Lisa and Tom Marr-Laing presented with the 2022 Lifetime Sport Achievement Award by Red Deer City Councillor Cindy Jeffries at the Red Deer Rebels game on March 26. (left to right) (Red Deer Rebels/Rob Wallator)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Cross-Country Skiing

Red Deer’s 2022 Lifetime Sport Achievement Award goes to Tom and Lisa Marr-Laing

Mar 30, 2022 | 1:15 PM

If you enjoy cross-country skiing in Red Deer and central Alberta, you may want to thank Tom and Lisa Marr-Laing, the winners of the 2022 Lifetime Sport Achievement Award.

The award is given by the Red Deer Sport Award Committee in conjunction with Alberta Sport Development Centre-Central and sponsored by the City of Red Deer. It’s designated for an individual who has advanced or developed amateur sport in the city and possesses a genuine interest in the overall growth by volunteering for at least five years.

“We were extremely impressed with all the nominees this year and it just goes to show the longstanding commitment to sport in the community and we only wish to keep highlighting and encouraging those individuals year after year,” said Gary Seher, member of the Red Deer Sport Award Committee.

“Long-term volunteer commitments of excellence to sport development have significant impacts on healthy community development; all nominees for the 2022 award modelled this so well.”

The Marr-Laings have been involved in developing and growing the cross-country ski community in Red Deer for over a decade.

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The couple began their involvement with the jackrabbit program, for children aged 5-9, with the Red Deer Nordic, the youth division of Parkland Cross Country Ski Club. They expanded various programs over time to include options from youth to older skiers throughout the months of October to March.

They then helped to develop and run an annual ski race called the Bob Johnstone Loppet which eventually combined with the Alberta Cup race, inviting cross-country skiers across the province to Red Deer.

“I am so thankful for the both of them and their insurmountable volunteer hours they have given to our club. They are truly committed to helping keep sport active and attainable with our community,” said Alanna Butler, Head Coach for six years at the Red Deer Nordic Ski Club.

Noted as a big impact by both ski clubs, was the Marr-Laings’ contribution to the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Tom stepped up to be Chief of Competition and Lisa, Race Secretary.

Held at the River Bend Recreation Area, the couple helped upgrade the trails to meet international standards, including a biathlon range, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Tom is credited with helping to acquire the funding for such projects, including 4 km of lighting for trails which can be controlled by citizen skiers, infrastructure to support snowmaking equipment and a portable Bailey bridge to alleviate a dangerous creek crossing on the non-competition part of the trail.

Both then volunteered to become level 3 course officials so the upgraded trails could run National level races for the Games.

“The Canada Winter Games Legacy will last for many years to come, in no small way due to the tremendous work and dedication of Lisa and Tom Marr-Laing,” said Brian Davies, President of the Parkland Cross Country Ski Club.

Together, the couple has held many executive positions at both clubs, handling grant applications and paperwork for over three consecutive years. At Parkland Cross Country Ski Club, Lisa held the position of Treasurer where she handled finances at times of up to half a million dollars from grants and donations.

This year marks the 58^th Lifetime Sport Achievement Award beginning in 1959.