Doug Allen has lived his life with a simple and modest philosophy: “I just help people, that’s all”. And so he has. Allen learned to ski at the age of 13. Most notably, however, has been Allen’s ground-breaking involvement with disabled skiers over the past two decades.

A founding member of the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers, he served as a board member from the group’s inception in 1976 to 1992. A member of the Board of the Canadian Federation of Sport Organizations for the Disabled from 1983 to 1992, he served as chairman from 1984-86. As president of the CADS in 1980, Allen was a volunteer for the Ski Team at the 2nd Winter Olympic Games for the Disabled in Geilo, Norway. In 1984, Allen was Chef de Mission at the 3rd Games in Innsbruck, Austria.

Allen’s fondest memories involve his work with the disabled. Back in the early 1970’s, one of his first disabled students - his legs strengthened by a winter of skiing - walked into his home without using crutches. The boy’s life was never the same. Neither was Allen’s. “That’s the greatest reward I’ve had,” he said. In recognition of his work in sport and the Canadian Broadcasting Industry, Allen received the Order of Canada in 1986.

Doug Allen’s contribution to the sport has also been felt outside the disabled community as an instructor and athlete. From his days as president of the University of Manitoba Ski Club in 1952-53 to his work as a ski school director with the Winnipeg Ski Club in the 1970’s, Allen has always been a teacher. In addition, Allen was a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Ski Instructor’s Alliance from 1977 to 1983, serving as president of the CSIA from 1979-83. Allen was also a member of the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors since its inception on 1967-1992 and as a member of the Manitoba Masters Ski Club.