Media Release Archives - Nordiq Canada https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-category/media-release/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:54:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://nordiqcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/cropped-site-icon-2-32x32.png Media Release Archives - Nordiq Canada https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-category/media-release/ 32 32 Canada’s Para Nordic Team Announced for the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships in Prince George B.C. https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/canadas-para-nordic-team-announced-for-the-2024-para-biathlon-world-championships-in-prince-george-b-c/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:40:12 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18183 Canmore, Alta: Five of Canada’s best Para biathletes will represent Canada on home snow March 6-10 in Prince George, B.C. The team, including multi-Paralympic medallists Natalie Wilkie, Mark Arendz, Brittany Hudak and Collin Cameron, will head to the Championships with world titles in their sights.

 

Full Team, Para Biathlon World Championships:

Mark Arendz – Hartsville, P.E.I.

Brittany Hudak – Prince Albert, Sask.

Derek Zaplotinsky – Smoky Lake, Alta.

Natalie Wilkie – Salomon Arm, B.C.

Collin Cameron – Bracebridge, Ont.

 

The veteran team is no stranger to success. With a combined 27 Paralympic medals between them, they have proven to deliver at high stakes events. This season the team has already seen success, bringing home 14 medals from the first two World Cup events, including three consecutive golds from Mark Arendz, dominating the Para-Biathlon races.

 

 

“Going into the World Championships after a very successful start to the World Cup season means I can draw a lot of confidence from those earlier races,” said Arendz. “I know my baseline and can climb from there. I understand I’m the target, but I can use that to challenge myself to set the performance bar even higher.”

 

“The team is coming off a great World Cup tour in Italy and is excited to return to Prince George and Caledonia Nordic to cap off the season in the pursuit of World Cup titles, podiums and personal best performances for Canada. We expect exciting and competitive races and look forward to welcoming the world back to Canada,” said Kate Boyd, High Performance Director for the Para nordic team.

 

Prince George is no stranger to the excitement and prestige of international Para sports competitions, having hosted the 2019 Para Nordic World Championships. The city’s passionate support and world-class facilities provide an ideal backdrop for athletes to showcase their talent and determination.

 

“It’s an incredible opportunity to represent Canada on home soil at a World Championships,” said Mark Arendz. “I’m fortunate this will be my second time. There are many lessons from 2019 and my first Worlds at home that I now take into these World Championships, better preparing me for a successful Worlds. This is the first time we will have a Biathlon-only World Championship; doing that in Canada is special.”

 

Following the Para Biathlon World Championships, the Para Nordic World Cup Finals will start March 13-17 with an additional seven Canadian athletes joining the team.

 

Full Team, Para Nordic World Cup Finals:

Mark Arendz – Hartsville, P.E.I.

Brittany Hudak – Prince Albert, Sask.

Derek Zaplotinsky – Smoky Lake, Alta.

Natalie Wilkie – Salmon Arm, B.C.

Collin Cameron – Bracebridge, Ont.

Emma Archibald – Fall River, N.S.

Ethan Hess – Pemberton, B.C.

Christina Picton – Fonthill, Ont.

Lyne-Marie Bilodeau – Sherbrooke, Que.

Jesse Bachinsky – Kenora, Ont.

Levi Nadlersmith (Guide) – Boissevain, Man.

Leo Sammarelli – Vancouver B.C.

 

The Local Organizing Committee extends a warm invitation to the public to come and witness these incredible athletes in action. Competitions take place at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club and are free to the public. This is a unique opportunity to see the world’s best Para biathletes and Para Nordic skiers compete, demonstrating not only their remarkable athletic abilities but also the powerful spirit of resilience and determination that defines Para sports.

Event Schedule: https://caledoniacompetitions.com/teams/team-schedule/

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Canada Takes Second Gold at U23 Nordic World Ski Championships https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/canada-takes-second-gold-at-u23-nordic-world-ski-championships/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 18:03:26 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18119 Canada wins its first mixed team relay at the FIS Nordic U23 World Ski Championships, adding a second gold to its medal count 

 

Planica, SLO It’s raining gold for Canadian cross-country skiers who finished the 2024 FIS Nordic U23 World Ski Championships with a gold medal victory in the mixed team relay. Under heavy rain, Canada’s Derek Deuling (Whitehorse, YT.), Jasmine Drolet (Rossland, B.C.), Max Hollman (Thunder Bay, Ont.) and Liliane Gagnon (Quebec City, Que.) battled with the powerhouse favorites, to grab the gold in Canada’s second upset victory of the Championships.  

 

Derek Deuling kicked off the race in the first of two classic discipline laps. “I was nervous taking the first leg, I really didn’t want to let my teammates down, but as soon as the race started, I felt confident, and really strong,” said Deuling.  

 

Deuling held to the lead group, passing off to Drolet in fifth place. Drolet pushed to hold the team’s position as the race leaders pushed the pace creating a 15 second lead over the Canadian team. Hollmann fired off the third leg with a strong skate. “I figured I gotta close this gap or explode trying,” explained Hollmann. Close the gap is exactly what he did, handing off to teammate Gagnon 2.2 seconds behind the leader.  

 

Gagnon held the Team’s fifth place position until the last kilometre of the race, despite breaking a pole going into the second lap. Emulating teammate Sonjaa Schmidt’s gold medal move in the women’s sprint race, Gagnon dug deep to free-skate past the leaders in the final 150 meters to take the win. 

 

“I’ve been wanting one of these for a while,” Gagnon said, speaking to the buildup to this result. 

 

CEO Stephane Barrette also recognizes what two gold medals in a major international competition means for Canada.  

 

“This is a demonstration of our High Performance program progress and proof that there are no limits to what Canada can achieve when we believe in ourselves and work together to achieve our goals. It is recognition of the staff and volunteers across the country whose contributions to supporting the athletes over the years allowed this result to happen.” 

 

Successes have been coming fast and furious for Canadian skiers this season. Adding to Canada’s first ever U23 women’s medal earlier this week, the long-dominant Para Nordic National Ski Team returns home from World Cup racing with 14 medals, including three back-to-back golds for veteran Mark Arendz. Canada also had its best-ever Youth Olympic Games performances in cross country skiing just two weeks prior.  

 

At the national hub in Canmore AB, where the nation is hosting World Cup racing, Antoine Cyr entered in 18th place in international standings. Coming into the Canmore races, Cyr was asked if Canada is peaking. “Definitely not,” he said. “This is just the beginning.” Olympic Champion Beckie Scott agrees, saying: “I think the Canadian program is doing very well. It is on its way again.” 

 

When asked what this means for the future of cross-country skiing on the international stage, Barrette says, “Canada is coming. Look out.”  

 

Complete Results 

 

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Canada’s Para-Nordic Ski Team brings home 14 World Cup medals, picking up where they left off last season https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/canadas-para-nordic-ski-team-brings-home-14-world-cup-medals-picking-up-where-they-left-off-last-season-2/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 03:26:45 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18114 Martell, Ital—Kicking off a condensed World Cup season, Canada’s National Para-Nordic Ski Team raced in World Cup races at two new venues in Italy’s south Tyrol region – Toblach-Dobbiaco, host of a stage of the FIS Tour de ski; and Martell, a regular stop on the IBU Cup series.

After a two-year hiatus from classic racing, veteran Mark Arendz (Hartsville, PEI) kicked things off winning Gold in the 10 km classic race. In a dominant performance, Arendz bested the field by nearly a minute. Brittany Hudak (Prince Albert, Sask) and Derek Zaplotinsky (Smokey Lake, Alta) picked up Silver and Bronze on the first day of racing.

Para Nordic World Cup 2024 | Val Martello Photo: Josef Plaickner

The medals continued for Arendz, Hudak and Zaplotinsky and teammate Natalie Wilkie who together added five more medals to Canada’s haul. With a heavy schedule of classic skiing to begin the World Cup, the Canadians benefited from exceptional skis and wax against the field.

Emma Archibald (Fall River, NS) had breakout performances at her first World Cup races. Focusing on the cross-country events, Archibald raced to 5th, 6th, and 7th place finishes. Ethan Hess (Pemberton, B.C.) and Lyne-Marie Bilodeau (Orford, Que) both had career-best performances, with Bilodeau making her first semi-final appearances in the sprint races.

At the end of the tour, Canada shifted focus to biathlon races. Arendz once again proved he was the one to beat, taking Gold in all three events, including the Biathlon Sprint Pursuit, a new format on the Paralympic Winter Games schedule for 2026. Hudak added a Gold and Bronze to her haul, while Wilkie added a Bronze.

Christina Picton (Fonthill, Ont) paced a strong, consistent race and was knocking on the podium door in the final day of racing, as Derek Zaplotinsky finished 6th against the world’s best.

Canada returns home to Canmore, Alta to prepare for the FIS Para Nordic World Biathlon Championships in Prince George, B.C. in March.

 

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Sonjaa Schmidt wins Canada’s first women’s U23 Nordic World Championships title, adding her name to the history books https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/sonjaa-schmidt-wins-canadas-first-womens-u23-nordic-world-championships-title-adding-her-name-to-the-history-books/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 21:31:21 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18099 Planica, Slovenia Sonjaa Schmidt made Canadian skiing history today when she crossed the finish claiming gold in the sprint final of the U23 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

 

In a surprise upset, the 21-year-old skier from Whitehorse, Yukon came from the back of the pack in the final heat to secure the top spot on the podium.

 

After qualifying in 29th position, Schmidt would cruise through the quarters, and semifinal heats to secure her spot in the finals. With six athletes fighting for the top three spots, Schmidt made her move in the final straight, taking the outside line in a free skate to blow by the leaders in the final 120 meters, crossing the line with a triumphant fist in the air.  The historic victory is the first gold medal for Canada in a U23 Nordic World Ski Championship women’s event.

 

” My main goal for today was to just qualify for the heats,” said Schmidt. “Once I got into the heats, I was just focused on staying calm and relaxed and race my hardest”.

 

Schmidt has been a dominant force in Canadian domestic racing this season. She made her World Cup debut in January with races in Oberhof, Germany and Goms, Switzerland before heading into the U23 World Championships. Following the Championship races, Schmidt will be heading to compete in the FIS World Cup races in Minneapolis, USA.

 

“It was such an amazing day, it hasn’t really hit me yet,” said Schmidt. “It was also so great to see all my teammates do so well, I think today was a huge step for Canadian Cross Country Skiing, and I hope that this result inspires the next generation of skiers”.

 

Sonjaa Schmidt crosses the finish line in Planica SLO. Photo: Graeme Williams

 

“Our goal was to qualify an athlete for the semifinals today,” said Eric De Nys, Nordiq Canada’s Next Gen Coach. “When we saw her win her semifinal, we knew today was going to be special.”

 

“It was unbelievable. We had athletes and staff gathered near the finish, and when she crossed the line, it was pure joy. We couldn’t have been prouder to be Canadian.” said De Nys.

 

The young Canadian team of cross-country skiers will continue their push for medals at the Championship event in the upcoming 10 km interval start and 20 km mass start events.  The Championship event continues until February 9, 2024.

Sonjaa Schmidt celebrates her U23 World Championships title in Planica SLO. Photo: Borut Živulović/BOBO

Canada’s Lilliane Gagnon (Quebec City, Que.) finished in 8th in today’s race with a time of 2:37.92. Teammates Jasmine Drolet (Rossland, B.C.) and Amelia Wells (Saanich, B.C.) were 33rd and 36th in the qualifiers.

 

Finland’s Hilla Niemela took silver with a time of 2:36.30 And Norway’s Maria Hartz Melling took bronze with 2:36.38.

 

Complete Results

 

In the Men’s race, Norway’s Aleksander Elde Holmboe and Matz William Jenssen took gold and silver with times of 2:15.78 and 2:15.92 with American John Steel Hagenbuch taking bronze in 2:16.49.

 

Canada’s Derek Deuling (Whitehorse, Yukon) was the lone Canadian in the quarterfinals, finishing in 24th with a time of 2:17.99. Teammates Luke Allan (Ottawa, Ont.) and Sasha Masson (Whitehorse, Yukon) were 31st and 34th.

 

Complete Results

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Powerful Start: Canada’s Para Nordic Team Secures Six World Cup Podiums Despite Early Season Obstacles! https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/powerful-start-canadas-para-nordic-team-secures-six-world-cup-podiums-despite-early-season-obstacles/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 21:09:44 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=18073 Toblach, Italy – The Para nordic World Cup season has been anything but straight forward. Lack of snow, Schedule changes and event cancellations have been a constant theme and challenged Canada’s award-winning team to think outside the box.  

 

Historically, the Para nordic World Cup season starts early December.  This season the first races started in late January. This, combined with a historic snowless start to the season, posed even more challenges for the athletes.   

 

⁠” It’s been a strange year without a World Cup at the start of the winter,” said Derek Zaplotinsky, a 2022 Paralympian and member of Nordiq Canada’s National Ski Team. “In November, I returned home, to Smoky Lake (Atla,), after a large training block in Canmore to no snow on my home trails. The only option for me to do volume training was to ski on the lake behind my parents’ farm. My dad groomed a 5 km track on the lake, which turned out to be fun when it wasn’t windy.” 

 

“It was difficult to plan and organize the team logistics in advance,” said Kate Boyd, High Performance Director of the Para nordic stream. “This is the latest we’ve been able to confirm competition plans for athletes and staff, so we’ve had to adapt and remain flexible throughout.” 

 

In high performance sport, planning is key to performance results. Yearly training plans are outlined four years in advance, while an athlete’s daily training plan is shaped around seasonal events, to maximize performance on demand.  

 

After last year’s record setting season – 41 World Cup podiums, 16 World Championships medals, and 2 Overall World Titles – the team has high expectations for the first World Cup’s in Toblach.  

 

“My focus is on refining and experimenting with my training methods throughout the race season, rather than fixating on replicating results. My goal is to stay consistent and focus on the process,” said reigning Overall World Cup Para biathlete winner Mark Arendz.  

 

The focus paid off with Arendz winning the season opening 10km classic individual race by 57 seconds over Japans Taiki Kawayoke. Not only was it the first race of the season, but the first classic technique race since an injury prevented Arendz from competing in the discipline since the 2022 Beijing Paralympics.  

 

 

“I’m really happy with how I was able to come back to classic racing with a win, and excited to see the work I’ve put into rehabilitation and training paid off.” 

 

The podiums in Toblach continued through the opening two days of racing with Arendz taking silver in the 10km classic mass start, Brittany Hudak from Prince Albert, Sask. grabbing silver in the 10km classic individual and bronze in the 10km classic mass start, and Derek Zaplotinsky winning back-to-back bronze in the 10km individual and 10km mass start.  

 

Left to Right: Mark Arendz, Derek Zaplotinsky, Brittany Hudak, celebrate their podiums in Toblach ITA.

“Seeing Mark (Arendz) win his first classic race back from injury, really fired up the team,” said Hudak. “The team came together in celebration, and the great results kept coming. Seeing Derek (Zaplotinsky) get his third World Cup Podium, and even our younger athletes having personal bests has the team in a really great place. We’ve created a great atmosphere and a good place to build from. We have our sights set high looking at Prince George.” 

 

This year Prince George B.C. will play host to the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships and Para Nordic World Cup Finals March 5th-17th 

 

Emma Archibald finished sixth and fifth in her first ever World Cup races, Ethan Hess finished 16th and 13th, while Lyne-Marie Bilodeau finished eighth and ninth.  

 

“We know we have a very competitive team on the international stage; however, it is always great confirmation once we get back to World Cup racing to see how we compare,” said Boyd. “We’ve had personal bests from everyone on the team so far. With the sprints and the 10km in the free technique coming up this weekend, I’m excited to see what’s to come.”  

 

Para nordic racing continues in Toblach for two more events, before heading to Martell Italy.  

 

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Four cross-country skiers named to Canada’s Gangwon 2024 Team https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/four-cross-country-skiers-named-to-canadas-gangwon-2024-team/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:08:46 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=17787 CANMORE (December 12, 2023) – Nordiq Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced Canada’s cross-country ski team selected to compete at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

The Team Canada cross-country ski team for the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games is:

AthletesAramintha Bradford (Whitehorse, Yuk.)Leanne Gartner (Canmore, Alta.)Cedric Martel (Thunder Bay, Ont.)Eamon Wilson (Burnaby, B.C)

The four athletes were selected for Team Canada based on their performances during the Alberta Cup 1 & 2 which took place in Canmore on December 9 – 10, which were used as the National Youth Olympic Games Selection trials. Eamon Wilson was the top overall male qualifier, finishing fourth in the Sprint and second in the Distance event.

“Qualifying for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in South Korea has always been a dream of mine.” said Wilson. “It’s a huge honour to represent Canada, and wearing the same race suit as the athletes who competed in the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games is really cool. There has been a lot of hard work by myself, and the people supporting me, so being named to the team feels like recognition of that.”

A member of the Development National Ski Team, Wilson has gained experience over the past year training with the best up and coming cross-country skiers from across Canada. No stranger to the podium, he came away with a gold and silver at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, and three podium finishes at the 2023 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals. Wilson is the only member of Canada’s Gangwon 2024 cross-country ski team who has raced internationally outside of Canada.

Canada has sent a team of cross-country skiers to all previous Winter Youth Olympic Games to date. Athletes such as Liliane Gagnon and Sasha Masson built on their experiences at the Youth Olympic Games to represent Canada at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and U23 World Ski Championships this past season.“We are excited by the selection of these four talented young athletes who will proudly represent Canada at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games,” said Julie Beaulieu, Nordiq Canada’s Sport Development Director. “The Games expose them to an international multi-sport competition environment while allowing them to compete against the best in the world which will undoubtedly contribute to their long-term development. We look forward to watching them race at the Games and in the future as they apply their experience to future successes in our sport.”

Cross-country skiing will take place January 29 to February 1 (Day 10 to 13) at the Alpensia Biathlon Centre.

“I am thrilled to welcome our four cross-country skiers to Team Canada,” said Lisa Weagle, Team Canada’s Gangwon 2024 Chef de Mission. “Adding an extra layer of excitement to this journey, most of these athletes will be competing outside of Canadian borders for the first time. Congratulations on being named to the team, and know that Canada will be behind you as you compete with pride in Gangwon.”

Team Canada’s cross-country skiing alternate athletes, coaches and support staff for the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games are:

Alternate Athletes (Non-Travelling)Ben Field (Canmore, Alta.)Emmanuelle Moreau (Mont-Sainte-Anne, Que.)Ruby Serrouya (Revelstoke, B.C.)Raleigh Tarte (Kimberly, B.C.)Jöel Thibault (Sainte-Jérôme, Que.)Annika Wallin (Williams Lake, B.C.)

CoachesEric Bailey (Thunder Bay, Ont.) – CoachKatherine Denise (Ottawa, Ont.) – Coach

The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are the world’s largest multi-sport event for high-performance young athletes aged 15 – 18. Gangwon 2024 will begin on January 19 and will end on February 1, 2024 and will feature 1900 athletes. Gangwon 2024 will be the fourth edition of the Winter YOG and the first in Asia. It will have a fully gender-balanced sporting program, and will feature seven sports, 15 disciplines, and a total of 81 events.

Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organisations.The latest Team Canada Gangwon 2024 roster can be found here, and additional press resources can be found here.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nathaniel Mah , Marketing and Engagement Coordinator   Nordiq Canada C: 403-700-4927   E: nmah@nordiqcanada.ca

Tara MacBournie, Team Canada Gangwon 2024 Communications LeadCanadian Olympic CommitteeC: 647-522-8328E: tmacbournie@olympic.ca

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Nordiq Canada and Basecamp Resorts Form New Partnership Providing a Home Away from Home for Canadian Cross-Country Skiers https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/nordiq-canada-and-basecamp-resorts-form-new-partnership-providing-a-home-away-from-home-for-canadian-cross-country-skiers/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:44:39 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=17002 Canmore, AB – Nordiq Canada is excited to announce a new partnership with Basecamp Resorts, a Canmore-based company providing accommodation-centred experiences in some of Canada’s most breathtaking natural settings.

Spanning 11 locations throughout western Canada, this partnership offers elite Canadian cross-country skiers a welcoming haven, whether they’re attending training camps or competing at prestigious events like the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup scheduled for February 9 – 13 in Canmore, AB. The partnership also offers all Nordiq Canada members discounts on personal and team accommodation through the NordiqPlus+ member rewards program.

 

 

“With numerous National Ski Team, Development, and Prospect camps hosted in various locations, including Canmore, AB, and Revelstoke, BC, having tailored accommodations that align with our athletes’ needs is absolutely critical to our success” said Kate Boyd, High-Performance Director for the Para nordic stream. “When athletes have all the comforts of home, like added space, laundry, and full kitchens, we set them up for success. Relieving financial stress through Basecamp’s support gives them an added edge.”

“We are honored to partner with Nordiq Canada and play a role in the development and success of Canadian athletes” added Basecamp’s Co-founder and VP of Marketing Geoff Mclean. “Our properties are designed to provide a home away from home, and we look forward to hosting these incredible athletes, coaches, and support teams.”

This partnership reflects the shared vision of Nordiq Canada and Basecamp Resorts to foster a strong sense of community and support for Canadian athletes. Together, they will continue to elevate Canadian athletes to new heights on the world stage.

 

About Basecamp Resorts:

Basecamp Resorts is a leading provider of premium accommodations in Canada, ranging from full service hotels to condos and suites to rustic lodges and cabins designed to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for travelers. Their properties are strategically located near outdoor recreation and sporting venues, making them the ideal choice for athletes seeking a home away from home. For more information, visit www.basecampresorts.com.

 

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 70,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Own the Podium, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, visit https://nordiqcanada.ca.

 

 

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Celebratory Spirit Engulfs Caledonia Nordic Ski Club as 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships & Para Nordic World Cup Finals Reach Six-Month Out Milestone Bringing two worlds together! https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/celebratory-spirit-engulfs-caledonia-nordic-ski-club-as-2024-para-biathlon-world-championships-para-nordic-world-cup-finals-reach-six-month-out-milestone-bringing-two-worlds-together/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:58:32 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=16927 PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The much-anticipated Six-Month Out Milestone Celebration at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club was a gathering that offered attendees both the acknowledgment of dedicated Funders and Sponsors and exciting previews of what’s to come in March 2024. The event was electrified with anticipation and community spirit, highlighting the meticulous preparation and readiness for these international events set to captivate audiences in a few months.

Recap of the Event Highlights:

  • Volunteer Kick-off: Many eager individuals joined the dynamic team of volunteers, signing up to contribute their efforts to ensure the success of these world events. Hundreds of volunteers are needed for the competitions.
  • Acknowledgement of Confirmed Funding Partners & Sponsors: Kevin Pettersen thanked and celebrated the contributions of the confirmed Partners and Sponsors and noted that many sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Operational Funding Partners: City of Prince George, Province of BC and VIA Sport, Tourism Prince George, FIS, Sport Canada (ISSE) and Northern Development Initiative Trust

Capital Funding Partners: Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, BC Gaming and Northern Development Initiative Trust

Premier Sponsors: Coastal Gas Link/TC Energy and Canadian Tire

Showcase Sponsors: Telus, MEDIchair North BC, CP Communications and Papyrus

 

Northern Development Initiative Trust was also celebrated for their substantial cumulative contribution to Caledonia Nordic, with funding reaching an impressive milestone of $1,012,614 since 2013.

  • Meet Our Mascot: Tourism Prince George’s Fraser the Moose was introduced as the 2024 Mascot amidst cheers and excitement, promising to be a vibrant symbol of the championships. •
  • Cake…Lots of Cake!: Celebrations were topped off with a generous serving of cake, bringing smiles to everyone present.

 

“As we stand just six months away from welcoming the world’s elite para biathlon and para Nordic skiers to Prince George, the excitement and honour we feel are immeasurable. The world will witness the camaraderie and spirit of the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club and the entire city as we host world championships for the second time in five years. Our dedicated team, alongside our vibrant community, is eager to showcase Canadian talent and hospitality on the world stage. It will be a moment of pride seeing incredible athletes fiercely competing for a spot on the podium,” said Kevin Pettersen, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, reiterating the pride and excitement filling the air.

Earlier in the week during the official FIS site visit, John Aalberg, Chief of Competitions, noted, “It’s a tremendous responsibility to oversee the seamless execution of events of this magnitude. As we transition from pre-planning to the execution phase, we are buoyed by the enthusiasm and support we witnessed today. With an estimated 20-25 nations participating, and a global audience of 1-2 million, we are gearing up to offer a spectacular event that the world will remember. We are particularly grateful to the 350-400 strong team of volunteers and officials who will come together for these events, which promises to be well-coordinated and successful.”

Looking forward, the teams are geared up to host an unforgettable championship and world cup, building upon the legacy of the 2019 World Para Nordic Ski Championships at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.

 

For more information, contact:

Kevin Pettersen Chair of the Local Organizing Committee

T: 250-564-0392 M: 250-640-6234

competitions@caledonianordic.com

 

For sponsorship opportunities, contact:

Kevin Pettersen or Heidi Martel

M: 250-981-3485

Event Manager

heidi_settings@msn.com

 

To volunteer, contact:

Vonda Hofferd

volunteers_competitions@caledonianordic.com

 

Written by Caledonia Nordic Ski Club

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. We thank them for allowing us the opportunity to gather and celebrate on their ancestral lands.

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Successful Site Visit Sets the Stage for Another Unforgettable World Cup in Canmore https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/successful-site-visit-sets-the-stage-for-another-unforgettable-world-cup-in-canmore/ Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:10:17 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=16823 CANMORE, ALBERTA September 5, 2023 – The COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup Organizing Committee is thrilled to announce the successful completion of a crucial site visit and course inspection in preparation for the highly anticipated international sporting event, set to captivate local spectators and audiences from around the world. The visit, conducted on August 23-24, showcased the 1988 Olympic Winter Games Legacy venue, the Canmore Nordic Centre. The Canmore Nordic Centre will help host the Alberta World Cup Society’s 6th FIS Cross-Country World Cup at the venue.

“The 1988 Olympic Winter Games were a catalyst for tourism in Canmore and continue to have a lasting economic impact on the community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Alberta World Cup Society for their dedication to bringing exceptional sporting events to Canmore and we are eager to welcome the world here once again for the 2024 COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup.”; said Rachel Ludwig, CEO, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis.

The site visit provided an unparalleled opportunity for key stakeholders, international delegates, and event organizers, to witness firsthand the state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure enhancements that will ensure the seamless execution of the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup. The Organizing Committee spared no effort in showcasing  the uniqueness of Canmore, Alberta as a hosting destination for this event.

“It has been a long time since the last FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Canmore in 2016. However, the Organising Committee did not lose anything from their enthusiasm and commitment for Cross-Country Skiing. The beautiful sceneries of Canmore and the motivated and competent team of the Organising Committee will deliver an outstanding stage of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup in February 2024.”; said Michal Lamplot, Race Director, International Ski and Snowsport Federation.

The Alberta World Cup Society, organizers of the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup to be held February 9 – 13, 2024, welcomed the International Ski and Snowsport Federation for a Venue Inspection ahead of hosting the event in Canmore this winter.

The site visit included comprehensive inspections of the venue and race course, where cross-country skiing competition will unfold over the course of 4 days. The meticulous attention to course designs, logistics, operational protocols, and spectator engagement was evident throughout the tour, leaving participants impressed by the Organizing Committee’s dedication to creating an event that will be inclusive and dedicated to its sustainability efforts.

“Our team had prepared well to show our full operational capabilities to the FIS staff and to instill in them full confidence in our ability to host a first class world cup that is on par with other leading hosting venues on the FIS cross-country circuit. I think it was indeed a case of “mission accomplished!”; said Norbert Meier, Events Chair and Vice-President of the Alberta World Cup Society.

As the countdown to the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup continues, the Organizing Committee remains focused on delivering an international sporting event that leaves a lasting legacy, fosters active living, and celebrates the performances of athletes from around the world.

 

More on the Alberta World Cup Society:

The Alberta World Cup Society continues to promote its mandate of developing and growing cross-country skiing in Alberta and Canada through hosting World Cup races and by providing resources for the development of officials, coaches and athletes. All these activities are accomplished with the involvement of tireless volunteers who dedicate their time in different capacities to make this possible.

If you would like to have more information on this topic, please contact Nancy Richard at (403) 585-0503 or nrichard@albertaworldcup.com

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Nordiq Canada and FF Rollerskis Forge Exciting New Partnership https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/nordiq-canada-and-ff-rollerskis-forge-exciting-new-partnership/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 17:42:43 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=16635 Canmore, AB – Nordiq Canada, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with FF Rollerskis, an innovative manufacturer of high-quality roller skis. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of excellence for the Canadian Nordic community.

FF Rollerskis’ unwavering commitment to innovation and quality perfectly aligns with Nordiq Canada’s mission to foster the growth and development of Nordic skiing across the country. The partnership will ensure that Canada’s National Ski Team athletes have access to the best equipment, allowing them to maximize each roller ski session.

“Partnering with FF Rollerskis is a game-changer for Nordiq Canada and our athletes,” said Robin Mckeever, head coach of Nordiq Canada’s Olympic stream program. “Their expertise and dedication to crafting top-of-the-line roller skis will undoubtedly elevate our athletes’ training experience. We are excited to work together to spread the joy and excitement of roller skiing from coast to coast to coast.”

FF Rollerskis, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, has gained international recognition within the skiing community. Their commitment to delivering superior performance equipment is evident in their collaboration with the International Ski Federation (FIS). The partnership between FF Rollerskis and FIS ensures that their products meet the highest standards, setting a new benchmark for roller ski excellence.

“We are excited to partner with Nordiq Canada, an organization that shares our vision for excellence, and innovation,” said Henrik Georg Lindhagen, owner and founder of FF Rollerskis. “This partnership allows us to support Canadian athletes on their journey towards achieving their athletic goals. Together, we are excited to contribute to the growth of roller skiing and support the next generation of champions.”

 

About FF Rollerskis

For more information about FF Rollerskis  and its products please visit https://ffskis.com/.

 

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