ALPINE ONTARIO AND CALABOGIE SKI RACING CLUB SET TO HOST INTERNATIONAL U16 ALPINE SKIING EVENT MARCH 28-31
COLLINGWOOD, ON (March 15, 2019) — Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA), in partnership with the National Capital Division (NCD), the Calabogie Ski Racing Club (CSRC), Calabogie Peaks Resort (CPR), the Township of Greater Madawaska and the County of Renfrew will be hosting the first annual U16 Eastern Finals in Calabogie, Ontario, March 28-31, 2019.
The event is also supported by the Province of Ontario which will allow the Calabogie Ski Racing Club to build volunteer capacity and expertise, develop its ski cross program, upgrade its infrastructure for legacy and para-alpine development, create more opportunities for Ontario athletes in the province at a reduced cost and positively impact the community demonstrating that ski racing is a valuable investment.
“Ontario’s government for the people is pleased to support Alpine Ontario and our future medallists in their pursuit of excellence,” said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Calabogie is an outstanding location known for its ski hills. Not only will skiers get a chance to sharpen their skills, but Greater Madawaska and the County of Renfrew will reap the economic benefits of hosting this alpine ski event. Congratulations to the communities and my best wishes to the competitors.”
AOA’s Competition Director Robyn Skinner worked closely with CSRC this past summer to secure the event and the provincial funding attached to it. Skinner explains “We are excited to be launching the inaugural U16 Eastern Finals in Ontario to give our athletes more opportunities to compete at a high level in the province, create more infrastructures and develop legacies in the National Capital Division region by showcasing the amazing athletes on the slopes.”
Disciplines in the competition include; Slalom, Giant Slalom, Dual Slalom, and Ski Cross. The event will have a very North American feel to it with Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, P.E.I., New Brunswick as well as many eastern US states competing. It is expected that 120 able-bodied athletes, ages 14 and 15 and some para-alpine athletes, along with 40 coaches and 80 officials/volunteers will participate.
As part of the event, on Friday March 29th 200+ students from grades 3-6 will be participating in a free, fun, learn-to-ski day at Calabogie Peaks Resort. With support from the Province of Ontario, the Canadian Ski Council and Calabogie Peaks Resort, students from local schools in Renfrew, Lanark County and Ottawa (Kanata) will get the opportunity to participate in ski race skills stations and interact with the athletes in addition to watching some elite ski racing. For some students this will be their first introduction to alpine skiing and for others the opportunity to improve their skills. The goal of the day is to expose more kids to sport and active outdoor living in Ontario, as well as inspire the next generation to pursue winter sport competition.
– end –
For more information:
Kristin Ellis
Communications Manager
Alpine Ontario Alpin
communications@alpineontario.local
Office (705) 444-5111 x 132