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Need some support for a fundraiser? You can count on Bruce. Need more volunteers to help slip the course? Need a hand at the start? Bruce and Corinne are there. Need to ensure the best athletes in Alberta are well outfitted with the best skiwear? Bruce and Descente are there.
Bruce Legree and Corinne Percy are always there. Volunteering, bringing ideas, leading with fundraising projects or helping out in the background. Opening their home to young, aspiring athletes. Providing invaluable support with products, donations and guidance at every level – from ski club to our National Team.
“Every fundraising project we launch, from the Highest Peak Gala, Poles to Pedals, ski club auctions or individual athlete fundraisers, we are always able to count on Bruce to jump up and help us out” shared Alberta Alpine President, Rob McCloskey. “Bruce also goes above and beyond to makes sure our athletes get what they need when it comes to good ski gear. We can never take for granted the tremendous value of our relationship with Descente and all the extras that come with someone who really cares for the athletes.”
Bruce always had ski racing in his blood. “I grew up minutes from Grouse Mountain and was introduced to ski racing by buddies in high school”, said Bruce. “I went into the high school championship and knew instantly I had to do it!” Bruce joined the Grouse Mt. Tyee and raced throughout western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. “The comradery of travelling in a crowded van with a bunch of energetic youths was pretty special.” Corinne hails from the Percy family and their extensive ski racing credentials through the Sunshine Ski Club and her racing experience in Alberta.
Upon retiring from active competition, Bruce turned his efforts towards volunteering like so many in our community. He was one of the race crew working the events leading up to and including the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. More recently, while sons Cole and Ben progressed through all levels of the Alberta Alpine program, we could always count on Bruce and Corinne to help out in U14, U16 and FIS races.
His passion for ski racing grew into a life-long passion for the sport of skiing, as Bruce joined Rossignol and Dynastar. Two other jobs brought him back to work closely with the highest levels in ski racing in Canada” Dale of Norway and Descente, as Race Service Manager, as well as the Alberta Retail Representative. For the past 20 winter seasons, Bruce has ensured Canadian Teams, along with the Alberta and BC Provincial Ski Teams are looking great on the slope and fast in the race courses.
Ski racing is a family passion for the Legree family. “It’s very special for us that both of our boys caught our passion for ski racing,” said Bruce. “For them, to have enjoyed racing throughout the province and Canada, the friends they’ve made. And to see them go on to coaching and they love to be on the mountain, is a very special highlight for both of us.” The Legree family have been members of the Banff Alpine Racers for more than 20 years.
“It takes a community to help young athletes achieve their dreams” shares Bruce. “To make it happen we must step up and help fundraise, work hard, be a role model for upcoming kids. It’s worth it, as our sport builds strong, respectful young people – it’s the best education your child will get. The life skills learned while racing, travelling and training will last a lifetime. And remember, don’t be consumed by points or race times. It’s the friendships and experiences that you will remember.”
Join Alberta Alpine to recognize a lifetime of dedication and enthusiasm as our ski community recognizes the tremendous contribution of Bruce Legree as recipient of the President’s Award and is inducted into the Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame.
The 2019 Class will be inducted at the Highest Peak Gala, hosted at the Markin-McPhail Centre at WinSport in Calgary on Wednesday, October 30th. This event was first held in 1968, to support ski racing excellence in Alberta and western Canada. The Canadian Rockies Ski Racing Hall of Fame event is a legacy event with the goal to support future champions in the province, with all proceeds invested into Alberta Ski Racing programs.
Source: Alberta Alpine
