The eighth annual Inspiration Awards, presented by Adidas Outdoor, celebrated the 2018 winners on January 25, at Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show. The Inspiration Awards, presented at a packed ballroom on the first night of the show, honored individuals and groups that motivate others to participate in and support the outdoor community.

“It is such an honor to share the stage with the recipients of this year’s Inspiration Awards,” said Greg Thomsen, managing director, Adidas Outdoor U.S. “We are extremely fortunate to have such leaders inspiring participation, innovation and exploration within the outdoor industry. Often times, it takes a gentle nudge to venture out for that first outdoor experience. Every winner this evening is passionate about encouraging people to go outside. Without their collective passion, we wouldn’t have been able to build this vibrant robust community. We are especially pleased to honor our Lifetime Achievement Award winners, Jake Burton Carpenter and Donna Carpenter. Donna has been an incredible role model for women, while Jake single-handedly pioneered the sport and continues to play a vibrant role in this community.”

2018 Outdoor Inspiration Award Winners:

  • Lifetime Achievement: Jake Burton Carpenter and Donna Carpenter
  • Individual: Kimberley Barreda – para-athlete and founder of Unlimbited, Kim has been an advocate and proponent of maximizing the potential of the disabled population through outdoor sports programs.
  • Retailer: Gear Coop – Combining aspects of local advocacy, festival-like special events, and e-commerce, Terry Lee and his partners at Gear Coop have grown a community of young and enthusiastic outdoorists.
  • Non-Profit: Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics – Organization focused on promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation by all outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Manufacturer: United By Blue – Provides responsibly-made and sourced apparel and accessories while working to raise awareness for ocean and waterway conservation.
  • The Youth Award: Margo Hayes – National champion in women’s sport climbing and first woman to ascend “Bad Girls Club,” one of Colorado’s most difficult climbing routes.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Jake Burton Carpenter, founder and chairman of Burton Snowboards, and Donna Carpenter, CEO and co-owner of Burton Snowboards. In the 40 years since Burton was founded, Jake and Donna nurtured and built the sport of snowboarding, introducing millions and developing life-long fans.

They are deeply committed to progressive business practices and engineering groundbreaking products, and with their deeply-rooted passion for snowboarding, earned respect world-wide. Burton’s non-profit, Chill Foundation, focused on youth development and engagement, has served over 20,000 young people since it began and provides at-risk and underprivileged youth the ability to experience snowboarding at no cost.

“In the early days, snowboarding was a movement that had its own sub-culture and community; it was and still is way bigger than us,” said Donna Carpenter, CEO of Burton Snowboards. “Now, over 40 years later, we’re still focused on what’s bigger than us–investing in groundbreaking product innovations, advocating for gender equity in the workplace, fighting climate change, giving back through our non-profit foundation Chill and supporting critical organizations like POW and Camber that share our values. We’re honored that the Outdoor Inspiration Awards recognize the work Jake and I have done, and are grateful to everyone who nominated us for the Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Nominations, submitted through Outdoor Retailer-hosted websites, were selected based on inspiration criteria for individuals and groups within the outdoor community. Among the criteria were impact, creativity, service, technology, innovation, philanthropy, engagement, sustainability, activities and awareness.

“I’d like to congratulate all of the finalists, and especially the winners of the 2018 Inspiration Awards, presented by Adidas Outdoor,” said Marisa Nicholson, vice president and Outdoor Retailer show director. “This celebration honors those who display a commitment and dedication to our community and a passion for sharing their spirit for outdoor adventure with others. The work of both finalists and winners is incredibly important and inspiring. It’s what keeps our mission going as we look toward the future.”

In addition to the presenting sponsor, Adidas Outdoor, the 2018 Inspiration Awards are supported by The Boy Scouts of America and Dreamjobbing, with SNEWS and The Daily serving as the official media partners. Sponsorship opportunities for 2019 Inspiration Awards are available. Anyone interested should contact Sales Director Krista Dill at (949) 226-5728 or via email at Krista.Dill@outdoorretailer.com.