ALPINE:

Alpine Canada athletes boost Canadian Forces with yellow ribbon initiative

Jan. 10, 2011 — Alpine Canada  

The nation's best alpine skiers are teaming up with the Canadian Forces to show their support for Canada's troops.

Starting this weekend at World Cup races at Wengen, Switzerland, the men's Canadian Alpine Ski Team will wear 'Support Our Troops' yellow ribbon decals on their helmets as they try to earn a spot on the podium.

"Sometimes I feel a little bit funny being called a hero when you know people are out there putting their lives on the line," said men's ski team veteran Jan Hudec, who will be wearing a decal on his helmet in Wengen when he competes in Saturday's downhill race.

"Downhill skiing is a dangerous sport, but the men and women serving in the Canadian Forces do a very selfless job that's extremely high risk. I will be very proud to wear the yellow ribbon and hope the valuable work done by the Forces will be acknowledged by all Canadians."

Known for its yellow ribbon logo, the Support Our Troops initiative provides morale and welfare programs, activities and services to enhance the quality of life of those men and women who serve in the Canadian Forces.

"I would like to thank Alpine Canada Alpin for their support to the Canadian Forces," said General Walt Natynczyk, Canadian Forces Chief of the Defence Staff. "This gesture is very much appreciated by our men and women in uniform and their families."

The men's ski team will wear the yellow ribbon on their helmets this weekend, with other Alpine Canada teams following in the coming weeks.

"The troops serving the Canadian Forces embody so many of the values Alpine Canada Alpin and our athletes aspire to represent, including teamwork, pride, passion and perseverance," said Alpine Canada  president Max Gartner. "We are honoured to be able to support Canada's troops in this way and we will wear the yellow ribbon with pride."

The idea of Canada's ski teams wearing the yellow ribbon was first proposed by  Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Justin Fogarty, of Ottawa's 33 Signals Regiment, who is a member of Alpine Canada's board. It is being adopted by the men's team on a voluntary basis.

"Canadian skiers are heroes for a lot of the men and women in the Forces and the Forces are heroes for a lot of the skiers," said Fogarty. "They share the same passion for their country."

"This Government is proud of the yellow ribbon initiative by Alpine Canada Alpin. Displaying the Support Our Troops yellow ribbon is a heartfelt demonstration of support for the Canadian Forces that is greatly appreciated by the men and women in uniform, and their families," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence.

"Alpine Canada Alpin continues its success in the pursuit of excellence, and we are pleased to be a partner." S-Magazine