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Humans of the Rockies - Tony Smith, Grizzly Mountain Events

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Tony Smith is a former triathlete who now runs his own race events in the Bow Valley.

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“Between the ages of 20 to 40, I was a very keen multisport athlete and raced triathlons, cross-country ski races, open water swims and cycling events all over the world,” Smith said. “I represented Canada four times at the Triathlon World Championships and competed at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. This extensive racing background provided me with some valuable event knowledge and experience, which I was able to utilize to launch my own events company.”

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He now manages his own company called Grizzly Mountain Events.

“The first ever Grizzly Mountain Event was the Canmore Triathlon, which we staged at Quarry Lake in conjunction with the Canmore Nordic Centre,” Smith said. “The event was an instant success and things have grown from there. Since 2006 we have hosted over 50,000 participants and helped many registered charities and non-profits raise over $5 million.”

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Past and present partners include MitoCanada, SPCA, MS Society, Terry Fox Foundation, Enviros Wilderness Schools, Banff YWCA, Canmore Nordic Ski Club and Wheels For Wells, he said.

“We also donate significant time, energy and equipment every year while supporting several community events,” Smith said. “Positive economic impact for the Town Of Canmore’s hospitality industry and fellow small business can be measured in the tens of millions of dollars.”

Managing a multisport events company presents many interesting challenges, Smith said. “This type of business is definitely not for everyone,” Smith said. “There have been many extended periods of 16 hour work days with lots of heavy lifting under extreme pressure. It’s been a very physically and mentally challenging journey but at the same time incredibly rewarding. Despite all the hard work it’s always worth it in the end to witness the finish line smile and high fives.”

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He’s accumulated a lot of equipment over the years including tents, tables, chairs, p.a. systems, bike racks and fencing.

“I’ve been able to support many other events with all of my equipment and race management services,” Smith said. “I’ve been the course director for the Banff Marathon for the past 10 years. I provide, set up and manage a lot of my race equipment for the race. I’ve also been supporting Banff’s Melissa’s Road Race in the same manner for many years.”

Preparation for events begins many months in advance with all of the permitting, marketing and registration requirements.

“The actual event set up along with all the heavy lifting involved begins about one week out from event weekend,” Smith said. “Equipment and administration clean up usually takes another week or so post event.”

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Smith was born in Montreal and grew up in London, England.

“I left the UK at 19 years of age and landed a job at Sunshine Village in Banff,” Smith said. “I’ve been based in and around the Bow Valley ever since with lots of International travel and adventure in the mix.”

He worked at a variety of jobs.

“My very first job was as a barman in an old English pub,” Smith said. “I made the move to Canada as a ski bum for a couple of years before landing a job with an International airline. I flew extensively around the world for 15 years with the airline before accepting a buyout package.”

He returned to Mount Royal University and earned a personal fitness trainer diploma.

“I worked as a personal trainer for some time before accepting a position at the University Of Calgary as head Triathlon Coach,” Smith said.

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He lives with his 16-year-old son.

“He has an incredibly strong passion for hockey and has been on skates since he was four years old,” Smith said. “I have a two and a half year-old border collie named Bella. She’s always by my side.”

In the winter months they often head to the southern USA, Mexico or Hawaii to enjoy some of my their own adventures in warmer climates.

“I’ve recently made the move to BC and have been working and living full time at Nipika Mountain Resort,” Smith said. “These days I enjoy all types of biking, paddling and skiing as well as snowboarding and surfing.”

Please visit grizzlyevents.ca for more information.

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