Nordic Leadership Awards highlight excellence in sport and academics

UNBC varsity club athletes Ashley Charlston and Payton Sinclair received the UNBC Nordic Leadership Awards as the Timberwolves cross-country ski and biathlon varsity club continues its inaugural season. These awards support their academic and athletic journeys and exemplify the growing partnership between UNBC and the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club to foster leadership and excellence in Nordic sport.

Two UNBC student-athletes competing in Nordic sport events. On the left, Ashley Charleston skis on a snowy trail in a race bib. On the right, Payton Sinclair prepares to shoot in a biathlon event, wearing a green and gold UNBC uniform with mountains in the background.
Ashley Charlston (left) and Payton Sinclair (right) have been recognized as Nordic Leadership Award recipients during the inaugural season of the Timberwolves cross-country ski and biathlon varsity club.

Prince George, B.C. — The inaugural season of the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves cross-country ski and biathlon varsity club is now underway, marking a significant milestone for Nordic sports in northern B.C. As part of this new chapter, two standout varsity club athletes are being recognized for their commitment to Nordic sport excellence and community leadership.

Ashley Charlston and Payton Sinclair have been selected as UNBC Nordic Leadership Award recipients. Charlston received a full-tuition award valued at $6,000 per year, renewable for three years, while Sinclair was awarded a $2,000 Entrance Award. Payton also joins her brother, Liam Sinclair, who is a member of the varsity club.

"Receiving the UNBC Nordic Leadership Award allows me to focus on my studies and passion for Nordic skiing," Charlston said. "Being part of UNBC’s growing Nordic program is an honour, and I'm excited to contribute to the sport and community I love."

Sinclair expressed similar enthusiasm for the support she has received. “This award motivates me to keep pushing myself in both my academic and athletic pursuits,” she said. “Being part of the first varsity club in Nordic sport at UNBC, alongside my brother, is a unique opportunity, and I’m grateful to help lay the foundation for something special in northern B.C.”

UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne praised the new varsity club and the achievements of its first award recipients. “Ashley and Payton exemplify the kind of leadership and dedication that will help shape the future of Nordic sports in northern B.C.,” he said. “This partnership with the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club enriches the diverse and fulfilling journeys of student-athletes at UNBC, providing them with unique opportunities to excel both academically and athletically.”

Caledonia Nordic Ski Club General Manager John Bowes highlighted the significance of the varsity program. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering athletic excellence and community engagement,” Bowes said. “Ashley and Payton represent the bright future of Nordic sports in northern B.C., and we are thrilled to see them excel on this new varsity stage.”

The launch of the varsity club was announced last year as part of a partnership between UNBC and the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. This collaboration provides varsity club athletes with access to elite training opportunities at Caledonia Nordic’s world-class facilities in Prince George, helping to strengthen Nordic sport in the region.