More than 120 Chattanooga outdoor supporters came together under one roof last Thursday, to hear the winners of the first annual 2014 Golden Cairn Awards, which helped raise money for the Southeast Youth Corps (SYC), a local youth development and conservation organization. The awards ceremony hosted by SYC celebrated local outdoor athletes, enthusiasts, and organizations by recognizing their efforts, accomplishments, and contributions to the local recreation landscape for a variety of outdoor disciplines.
This year’s winner by category:
2014 Golden Cairn Club Award:
–SORBA Chattanooga
2014 Golden Cairn Outdoor Ambassadors:
–Road Biking: Anders Swanson
–Mountain Biking: Erik Rippon
–Rock Climbing: John Wiygul
–Road Running: Alan Outlaw
–Trail Running: Dream Campbell
–Swimming: Hallie McFadden
–Stand-up Paddle Boarding: Ben Friberg
–Paddling: Luke Scott
–Triathlon: Andy Sweet
–Hiking: Jim Johnson
Each Outdoor Ambassador received a stained glass trophy of a “Golden Cairn” constructed by Todd Grafe of Grafe Glass. The recipients were chosen by avid members of the outdoor community who participated in online polls hosted by the Southeast Youth Corps. Over 500 votes were collected during a two-week span, with votes coming from as far away as Portland, Oregon.
“SYC is extremely pleased to recognize these outstanding individuals who have supported Chattanooga’s outdoor scene. We believe that there is a direct connection between the outdoor recreation community and providing conservation service learning opportunities to local and regional youth,” said Brenna Kelly, program director of the Southeast Youth Corps.
The title sponsor for the event was Louis Ross. Other sponsors included The Crash Pad, Guyanne Drew Baker, Porkers BBQ, HUB Endurance, the Flying Squirrel, UBS Financial Services, Urban Rocks Gym, Chattanooga Brewing Company, and The North Face.
The Southeast Youth Corps is a service learning and youth development program based on continuing the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. Their mission is to train and educate the youth of Chattanooga while conserving and protecting the natural environment.