent Handbook
   3. Automated newsletter system accessible to coaches and administrators.
   4. Broader access to club facebook page for regular updates.
   5. Pre-season and early season parent meetings with Program Coordinator and Board Member Parent Reps.
       
2.  Affordability:
   1. Held program fees for early bird registrants.
   2. Combined WSRC & MSRC ski swap held in November.
   3. Reinstate and New Fundraising activities:
      1. Revised sponsorship program including the ability to contribute a portion to program fees.
      2. Weekend 50/50 draws,
      3. The great chili cook-off contest
      4. 12 Hours of Wentworth
3. Athlete Retention / Team Spirit:
   1. Increasing opportunities for social interaction
   2. Bookings made pre-season for away races
   3. T-Shirt Contest
   4. Club clothing
   5. Fall Dryland training included socials afterwards (Thank you Hendersons, Todds, and McKenna/Sawler for hosting!)
       

Other than coaching and running the on-snow program, every other aspect of the Club relies on the efforts of volunteers.  This is a key part of keeping fees as low as possible while delivering a quality program and running a great Club.  This year we are have implemented a brand new volunteer program, which we believe helps to recognize volunteer efforts.  This program is described on the Volunteer Page of the Website:

1. You will be contacted about areas of interest identified on registration form. Alternatively, you can reach out to indicate interest in anything posted on the volunteer page.
2. There is a mandatory contribution depending on racer level or payment in kind.
3. Volunteer opportunities exist both on the slopes and off.
4. Welcome to our new ‘Coordinator of Officials’: Greg Zwicker.
5. Level 2 officials course being held later this season.

 
This year we welcomed three new Board Members this year:  Kate Lovett (U10 Parent Rep), Mark Oakley (Member at Large - Equipment), and Brad Hatfield (Member at Large).  For a complete listing of Board Members, consult the “About Us” webpage.
 
The 2015/16 season was a success with the club meeting its objectives from a program perspective.    We had strong showings in all race categories and lots of improvement at all skill levels.  We look forward to an even more successful season this year, both on the slopes and off.
 
Thank you for your support & Happy New Year!