Cowboys Camp
Mike and Manny’s Cowboys camp
Cowboys Camp morphed out of a bursary program I set up in 2006 called The Get-up and Go Award. Initially I set up two awards of $500 each – one for a male and one for a female skier. The following year Mike Janyk joined me and together we sponsored four athletes. At this point we realized we might be able to do more by coordinating our time and efforts. We wanted to expand the program into an actual race camp for 10 skiers. The level of support we received from our families, coaches and sponsors was incredible and now Cowboys is an annual event coming into its third season.
Why we created Cowboys Camp
When Mike Janyk and I were growing up we watched our families make a lot of tough sacrifices to help us chase our ski racing dreams.
We know there are a lot of other young ski racers out there who are dreaming those same dreams today – but like we did – are watching their families make some tough financial decisions and sacrifices to keep their dreams alive.
That’s why we created Cowboys Camp three years ago – to give young skiers from less fortunate financial situations the opportunity to succeed and move forward at pivotal points in their careers – when the costs and competitiveness of the sport begin to rise.
There is no charge to attend our camp – all you have to do is get here with your equipment and we’ll take care of the rest – food, lodging, ski passes and of course coaching.
To put it simply, this is our way of saying thank-you to everyone who helped us reach our goals – our parents, our coaches, our supporters, our sponsors and especially the countless volunteers who keep our sport rolling in every weather condition imaginable.
Do you qualify for Cowboys Camp?
Cowboys Camp is open to 10 enthusiastic ski racers from BC (5 girls and 5 boys) who may not have the financial means to attend summer ski camps. Applicants must either be first year FIS (1995) or going into second year FIS next season (1994).
How to apply for admission to Cowboys Camp
If you would like to apply, please write us a letter about yourself, why you love ski racing and what you hope to get out of our camp. Also, please make sure there is a supporting letter from a coach attached to your application. Send your applications by email to canadiancowboys (at) manuelracing.com no later than April 12th, 2010.
When and where is Cowboys Camp happening in 2010?
This year’s camp will be held in Whistler, with skiing on Blackcomb Mountain. The four-day camp will consist of slalom, GS, free skiing, drills and gate training. There will be six coaches, three of whom are national ski team members; myself (Manny), Mike Janyk and Robbie Dixon. We are still deciding on a date so check back often for updates!
What is the goal of Cowboys Camp?
Our main goal is to teach young racers how to ski better and faster – but it’s not our only goal. Our hope is to pass on the lessons we’ve learned on and off the slopes and to share our passion for our sport. But if you are accepted – chances are you already have the same passion we have – or maybe even more – so we may actually learn something from you!