Sideline Stories: Alana LaCourse, Maine U16 Alpine Skier, Gould Academy

For a downhill sport, we face uphill challenges.

I first started skiing when I was two years old because my parents had been ski instructors when they were younger. I learned how to ski at Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Maine yet I lived in Boothbay, Maine on the coast. My parents would take me skiing every weekend and when I was four years old they signed me up for group lessons.  I participated in them until I was eight and at age nine I started competing in recreational races and I was hooked! Since then I have participated in ski race training with Mt. Abram, Lost Valley Race Club and Gould Academy Competition Program. I am currently a sophomore at Gould Academy and our home mountain is Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine.

When I was 12 years old in 7th grade, my parents signed me up to compete as an Independent Racer with the Maine Junior Ski League. Because I lived in Boothbay and my school didn’t have a team it was up to my parents to drive me to races so I could compete. The first race of the season was at Kents Hill in Readfield. I was excited to be there among tons of ski racers in attendance from many different schools from all over the state.  It was a slalom race where you should have all the protective safety gear. As we were inspecting the course, I remember seeing one girl who virtually had no equipment; she had no race suit, no protective gear, no race skis, and didn’t seem to know how to ski very well at all. Throughout the season I saw her at other races and despite her lack of gear she kept showing up. This really made a huge impact on me. As I continued to attend races that winter I observed other kids who also didn’t have the necessary safety equipment. At the finals that year I ended up placing 7th in both Slalom and Giant Slalom. At that awards ceremony those same kids were there and my heart went out to them and, especially that particular girl; because of their lack of good equipment I believe they were not able to do as well.  I’m not sure if that girl is still skiing or not now as I never knew her name; but I hope she is still on the slopes. 

In 8th grade, I moved up to being a United States Ski and Snowboard skier with Gould Academy as I attended the Winter Term “On Snow Program.” I was a second year U14 racer which mandates protective safety equipment which includes: helmet with chin bar, shin and arm guards, a race suit with padding, a back protector, race boots, 2 types of poles, and 3 styles of skis for both training and racing. I also must have numerous sets of training clothes for all types of weather. Every two years depending on the condition of my equipment and the regulations from USSS for my age group I must replace it which can get very costly. 

So last year when I moved up to U16 and was a full time freshman at Gould Academy, I was talking to my parent’s one night about remembering this girl from that first race in 7th grade. I wondered how she and other kids around the state could keep moving ahead with ski racing because just the safety equipment alone can cost several thousand dollars each year. Conversations continued with my family, thinking there must be a way to help other kids afford ski racing equipment. 

At Gould Academy, we as students are encouraged to think outside the box and to set goals to not only better ourselves, but to support those around us, to give back by volunteering in the community and to make an impact that will sustain experiences for others in years to come. I am very blessed that I can attend a high school that gives us these wonderful opportunities. 

So, at the age of 14, with the help of my parents and others, as well as the Ribbon Company and Fiscal Sponsorship Allies*, I started a nonprofit called GIVE O.N.E. which stands for GIVE Opportunities through New Equipment. 

This is a program where Maine Junior Ski League ALPINE participants in 6th-8th grade can apply for a scholarship to purchase much needed skis and safety equipment to be used for their upcoming race season. This fall my goal is to raise enough funds to give at least two scholarships out. Next year with a little more momentum and funds, my goal is to raise enough money for five scholarships and by the time I’m a senior I would like to raise enough for ten scholarships.  When I enter college my hope is this nonprofit will grow to help even more kids be able to participate in this sport despite the challenges of the high cost of equipment.

To elevate this nonprofit mission I need to get my message out and connect with other people in the ski industry such as ski resorts, ski shops, Maine Junior Ski League coaches, and the athletes themselves. It may take a couple of years to meet my goals but I have the support of my parents and from Gould Academy. This is based on the idea of paying forward one’s good fortune to help someone else. This is how the ski race community keeps growing and taking care of itself right here in Maine. It is not a solution to the problem yet rather a way for me to help someone else be able to compete in Alpine ski racing…a sport that I love. By offering these scholarships, hopefully kids will realize their potential for greater opportunities in the future.  

If you would like to help me by donating to GIVE O.N.E. please go to https://app.ribbon.giving/links/1hSn0G or the GIVE Opportunities through New Equipment Facebook page for more information. If you meet the criteria as a Maine Junior Ski League athlete or you are a coach of one of these athletes please email me at giveo.n.e.program@gmail.com.

* Give O.N.E. is fiscally sponsored by Fiscal Sponsorship Allies, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Alpine Skiing is a downhill sport, but sometimes we must face an uphill challenge to get there.

Alana LaCourse, Maine U16 Alpine Ski Racer, Gould Academy