Canada impressed the world with its ability to stage a record 10 World Cup alpine ski races this winter, Alpine Canada Alpin and the Canadian Snowsports Association said Tuesday.
In three different communities and at three different resorts – Whistler, Panorama in Invermere, and Lake Louise – volunteers and corporate partners came together to successfully host the races. The record-breaking season for alpine ski races in Canada came to a close Sunday in Whistler, BC.
Canadian Snowsports Association Managing Director Dave Pym said the achievement could not have been possible without the tremendous effort of many partners, most notably the residents of the communities in which the races were held.
“Many of these residents, through their membership in the CSA/ACA along with the experienced ACA officials and volunteers from across Canada have volunteered tirelessly for the World Cup races in Lake Louise, Panorama and here is Whistler. These volunteers also put hundreds of man-hours into alpine races at all levels and their contribution to this record-breaking season cannot be understated. They are a driving force as we all work together to pursue the goal of making Canada a world-leading ski racing nation,” said Pym.
Alpine Canada Alpin Chief Executive Officer Ken Read said the many partners of ski racing in Canada deserve a lot of credit for the success of the Canadian ski races this season.
“The sponsors, both our new and the older partners who have been with us for many years, provide the human, technical and financial resources that are required to put World Cup-calibre ski races together. I would like to mention TELUS specifically for their title sponsorship of six World Cup events in Canada, including the recently completed ‘TELUS presents the Whistler World Cup’,” Read said.
“I would also like to thank Bombardier for presenting the opening World Cup races of the season at Lake Louise. The success of the Lake Louise event carried forward for the rest of the outstanding events in Canada thanks to our partners and the volunteers.”
Read also credited the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler-Blackcomb, VANOC, the Race Organizing Committee and the ACA staff for their tireless efforts at the World Cup races in Whistler.
Several athletes commented on the excellent racing conditions and flawless execution of the Whistler event.
“It’s always special to race a World Cup in Canada and the races this past week were exciting. With Emily (Brydon), Erik (Guay) and myself coming close to reaching the podium it gives us a lot of energy and motivation to finish both this season strong and when we return in 2010,” said John Kucera (Calgary, AB), who finished fourth in the TELUS Whistler Super-G.
