By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator
Brent Bottomley was instrumental to the development of cross country skiing in Manitoba. Indeed, his contributions are incalculable.
A Passionate Leader
Brent was fully immersed in the multi-faceted growth and development of cross country skiing in our province.
He served as Chairman of the Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba (CCSAM) Board of Directors for 17 years, designed the Grand Beach Provincial Park ski trail system, championed the creation and maintenance of the Windsor Park Nordic Centre in Winnipeg, and coached many provincial, national, and world cup athletes, including two biathlon Olympians. In 2013, Brent received a Long Term Service Award from Sport Manitoba Coaching.
He was also a level IV instructor with Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) and was an ardent supporter of that organization, contributing to the first edition of the CANSI Instructors’ manual and representing CANSI on the Cross Country Canada Board of Directors.
Love For the Sport
In the mid 1990s, Brent formed a women’s ski racing team called Prairie Storm (the first of its kind in Canada), now known as Team Windchill. He was an excellent coach and loved coaching Prairie Storm.
He was also a beautiful skier himself, with unmatched grace and technical skill on a pair of cross country skis.
With more than 30 years of significant contributions to the sport, to say Brent was a driving force behind the ski community in Manitoba is truly an understatement.
Brent’s Impact Beyond the Trails
In his work life, Brent was a widely respected investment banker helping to build some of the province’s most successful companies over the past three decades. Prior to serving as CFO of Delta 9 Cannabis Inc., Brent held senior positions at Wellington West Capital Inc and Merrill Lynch Canada, and was a partner at Osprey Capital Partners.
Brent also served as a financial advisor for Manitoba Premier Gary Filmon and took part in the Meech Lake Accord.
He was a charming man with an exceptional sense of humour. He was a devoted father and husband, and was immensely proud of his daughter, Michayle, and the love of his life, Kym.
Brent leaves a lasting and profound legacy in our community and is sadly missed. The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame is proud to recognize Brent Bottomley as one of our inductees for the class of 2023.
Join Us at the Annual Induction Ceremony
Want to be there for Brent’s induction, along with the rest of the class of 2023? Hear their stories and relive the defining moments that have shaped the sport community over the past five decades. Plus, enjoy cocktails and small bites in an intimate celebration with our honoured guests.
Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Thursday, November 2, 2023
7:30 p.m.
Victoria Inn, Winnipeg MB
