Kristi Richards raising money for young athletes
Pemberton mogul skier Kristi Richards has committed to sticking with the national team through to the 2014 Games, and last week raised money to bring some up-and-coming athletes with her.
At a sold-out fundraiser in her hometown of Summerland, Richards raised $11,000 for her Supporting the Dream Fund. That fund provides grants and bursaries to help other Okanagan-based athletes reach their goals. The event also included ski cross athlete Kelsey Serwa and Paralympian Josh Dueck, while bobsledder Justin Kripps - also from Summerland - has also agreed to join the cause.
"These three very accomplished ambassadors will be a great asset in raising the profile of the Supporting the Dream Fund, it's great to have them on board," said Richards.
The fund provided three grants last year. One went to nordic skiing hopeful Adrienne Underhill, who was selected to join the Callaghan Valley Training Centre this winter. Richards plans to give out at least six bursaries over the coming season.
For more information visit http://supportingthedreamfund.com.
Skeleton athlete pancake breakfast
The national skeleton team is hosting a meet-and-greet pancake breakfast in Whistler this Saturday, inviting local fans to come out for carbs, photos and a chance to get autographs.
"As a community, Whistler is so excited to have high-performance athletes back in Whistler," said Mayor Ken Melamed in a release. "This event is a great way to connect with athletes, learn about the World Cup and show our continued support to our great Canadian sliding athletes."
The event takes place outside the Whistler Public Library. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., and the athletes will be available for photos and autographs from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The event, sponsored by the municipality, is a fundraiser for the athletes and organizers are asking for a minimum donation of $2 per person. As well, Whistler Blackcomb has donated a Dave Murray Ski Camp package worth $400, which will be auctioned off to raise money for athletes.
Skeleton athletes are in Whistler for International Training Week, followed by the opening World Cup of the season from Nov. 25 to 27.
Slopestyle added to world championships
The sport of ski slopestyle has been added to the FIS World Championships in 2011, improving that sport's chances of inclusion in the Olympic schedule. The International Olympic Committee is currently reviewing bids to add ski halfpipe and slopestyle for skiers and snowboarders to the program for Sochi, Russia, as well as a variety of other sports.
The slopestyle competition will be joining the other events - moguls, aerials, ski cross and halfpipe - at Deer Valley Resort in Utah in February.
As a world championship sport, Canadian athletes also have the opportunity to earn funding through Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program - up to $2,000 a month for elite athletes to assist with training and competition costs.
Mind Over Mountain moves to Burnaby?
It was good while it lasted, but this week the organizers of the Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race announced plans to move their Squamish event to Burnaby, with a course that includes Burnaby Mountain trails and Burrard Inlet to stage the event - as well as facilities at Simon Fraser University. The new location allows for a kayak stage and orienteering stage.
There was no explanation for the change in venue, but organizer Bryan Tasaka thanked the community of Squamish and course-setter Jen Segger for their support.
"I am sad to be leaving Squamish, but hopefully the MOMAR will return one day in the future," he said.
The Burnaby MOMAR will take place on Saturday, May 28.
Wolfpack streak continues
The Squamish Wolfpack's record now stands at three wins, 15 losses and four overtime losses, extending the team's losing streak to 12 games. It's not for a lack of trying, with the team scoring 17 goals in their last six games and matching their opponents shot-for-shot in a lot of match-ups.
On Nov. 11 they lost a shootout 6-5 to North Delta. On Nov. 13 they lost 6-4 to the Richmond. Their next four games are on the road, with an away game at Richmond on Nov. 18, a game at Port Moody on Nov. 20, a game at North Delta on Nov. 27 and a game at Grandview on Nov. 28.
Whistler's Matt Bonin added an assist to his tally in the loss to North Delta, but once again was the team's top player in the shootout. Jaret Babych also scored a hat trick for the Wolfpack in that game.
Against Richmond, Bonin scored added another assist. Konrad Sander and Mico Dragutinovic each racked up a goal and an assist.
Broncos miss play-offs
The Sea to Sky Broncos wrapped up their first season in the North Shore Football League this past weekend, finishing their season in a three-way tie for third. Their scores for the regular season resolved the tie, and the Broncos missed the play-offs by just one point in their match-ups versus the Raiders.
"The team really came together and I hope the boys all take away a sense of accomplishment for what they did on the field this season," said coach Ralph Forsyth.
The team, formerly the Squamish Titans, was made up of players from throughout Sea to Sky.
