News Release
National Championship Awards Depict Alaska and Sport
GIRDWOOD, Alaska – April 1, 2007 – Top athletes from the 2007 U.S. Alpine Championships will leave Girdwood, Alaska, with a limited edition Alaska artwork, in addition to a championship title and fond memories of their stay in the Last Frontier. First and second place finishers receive a uniquely Alaskan, hand-crafted statue depicting a raven “flying” down the slopes on skis.
The raven is considered by Alaska’s indigenous people to be the creator. Girdwood resident and graphic designer Dawn Gerety of Art Seriously chose a raven for the logo because of its significance in Alaska Native folklore.
“Alyeska Resort wanted a logo that clearly depicted Alaska and alpine skiing,” said Gerety. “It was a natural fit to create the raven, known as a shape-shifter, into an alpine racer.”
Gerety worked with artist Cindy Shake, a Girdwood home owner and frequent visitor to Alyeska, who researched the types of awards athletes had received in the past.
“We wanted to create a piece as epic and unique as Alyeska and Alaska. I saw Dawn’s design and was immediately inspired,” said Shake.
Shake metalsmithed aluminum into a raven, which was then sand finished and fitted into a shiny black base.
The logo was also used in posters, jackets, hats, and other promotional and marketing materials.
Awards for first, second and third place are given daily approximately 30 minutes after the finish of the last race of the day at the awards stage located between the Sitzmark deck and the race finish area at Alyeska Resort.
The 2007 U.S. Alpine Championships began March 27 with downhill training runs and ends with the Men’s Giant Slalom on Tuesday, April 3. For an event schedule, start lists, results, and more, explore www.SkiAnchorage.net.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Jason Lott
Chief of Press for 2007 U.S. Alpine Championships at Alyeska Resort
Direct: (907) 754-2211
Cell: (907) 223-1823 cell
email: jlott@alyeskaresort.com
Jeanette Anderson Moores
Media Room Director for 2007 U.S. Alpine Championships at Alyeska Resort
Direct: (907) 754-2153
Cell: (907) 229-6925
email: mooreswj@gci.net
Juliann Fritz
Public Relations Director for U.S.S.A
Main: (435) 647-2061
Cell: (435) 640-8379
email:jfritz@ussa.org
