Gene Fitzsimmons- Our Hero

Gene Fitzsimmons was presented with the 2010 Unsung Hero Award by the Pacific Northwest Ski Association.  The award is given out annually to members of Pacific Northwest ski clubs who contribute “efforts above and beyond the duty of any volunteer.” Fitzsimmons was recognized for his efforts in being the “Calorie Coach” and cooking a week of meals for the 35 Pacific Northwest Nordic athletes and coaches who attended the Junior Olympics in Presque Isle, ME. This included closing his own restaurant, The Taco Stand, for a week to be able to travel to Maine and support the PNSA team. Fitzsimmons serves as a board member for the Bend Endurance Academy and coaches Nordic skiing for Bend High School.