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Sports Briefs: Sarah Burke in Olympic Hall of Fame

Although she never competed in the Olympics, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) made a special exemption and named freeski legend Sarah Burke, who died in January after sustaining a head injury while skiing halfpipe, to the Olympic Hall of Fame.
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Although she never competed in the Olympics, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) made a special exemption and named freeski legend Sarah Burke, who died in January after sustaining a head injury while skiing halfpipe, to the Olympic Hall of Fame.

Burke is credited for raising the profile of ski halfpipe as an athlete who pushed the boundaries, and as a passionate spokesperson for her sport on the international stage. She is widely credited for influencing the IOC decision to make ski halfpipe a medal sport in 2014, as well as the favourite for winning the gold medal.

"Sarah was one of those extraordinary women who believed that anything was possible," said Jan Phelan, Burke's mother, who will accept Burke's award in September. "I think that her belief not only helped her succeed, but inspired others to be the best that they could be."

Burke was nominated in the "Builder" category.

Burke will be inducted along with several other high profile athletes and teams. Also in the class of 2012 are Nigerian-born wrestler and 2000 gold medallist Daniel Igali, three-time Olympian and Olympic gold and silver medallist Beckie Scott, four-time Olympian and gold medal winner Jean-Luc Brassard, the 2010 Men's Hockey Team, the 2006 Women's Hockey Team, swim coach Julie Sauve and past COC president Michael Chambers.

Sea to Sky Eagles wrap season in Burnaby on Sunday

The short first season of the Canada Rugby League — British Columbia is coming to a close, with the Sea to Sky Eagles playing at away game this Sunday, June 17 against the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club at Fleetwood Secondary School — one game in a triple-header that includes all five league teams.

It's a must-win for the Eagles, a young team that doesn't have a rugby union club to draw on for players. They've lost all three regular season games to date, but can still hold their heads high by giving more experienced players a run for their money.

Burnaby Lake is the only team in the league that is winless so far this season, or has scored fewer points — or given up more points — than the Eagles. A win would guarantee the Eagles fourth place overall and a chance to play for third place at the league championship on June 30.

All Star Wrestling returns

On June 23, Squamish will welcome back All Star Wrestling as a fundraiser for the Squamish Nation Recreation Department.

The bout will take place at Totem Hall at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the front row and $12 for everywhere else.

The main event features Cody Smith of Squamish against former WWE star Gangrel, The Vampire Warrior. There's an ASW Cruiserweight Title match between current champion The Great Kasaki and challenger Disco Fury. There's also a pair of tag team matches: The Breakers vs. The Wasps and The Toga Boy vs. Killer Tim Justice.

As well, there's an opening contest with two recent graduates of the All Star Wrestling School, Mantasia and Matt X Static.

There's a chance the event will sell out, but you can buy tickets in advance at Totem Hall or online at www.vtixonline.com.

Early registration for half marathon a success

This past weekend The North Face Whistler Half Marathon opened up a limited registration to this year's participants, accepting up to 200 entries before the registration closed on Sunday — staying closed until January. According to race director Dave Clark, some 143 participants took them up on the offer

Clark called it a "great start to another popular event."

The race itself is limited to 1,000 runners and sold out well in advance this year. As a result of the popularity, and after feedback from runners, Clark and other stakeholders will look at a few options for the 2013 edition of the race.

Some possibilities include adding spots, changing the course to be able to accept more runners, adding shorter distance categories like a 10km and 5km event, and more.

For details on 2013, check back at www.whistlerhalfmarathon.com.

Camp i.d.'s snowboardcross talent

The Canadian Sport Centre Pacific, Canada Snowboard and the BC Snowboard Association are hosting a talent identification camp on Blackcomb Glacier from July 8 to 15, looking to identify young talent to mold into future snowboardcross racers.

The camp is open to junior snowboardcross riders with FIS licences who participated in the 2012 National Junior Championship, or have been vetted by their provincial sport organizations. The cost is $695 for lift and park access, and deals on accommodation and airport transfers are available for athletes from across Canada.

A course will be constructed on the Blackcomb Glacier for the camp, which will be coached by Simon Bonenfant.

To register, email sbonenfant@cscpacific.ca.

Events Calendar

June 16 — Test of Metal. This 67km mountain bike race has been sold out almost since registration got underway, but there are still lots of ways to get involved as a volunteer or participant in other festival events. Visit www.testofmetal.com.

June 23-24 — Tough Mudder. The Vancouver edition of this obstacle course event takes place over two days at Whistler Olympic Park with 22 challenges over a 16km course. Teamwork is expected for some of the obstacles. Visit www.toughmudder.com/events/vancouver for registration and more details.

June 24 — Comfortably Numb Trail Run. This 25km trail run is one of the best in the corridor with a little gravel at the start and finish and over 23km of mountain bike singletrack. Visit www.runthenorthshore.com for details and registration.

June 30 — Whistler Dragon Boat Festival. After a year's hiatus the Whistler Dragon Boat Festival returns Canada Day weekend with a one-day race on Alta Lake, based out of Rainbow Park. Details at www.watersedgesportperformance.com.

June 30 — Tenderfoot Boogie. This is the second year for this trail race, which starts in Squamish and finishes in Whistler. There are 28km, 50km and 50 Mile (80km) options, and you can run solo or as part of a relay. Visit www.trailwhisperer.ca/Tenderfoot/ for more information.

June 30 to July 7 — BC Bike Race. The fourth edition of this seven-day mountain bike epic starts on Vancouver Island and finishes in Whistler on July 7. It's sold out, but volunteers are still needed. Visit www.bcbikerace.com for details.