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WHISTLER – Healthy Living and
Sport Minister Mary Polak congratulated the competitors and organizers of the
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Biathlon and Cross-Country World Cup
event, which took place at Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park, from March 3-7.
“B.C.
athletes competing in these World Cup events are not only accomplishing great
things in their sport; collectively, they are setting an example for all aspiring
athletes who have hopes of someday reaching the podium,” said Polak.
“The
performances of Jody Barber and Courtenay Knight, both with top-eight finishes,
along with their teammates Tyler Mosher, Mary Benson and Lou Gibson,
demonstrate the level of commitment these athletes have to achieving their best
as they work to prepare for the 2010 Games.”
All
five B.C. athletes competed in the cross-country competitions of the event.
This is the last event on the IPC World Cup Para Nordic circuit before the
finals take place at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island from
March 10-14, as competitors work toward gaining valuable points leading up to
the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
“These
athletes are among the best in the world, and this is a great opportunity to
get a preview of what we’ll see next year at the 2010 Games,” said Joan
McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Garibaldi. “On behalf of all British
Columbians, I’d like to congratulate each of them.”
The event was organized by the Whistler Paralympic Park
organizing committee in association with Cross Country Canada.
“With
this successful event, British Columbia has demonstrated once again why we have
a reputation for excellence in hosting world-class sporting events,” added
Polak. “We have the expertise, the venues, the volunteers, the commitment by
the organizing teams and the support of our hometown fans to show that we’re
ready for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Whistler
Olympic/Paralympic Park has hosted a number of World Cup and world championship
events in cross-country
skiing and ski jumping events.
The Province’s Hosting BC program provided $20,000
for this event.
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Communications Director Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport 250 952-2387 |
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