VARA gala to celebrate dedication to ski racing

Preston and Scott Smith, Reese Brown among honorees
By Karen D. Lorentz
KILLINGTON—On Oct. 29, the Vermont Alpine Racing Association will hold its annual Celebration of Vermont Ski Racing gala at 6:30 p.m. at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel.
“This event celebrates Vermont ski racing and honors those who have done so much for the sport,” noted Julie Woodworth, VARA executive director.
Among the festivities will be the induction of Killington founder, Preston Leete Smith, into the VARA Hall of Fame.
“Preston not only founded one of the best ski areas in the country but most importantly, he made an early commitment to ski racing and was generous in Killington’s support of Junior competition in Vermont. We are so very proud and excited to be able to induct him in to the VARA Hall of Fame,” Woodworth said.
Reached at his Florida home, Smith said he is “humbled by the honor. We had over 1,000 participating in the free skiing program [weekly Jr. Recreational lessons at Killington] and many went on to our race programs and to compete at collegiate, national, and World Cup levels. Seeing their dreams come true was very rewarding,” he said.
Scott Smith, who grew up racing at Killington and competed for UVM and as a member of the USST Development Team, will be honored as well. “He will be recognized as Development Coach of the Year for his commitment and dedication to Vermont ski racing and his athletes at Suicide Six. His commitment went above and beyond for his U19 group, often spending many weekdays after a full day of work to coach high school kids after school,” Woodworth said.
Reese Brown is being honored as the Jr. Development Coach of the Year. “Reese coaches the Quechee Alpine Ski Team U12 group and is being recognized for his incredible devotion to creating the best training and skiing environment possible for kids. He is greatly respected for going the extra mile for the Mid VT Council, his athletes, their families and the Quechee program,” Woodworth noted.
BB Baker will be honored as the Alpine Official of the Year and David Edry as Volunteer of the Year. VARA Merit Scholarship recipients and the VARA Team will also be recognized.
Other highlights include a drawing for the VARA World Cup Raffle Prize of two VIP tickets to the Killington World Cup events.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the Gala. To learn more about VARA or to reserve tickets for the event visit vara.org.