Message from Peter Judge

The Olympic Games are the predominant quest in an athlete's career. Earning the honour to don the maple leaf and represent Canada at the Games is only achieved by a few. Fewer still will create the path that will lead them to ascend an Olympic podium or ultimately hear the Canadian anthem played in tribute to their accomplishment. Achieving ANY of these things on one's home soil is the ultimate privilege, honour and experience. Of the two previous Games hosted in Canada, to date NO Canadian athlete has ever won Olympic Gold on home soil. That will change in 2010 - and Canadian Freestyle athletes are set to make it happen.

Ten years ago the 2010 Winter Olympic Games were just a dream, and just over six years ago they became a reality. Now we have just over 150 days until the Olympic flame is ignited on Canadian soil and the eyes of the world are upon us. During this time a quiet shift has taken place, a shift in thinking that was precipitated by an audacious notion - that Canada COULD lead the world in winter sports. The Own The Podium project has created unprecedented focus, clarity, innovation, commitment and collaboration not seen before in Canadian sport.

CFSA has been the beneficiary of this paradigm shift and we have seen this same commitment to success, within our sport from all of our partners. One unified team focused on the success of our sport and at all levels. This has been accomplished through the unprecedented support of government and corporate partners - both the federal and provincial governments and VANOC sponsors (and we're proud to say Canadian Freestyle Ski Team sponsors) such as Canada Post, Bell and RBC. They show their confidence in our programming by continuing to generously support us despite current challenging economic climate. Their dedication has created an environment where our national level athletes have the support they need to excel in competition; where coaches have important resources at their fingertips; and, where local clubs receive training and infrastructure support so they can provide first class programming for young athletes.

As much as Games provide an opportunity for top athletes to showcase their sport to the world, more importantly, through success and good planning, they provide the forum to breathe new life into the sport, to launch the next generation propelling them to even greater success. Given the initiatives we have created through the collaborative undertakings with our PSO partners, and programs like the Canada Post Freestyle Frenzy Series, RBC Jumps & Bumps, and federal government assistance focused on growth and capacity, we feel well prepared to find and develop that next generation.

This February in Vancouver, Canada's freestyle athletes will have the opportunity to shine and their success will highlight the behind the scenes commitment of our partners, volunteers, support staff and the Canadian public. A post-2010 world will be significantly different than the one we have experienced to date, however given the strength of our "team" the CFSA is clearly poised and ready to face the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.

When one dream is achieved, many more are born.

Sincerely,
Peter Judge