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Youths get Beyond Fear

Youth Centre contest modeled after television’s Fear Factor

The exact nature of the three contests that make up the inaugural Whistler Youth Centre’s Beyond Fear competition are a secret until the show premieres in September, but organizers can say that one event involved getting shot by paintballs, another involved dumpster diving and disgusting food, and another involved rappelling face down a cliff face under the Peak Chair. The filming wrapped up on July 20 on Whistler Mountain.

"It really couldn’t have gone any better," said organizer Caroline Stroud, programs and events co-ordinator for the Youth Centre. "The kids that took part were really excited, and got to do some things that they never would have ordinarily had a chance to do. It’s something cool they’ll get to look back on.

"A lot of their classmates who are interested in careers in television are also involved with the production of the show through Cable 6, so they got some real life experience."

The goal of Beyond Fear was to create spirit at the local high school, encouraging Whistler Secondary students from different grades and classes to get to know and support each other.

Two students were picked from each year, Grades 8 to 12, one boy and one girl. The students were picked randomly after submitting an explanation of why they were the right person for the show.

Dozens of volunteers and sponsors pitched in, resulting in a $300 prize for the winner, plus a variety of prizes for all of the participants. Sponsors also helped out with the venues, food and production.

The show will premiere on Sept. 15 at Millennium Place, which has donated the theatre to the Youth Centre. Cable 6 will also rebroadcast the show at a later date.

The concept of Beyond Fear is also being shared with other youth centres that are looking for programs to attract teens, said Stroud.

Based on the success of this year’s event, it will likely return to Whistler Secondary next year.