ACSA announces 2019 Young Snowmobiler of the Year
At the 51st International Snowmobile Congress, Riley Johnson from South Dakota was named the ACSA Young Snowmobiler of the Year.
Starting at a very young age, Riley attended club meetings and events. Johnson has also participated in many South Dakota Snowmobile Association (SDSA) rides and events. He is currently Treasurer of the youth group, Youth Empowerment Through Involvement in Snowmobiling (YETIS).
In addition to snowmobile activities, Johnson is involved in high school sports, church youth group and helping out on the family farm. Johnson also holds some part time jobs in his spare time!
Johnson learned safety first when he started riding his own sled at 4 years old. Johnson says, “Safety is never optional. It needs to be the first priority.” Snowmobiling is not just a sport, it’s a way of life for Johnson. But he fears for the future. “We need to get young people involved so they understand the importance of organized snowmobiling. “If we don’t get them involved, we could continue to lose access to riding areas and trails. I want to do all I can to make sure we can go snowmobiling as a family like I did when I was growing up.”
“Having youth involvement like Riley is the future of snowmobiling” stated SDSA President Jon Laframboise. “With youth involvement and encouragement from young snowmobilers like Riley, our future is bright! Passionate snowmobilers, especially young snowmobilers, are the future leaders of our sport.”
The American Council of Snowmobile Associations provides national leadership and coordination to advance the efforts of all organizations who promote responsible snowmobiling across the United States.
Photo: Greg Hiles ACSA President with Riley & his parents:Russell Johnson, Riley Johnson & Lisa Johnson