Press Release, by Momentum Camps — Whistler, BC
After much deliberation, the 2013 ‘Spirit of Sarah Scholarship’ has been awarded to 15-year-old Carly Lavielle, from Orangeville, Ontario. Carly was a runner up last year and impressed the judges this time around with her passionate video entry and original song about Sarah. Check out Carly’s entry here: https://vimeo.com/64457623. Carly will receive a free all-inclusive week of training at Momentum Ski Camps in Whistler, BC this July.
Carly has been skiing on the Ontario freestyle ski circuit for the past few years and is currently competing at provincial level in slopestyle and halfpipe. She is a previous 3x camper and was fortunate to have been coached by Sarah, who taught her to land her first 360.
As well as receiving the free ski camp, the Sarah Burke Foundation has kicked in an additional $500 to help Carly fly out to BC.
Carly, who has dreams of one day being an Olympian, says, “Sarah Burke is the main reason I am where I am today. She always had this inspiring smile on her face and it brought out the best in people. One of the most important things Sarah taught me is how to believe in myself and how never to give up, no matter what!”
There were many worthy entries this year from all over the world and the panel of judges, including Sarah’s mother, her husband Rory Bushfield, National Team Coach Trennon Paynter and Camp Director John Smart were moved by all the stories, dedication and passion of a new generation of skiers following in her footsteps.
Smart says, “Sarah was a true role model to young women and we will always keep her memory alive by offering this scholarship to our Girls Week at Momentum each year. It’s been really inspiring to see what a wide impact Sarah has had on these young women, many of whom never met her. Carly’s presentation truly captured this spirit of Sarah and is reflected in her own personality. She was fortunate to have connected with her in person and was clearly deeply influenced by her.”
The ‘Spirit of Sarah Scholarship’ was created in honour and memory of long time coach and former camper Sarah Burke, who died in a tragic ski accident in 2012. One of the causes dear to Sarah’s heart was encouraging young girls to follow their dreams and believe in their skiing abilities. She inspired so many young women through her incredible skiing talent, but more importantly through her demonstration of modesty, kindness and her wonderful approach to life. Sarah was a camper with Momentum for 4 years and a coach for 11 years.
Also Read: Sarah Burke Foundation announces first annual scholarship award winners
