G.T. “Jerry” Johnston
Skiing Builder - Inducted 1980
Jerry Johnston became interested in disabled skiing while working as a ski school director at Sunshine Village. In 1961, he began using the 'one ski and two outriggers' method for his leg amputee students which he went on to modify for other handicapped skiers. In 1971, he helped to form the Alberta Amputee Ski Association which later became the Alberta Association for Disabled Skiing, and acted as its president from 1972 to 1977. Jerry Johnston was elected President of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing in 1976, becoming the Executive Coordinator in 1978. He was Canada's team manager for the 1980 Winter Olympics for the Disabled.
After Induction
1974 - Alberta Achievement Awards: Service
1979 - Alberta Achievement Awards: Excellence
1984 – Received the Canada West Ski Areas Association Jim Marshall Award
1988 – Alberta Achievement Awards: Service (Calgary Olympics)
1991 – Canadian Skiers Hall of Fame – Honour Roll
2000 – Canadian Ski Council Millennium 2000 Award – Honoured for leaving a Legacy to our Sport & Industry by providing outstanding vision, leadership and performance
2000 – Awarded the Order of Canada for work and dedication to skiing for the Disabled.
2003 – Canadian Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame – (CPC Hall of Fame)
2003-2005 - Patricia Ramage Award - recognizes tireless volunteer efforts and dedication as a volunteer to the Canadian Ski & Snowboard Association.
2005 - Alberta Centennial Salute for Sport and Recreation Award
2008 - Town of Banff Sports Hall of Fame
2013 - Canadian Disability Hall of Fame (Nov. 5, 2013)
Jerry was member of the committee that produced “Moving to Inclusion” skiing. This is a manual for integration of students with disabilities into elementary school skiing programs. This was a project for the Active Living Alliance for Persons with a Disability.
Jerry has been active with the Paralympic movement, having served as team manager, Chef de Mission, technical delegate and public speaker.
