Whistler Olympic Park was in its glory this past weekend as Black Tusk Nordic Events Society (BTNES) hosted the Teck BC Cup 1 at the venue.
The two day event consisted of classic technique sprints on Saturday followed by a mass start skate race on Sunday.
There were 347 racers ranging in age from six to masters in their 60s! The caliber of competition was very impressive; there were many BC Development Team members showing their athletic prowess. Along with the racers came 97 dedicated coaches!Many carded athletes travelled to the race from across the province.
And the volunteer presence was strong too. There were 91 volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The race safely operated under a solid COVID Safety plan. Everything was kept out-of-doors and there were no podium ceremonies. BTNES and Cross Country BC is complying with competition guidelines as laid out by viaSport and the PHO.
Results from the event can be found here: https://zone4.ca/event/2022/D9B5D5CE/
BTNES will host a series of major Cross Country, Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined events (including the 2022 Ski Nationals to be held on March 20-27) leading up to the 2023 World Nordic Junior/U23 Ski Championships in Whistler. This event will be the largest Nordic event hosted at Whistler Olympic Park since the 2010 Olympics and over 500 Nordic athletes from around the globe are expected to attend.
Following is a statement from Norman Laube, Chairperson of BTNES: “It is an exciting time for BTNES with the awarding of the 2023 FIS World Junior Champs as well as the key test events including March 2022 Canadian National Championships. As the Host Organizing Committee, we have assembled a dedicated team of expert volunteers that are working hard to be fully prepared for these high level events. Of course, all our planning includes robust COVID safety protocols and we are in constant contact with the sport and health authorities to adjust our plans as appropriate.”
Black Tusk Nordic Events Society is looking for sponsors for the 2023 World Champs. If you are interested in supporting, please contact Reid Carter at [email protected]. The society is also appreciative of donations and they can be made here (select Black Tusk Nordic Events Society-donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt): https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/Cross-CountrySkidefondCanada/club-donation.html
See more details at www.blacktusknordic.com. For all media inquiries contact Buzz Harries at [email protected].
Images by Yvette Ye
