Kidsport Whistler is hosting a general meeting on Dec. 11 to discuss the status of the program and ways that the program can direct resources in the future. Representatives from the community, including sports organizations, parents, and school groups are encouraged to attend.
Some of the topics being discussed include:
• Based on 2007 donations to Kidsport by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, Kidsport will receive an additional $5,000 from Kidsport B.C. and the Sports Funder Lottery of approximately $5,000 for program development in Whistler. Members of the community will be asked for their input on how that money should be spent.
• Kidsport Whistler is looking to offer a second registration night in June, similar to Strut Your Stuff, to support summer and fall sports, or organizations that need early or advance registration.
• Community members will be able to give their opinions on the role that Kidsport Whistler should play in future directives for community sport.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity to say thanks and goodbye to Janet McDonald of Whistler Community Services Society, who served as coordinator for Kidsport Whistler since 1996.
Kidsport provides financial assistance to children aged 5-18 involved in sports, with grants that can help to pay registration fees and the equipment costs. Between 35 and 50 kids each year receive grants from Kidsport, including kids and youth in Pemberton and Squamish.
Locals only registration opening for Test of Metal
Mountain bikers that live between Furry Creek and D’Arcy will have an opportunity Saturday, Dec. 1 to pre-register for the annual Test of Metal race in Squamish. A total of 200 spots are available on a first come, first served basis from 6 p.m. on Saturday until midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 5, or until they are all taken.
Online registration is available at www.testofmetal.com, after which point all entries must confirm proof of residency in person, by fax or by e-mail by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12. In person, drop by Connections at 37710 2 nd Avenue in Squamish between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. Faxed proof can be sent to 604-892-3380. Scanned documents can be e-mailed to signup@testofmetal.com.
The decision to add a locals registration was made after the 2007 event sold out all 800 spots in under 50 minutes last January, leaving many regular racers on the waitlist.
For 2008 organizers are doing away with the waitlist completely, overselling the race by 200 spots and not filling spots by racers that drop out.
The rest of the spots, 800 plus whatever spots are left over from the local registration, will be available on Jan. 1, 2008.
“It’s important that people remember there will be no wait list this year,” said race director Cliff Miller. “You’ll need to register during one of the registration periods to confirm your participation.”
As proof of residency, riders must present a B.C. driver’s licence and a secondary piece of identification with their address.
PacificSport, Slow Food host athlete cooking class
PacificSport Sea to Sky and Slow Food Whistler are teaming up on Dec. 4 to offer the third Harvest Cooking Class of the series.
PacificSport carded athletes and Whistler Mountain Ski Club athletes, coaches and parents are welcome to attend and learn how to cook healthy meals using locally grown produce from North Arm Farms. The same athletes are also entitled to purchase the farm’s weekly harvest boxes for a discounted rate, the same boxes that will be featured in the cooking class.
Previous cooks include Grant Cousar from Whistler Cooks, and Adam Protter from Big Smoke Mountain BBQ.
The Dec. 4 class will feature Chef Alex Stoll of The Fat Duck Cuisine (www.thefatduckcuisine.com). Lululemon is also a supporter of the event, and has provided a draw prize worth $100 for each of the six events.
Organizers are asking participants to register in advance so the chef knows how much food to bring. Contact Tami Mitchell at tmitchell@pacificsport.com if you plan on taking part.
PacificSport and the Whistler Mountain Ski Club are also hosting their second Dinner and Movie Night on Friday, Dec. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Chef Stoll will be preparing the meal.
The cost is $10 for PacificSport athletes, and $15 for members of the community.
