March 30/31 marked the 14th year of the Rob Bosinger Memorial Race hosted by Banff Alpine at Mount Norquay. Rob was a prominent athlete, mentor, friend and father who carried his passion for ski racing through all walks of his life. In May 2005 Rob passed away due to cardiac arrhythmia at the age of 38, leaving behind his wife and son. In honour of his legacy his friends, family and community dedicated the Bozo Cup in his memory.
The knockout style race features head-to-head racing in a panelled slalom format. Each person continuing based on the winner of each race. Obstacles include two jumps, screaming commentators and less than practical costumes.
Registration saw the women’s pro category sell out for the first time in years following strong numbers in the amateur category. Men’s pro, amateur and masters categories were also close to capacity. Money raised from this weekend goes towards a set of scholarships for two young Alberta Alpine athletes and research and support for the Canadian Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation.
This year Alberta Alpine hosted the first practice night at COP for retired enthusiasts who may have needed more than one run to get back into it (cough* most of us). Coaches retired athletes and business professionals came out of the woodwork in preparation for the big day.
The spring weather graced its presence yet again as past, present national, provincial and local athletes queued up to support the cause. Cowboys, Retro and the Canadian Tuxedo were amongst many costumes paraded on the track. We’re pretty sure we saw a Kim Kardashian inspired costume amongst others! Coaches (sometimes) gave their past athletes a run for their money, while dads and moms arced like they hadn’t missed a race in years.
As part of tradition, Pete Bosinger opened the race by hosting a toast to everyone in attendance, celebrating the legacy of his brother as well as the community we continue to value.
Younger athletes even took some time off their training schedule to come and cheer on their coaches, parents and mentors (while giving some much-needed racing advice).
Pro winners
Best dressed “yip yip”
Mt Norquay GM Andre
The legend ‘Mix’
Not the easiest outfit to race in
They may be retired, but they still go hard!
The award for best Costume was awarded to Ross McKercher for his exquisite hand-made ‘yipyip’ design.
A big thank you to Damien and Maggie Mills who designed and curated new medals for this year’s participants. Thank you to the volunteers whom we all rely on the make this special day a success.
Sunday followed with Kinder Cup, U14 & U16 athletes battling it out on the course for top spot.
Story by Hannah Willinger, Photos by John Evely
2019 Bozo Cup Results
Women’s Pro
- Mikayla Martin – Current Canadian Alpine Team Member
- Georgia Willinger – past New Zealand Ski Team Member
- Emma Carmichael – Current BAR FIS athlete
Women’s Amateur
- Mariana Tellez – Past BAR athlete and current BAR coach
- Lara Kattler – Past BAR athlete and current BAR coach
- Emily Coles
Men’s pro
- Paul Stutz – Past Canadian Ski Team Champion
- Louie-Pierre Helie – Past Canadian Ski Cross
- Cedric Gangon
Men’s Amateur
- Cole Lamoureux – Past FIS athlete
- Adam Matejko – Past FIS athlete
- Cody Pederson – Past Alberta Ski Team Member
Men’s Masters
- Andre Quenneville – Mt Norquay GM, past alpine racer
- Pete Bosinger – Past Canadian Ski Team Member
- Matt Hyndman – Past Alberta Ski Team Member
