On Saturday March 2nd at the IFSA/FWQ Big Mountain Freeride competition at Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont the Flyin Ryan Foundation recognized two deserving athletes for demonstrating positive energy and joy of participating in our sport as exemplified by Flyin Ryan.
Adult FWQ athlete Jennifer Masztal was having a great competition run when two thirds of the way down the course she momentarily lost control and fell, sliding into the woods. She got back on her feet quickly and tapped her helmet to indicate to event officials that she was ok. The helmet tap was not needed though, because we could see her smile from the finish area. As Jennifer skied to the finish she was still smiling as she was cheered by friends and spectators. I’m sure that she must have been disappointed in the way her run turned out, but Jennifer really seemed to be enjoying participating in the event regardless of the outcome
In the morning before the competition started, adult FWQ athlete Jon Murad volunteered to help the event organizers set up fencing and sponsor banners. During his competition run Jon’s wife and young children were cheering loudly, and as he completed his run in the finish corral they swarmed him with hugs and kisses. It was very heartwarming to see! Jon stayed at the bottom of the course until the last competitor finished so that he could help take down the fencing and equipment.
Both Jon and Jennifer set a terrific example for our freeride community! In the photo below IFSA and Flyin Ryan board member Bryan Salatino is recognizing Jennifer and Jon during the awards ceremony at the end of the day.