Media Release

The members of the Mountain Idol Selection Committee gathered this month to complete a difficult task ― review the “resumes” of 14 young Bow Valley athletes and role models nominated as Mountain Idols, and voting the list down to four finalists. Organized by Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre, the Mountain Idol competition was created to celebrate and recognize active and involved young people in the Bow Valley outdoor community who exemplify active lifestyles, pursue mountain sports, and inspire their peers. 

Members of the community were invited to nominate Idols, and the selection committee then voted for the four finalists. The winner, chosen by the committee, will be announced during the Radical Reels screening on Tuesday, October 30 as part of the 2007 Banff Mountain Film Festival. All four finalists will be invited on-stage for the event.

“Mountain Idols excel in a mountain sport, and they’re seen as role models and mentors in the Bow Valley outdoor community,” says Laurie Harvey, strategic partnership manager for Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre. “Our goal is to celebrate exceptional young mountain athletes and to inspire more youth to adopt a healthy, supportive, and active outdoor lifestyle.” The four finalists include:

Zak McGurk, 18, an outstanding athlete in indoor and outdoor climbing, who has also contributed to the local climbing community as a coach and mentor. With six nominations, Zak has a great ability to motivate others with his approach and positive attitude.
 
Sarah Murphy, 19, a top athlete in biathlon, has won medals and top-15 finishes at national and international events. Selected for the 2007 - 2008 Junior National Team, she exemplifies discipline in training and through her involvement in air cadets. Among Sarah’s goals ― competing in the 2010 Olympics and climbing Mount Assiniboine.

Eric Sethna, 15, was ranked first in difficulty and second in speed in the North American Continental Climbing Championships in Denver. Eric helps with the climbing program at Banff Community High School and volunteers at summer climbing camps at the Vsion climbing gym in Canmore. A well-rounded mountain athlete, Eric is a very competent alpine skier, finished first in his age group in the 2007 Melissa's run, and has his black belt in hapkido.

Kayla Eykelboom, 12, is a well-rounded outdoor athlete who participates at a high level in backcountry skiing and climbing, and has trekked to Mount Everest base camp. She has a great appreciation for mountain culture and environment, and demonstrates tremendous potential at a young age.

All finalists will receive two complimentary tickets to attend Radical Reels, a Canadian Mountain Holidays duffel bag with a selection of gifts, a $100 gift certificate from lululemon athletica and a $100 cash award. Finalists will also be entered in a draw to win a stay for two in an Alpine Club of Canada hut for two nights and a pair of Leki hiking poles. The 2007 Mountain Idol will be awarded a $700 cash prize and a two-night stay for two people at Skoki Lodge.

Mountain Idol is supported by lululemon athletica, The North Face and The Banff Crag & Canyon.

 

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For more information about Mountain Idol and Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre: http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture/idol