by Cross Country Nova Scotia, Staff, Jan 4, 2024
We are delighted to announce the hiring of three cross-country ski ambassadors, who will promote our sport through targeted partnerships and events, under the guidance of the Cross Country Nova Scotia board of directors; contributing our strategic plan objectives. Funding is provided by the Government of Nova Scotia.
Join us in welcoming your 2024 ski ambassadors: Claire Miner, Stacy Payne, and Michelle Richards. Miner and Payne will coordinate projects on mainland Nova Scotia. Richards is based in Baddeck and will focus on Cape Breton initiatives. Our ambassadors are lifelong skiers and are keen to share their love for the sport.
Melanie MacDermid, acting president of CCNS board of directors, and president of SCOTIA XC Ski Club, is overseeing the strategic aspects of the ski ambassador project.
“Through a generous increase in our funding from the Government of Nova Scotia we have been able to bring on board three engaging women to fulfill the roles of ski ambassadors for the upcoming season,” said MacDermid.
“Our ski ambassadors are taking on the challenge of bringing together existing cross-country skiers across the province by hosting group skis and instructional programs, and also by engaging those new to the activity with “try-it” events that will hopefully spark that love of winter that we all share.”
“Our ski ambassadors will cover Cape Breton, HRM, Western Nova Scotia and are investigating other areas as well. Ski ambassadors will also be trying to engage with some groups that may have barriers in accessing cross-country skiing, such as para-athletes or new Canadians.”
“I feel really good that these programs will help to connect more Nova Scotians to this wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors durning the winter months.”
Learn more about the ski ambassador role, by viewing the employment posting.
Claire Miner – Background
Miner has been cross-country skiing for more than 20 years. She grew up on a small farm with extensive woods, and was exposed to the sport as a recreational family activity. “We would often bring a lunch and classic ski on logging roads (with permission) or go directly through the woods to favourite places”, miner said.
“Experiencing how the landscape changed from season to season and making the best out of each – whether on foot, skis, bike or horseback, was a highlight of my childhood.”
In addition to her strong connection to our sport and nature, Claire brings a strong teaching skill-set, through her experience as a volunteer track attack instructor for Scotia XC Ski Club.
A dedicated athlete, Miner was also named to the Nova Scotia Biathlon Team, from 2017 – 2019.
“I am looking forward to introducing the sport to folks as a fun way to get outside and make the best of the winter season!”
CLAIRE MINER
Photos
Miner as photographed cross-country skiing, riding her horse, and competing on the provincial biathlon team.
Stacy Payne – Background
Stacy Payne has been teaching physical education at Halifax Regional Centre for Education, for more than 20 years. ”I have been teaching cross-country skiing to all of my grades 3-5 students over the past four years – which amounts to over 200 students, per year,” Payne said. Over the past four years, she has initiated programming and instructed over 800 students to cross-country ski at school.
“I have always worked in sports and recreation with a passion for all things outdoor education,” added Payne. “I have a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Nutrition, a Bachelor of Education, and I completed my Certificate in Outdoor Education from St FX university in 2021.”
Payne volunteered with a new Canadians on snow program last season and also supported the ski at school program. She has been an avid cross-country skier for six years, and wishes she tried the sport sooner. Additionally, Payne has been alpine skiing for over 40 years. Originally from New Brunswick, she has been living in Nova Scotia for almost 30 years.
“I am hoping that through this role I will meet more incredible Nova Scotians and hopefully spark a love for the sport. Active lifestyles can become more challenging with some of the barriers winter brings. I am hoping that I can reach individuals and families of a variety of ages and demographics, embracing this wonderful sport that allows for physical activity, independence, the beauty of nature, and to connect with like minded individuals.”
STACY PAYNE
Throughout her experience instructing cross-country skiing, Payne takes tremendous satisfaction as an instructor. ”I absolutely love watching the skill progression from the start of a lesson, to the end. It’s incredible how confident one can become so very quickly.”
Photos
Stacey as photographed below enjoying cross-country skiing on the trails, teaching her students, and also volunteering with the new Canadians on skis project.
Michelle Richards – Background
Michelle Richards has been cross-country skiing for a lifetime. She grew up in the snow belt of Ontario and received her first skis at the age of four. Cross-country skiing was a key activitiy for Richards, both at home and in school. Her family encouraged her to ski in the backyard and on wooded trails. Additionally, she participated in a ski program held during physical education class at her elementary school.
Richards transitioned to skate skiing, as a teenager; building on her foundational classic skiing skills. In the early 1990s, skate skiing was still very new but had already made a huge impact. Michelle joined the secondary school nordic team to train and compete. Richards also worked at Hardwood Ski and Bike, a world class venue. She instructed the jack rabbit program, assisted in the ski shop, and performed administrative duties.
In the early 2000s, Michelle made a splash into the world of surfing. People might recognize her from the Summer Surf Program at Point Michaud Beach. Richards has taught many generations, and thousands of people to surf, for over 20 years. She is also an active board member on both the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia and Hike Nova Scotia.
Richards has honed her teaching skills as an experienced surf instructor and is keen to share her technical knowledge of cross-country skiing. Michelle is excited to get back to her roots of cross-country skiing and fulfill her role as the Cape Breton ski ambassador.
Photos
Michelle skiing as a child through to adult. Photographed at North Highlands Nordic (top right photo). Michelle participated in a community coaching course at North Highlands Nordic, photographed with her group in the final photo.
Cross Country Nova Scotia 