Cichanowski Awarded MNSA Lifetime Achievement Award
Apr 21, 2026
The MyXC Board Celebrates Cichanowski’s Decades of Dedication to Youth Nordic Skiing in
Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Board of Directors of Minnesota Youth Ski League (MYSL)
proudly congratulates Executive Director Amy Cichanowski on receiving the prestigious
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Nordic Skiing Association (MNSA). This
distinguished honor recognizes Amy’s extraordinary and enduring contributions to Nordic skiing
in Minnesota, and the MYSL Board could not be more honored to celebrate this well-deserved
recognition.
"Amy Cichanowski is the heart and soul of youth cross-country skiing in Minnesota,” said Jeremiah Schimp, Chair of the MYSL Board of Directors. "Her passion, vision, and tireless commitment have shaped the lives of thousands of young skiers across our state. This Lifetime Achievement Award from MNSA is a tribute not only to her remarkable career, but to the lasting legacy she is building every single day.”
Under Amy’s leadership as Executive Director, Minnesota Youth Ski League has grown into one
of the premier youth Nordic skiing organizations in the nation. Her strategic direction, advocacy
for inclusive programming, and steadfast dedication to making cross-country skiing accessible to
young athletes of all backgrounds have defined MYSL’s mission and culture. From expanding
club participation across the state to fostering a love of the outdoors in the next generation of
skiers, Amy’s impact is immeasurable.
Throughout her tenure, Amy has championed coach development, strengthened community
partnerships, and elevated the competitive and recreational opportunities available to
Minnesota’s young Nordic skiers. Her collaborative approach has united clubs, schools, and
families around a shared love of the sport, helping Minnesota maintain its reputation as a
national leader in youth Nordic skiing.
The Minnesota Nordic Skiing Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award is among the highest
honors bestowed upon individuals in the Nordic skiing community. It recognizes a career of
sustained excellence, leadership, and service to the sport. Amy’s selection reflects the profound
respect her peers throughout Minnesota’s skiing community hold for her work and character.
The MYSL Board of Directors extends its heartfelt congratulations to Amy and looks forward to
continuing to support her vision for the future of youth Nordic skiing in Minnesota.
Why Volunteer? This 10 year-old will tell you why!
Aug 3, 2025
This ski club season has been phenomenal without snow. I’m impressed that we tried our hardest, and didn’t lose hope, even if we couldn’t ski! I could tell that everyone learned at least something from this season(even if it wasn’t skiing skills!). I am very grateful that we got to spend time outdoors with our friends, coaches, and fellow peers.
I’m happy to say that I think everyone enjoyed either a little or big thing (or maybe both!) like: making a new friend: playing outside: maybe it was games; camouflage, Mr Fox, Predator, Prey, or just running around outside and being themselves. Maybe snacks; birthday treats, pretzels, apples! And of course from being kids; smudging mud on their face, climbing trees, yelling and running around, camouflaging to match the Earth or just a peaceful walk through the woods.
I’m so grateful that we got to use the Middle school field to ski a tiny bit, even if there were a couple grass patches, at least we got to learn the basics skills: star turns, dead bug, etc. I am especially grateful for our Junior Coaches and the other coaches! I also want to thank the parent volunteers. Also on top of that [the club leader]! She was the one who planned each Wednesday, each snack, each group, most games and more! She is the reason why we have a ski club. Let’s give her a standing ovation for all she has done to make our ski club experience exceptionally, tremendously, FABULOUS!
Cheers to the second year of Ski Club! Cheers to you SkiSparks! Thank you so much for joining this club, whether level 1 or level 4, 5, 7, 4 or 9, THANK YOU! Let’s cheer for you fantastically, fantastic SkiSparks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!