The first ParaNordic world cup in Canmore’s history is less than a month away and more than 12 countries have confirmed their participation in the two-week event.
Hometown hero Brian McKeever will lead Canada’s charge, which will include medal hopefuls Mark Arendz, Chris Klebl and Colette Bourgonje, as they face off in the only North American stop on the circuit.
In total, 20 Canadian athletes will participate in visually impaired, standing and sit ski cross-country and biathlon events at the Canmore Nordic Centre from Dec. 9-17.
“All of these athletes have a unique story to tell. It’s amazing what they can accomplish,” said Alberta World Cup Society chair Mike Carleton. “There is a lot at stake. It’s the first chance for the athletes to compete at home on the ParaNordic scene. They’re looking to prepare for Sochi and there will be strong competition.”
Even though the Canmore Nordic Centre has hosted several world cup events in the past, in order to host the games, the Alberta World Cup Society had to convince the International ParaNordic Committee that the Canmore Nordic Centre would have sufficient snow and trails to accommodate the athletes. ParaNordic events are typically shorter, and sit skiers in particular need a particular grade on their climb. Para-biathletes use modified targets.
“This is our first opportunity to work with the International ParaNordic Committee, which had to sanction the event. This is a new experience for us,” Carleton said.
There will be six competitions over the two-week period: three biathlon races and three cross-country races. Athletes typically compete in both disciplines and are classified based on level of their impairment and given a handicap similar to golf. For example, an athlete who is completely blind will get a head start over an athlete like McKeever, who is partially blind.
“Each will have a sprint, medium and long distance and we make allowances for the three main categories: visually impaired, standing athletes and sit skiers in sledges with customized skis. Each has a unique requirement,” Carleton said.
Canada will send its A team and its development team, so there will be at least 20 Canadians in the event, which will serve as a qualifying race for the Sochi 2014 Paralympics.
“We’ll have 20 athletes from the U.S. and by far the largest contingent is from Russia, with 39 athletes and almost the same number of support staff,” Carleton said. “Italy, Sweden, Kazakhstan, Argentina, France, Brazil and others will send athletes to compete.”
Races will begin at 10 a.m. out of the biathlon stadium and run until 3 p.m., and are free for the public to watch. Parking is also free at the Nordic Centre.
Carleton said the committee wants to reach out and invite the Canmore community and others to take in the games. On Dec. 14, a medal ceremony is scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Canmore Civic Centre to coincide with Christmas in Canmore festivities.
“We’re looking to connect with the community of people with disabilities, so we’re looking into accessibility issues and how we can accommodate their needs,” Carleton said. “We really want to see as many people as possible come out.”
The ParaNordic event came together under a shortened timeline. While most world cup events take more than a year to plan, ParaNordic events often work on shorter timelines, so organizers have been working on the event since October. About 150 volunteers are required for the event and the committee is still accepting more offers of assistance and those interested can email [email protected].
“I’m optimistic it will be a flurry of activity, but it will be a successful event,” Carleton said.
