In only three years the B.C. Para-Alpine Championships have grown substantially, bringing new racers into the sport of alpine skiing. The event has also helped to launch a few careers, including national team sit skier Sam Daniels.
The progression continued this year, with a giant slalom hosted and sanctioned by the Rotary Club, Whistler Adaptive Sports Program, B.C. Disabled Ski Association, and B.C. Para-Alpine Ski Team. Competitors ranged from nine years old to over 50, with 44 athletes from B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Washington state taking part.
In the male sitting category, Rob Gosse - a member of the B.C. team who got his start through the WASP race program - placed first with a combined time of 1:18.24 over two runs. He was followed by Ben Beirmann and Les Elb.
Chelaine McInroy raced unopposed in women's sitting, finishing in 1:45.57.
In the male visually impaired category Bradley Barker with guide Kathleen Connelly were first in 1:21.68, followed by Make Bentz and guide James Peters.
Tamara St. Denis and guide Jen Bolby raced unopposed on the women's side, finishing in 2:03.82.
In the male standing category Kirk Schornstein placed first with a combined time of 1:10.41, followed by Braydon Luscombe in 1:14.60 and Mike Whitney in 1:16.37.
There were also categories for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
Cory Duhaime won the men's race in 1:30.08. He was followed by Jesse Price in 1:30.98 and David McInroy in 1:39.97. Rheanne McLaughlin won the women's race in 1:47.67, followed by Christie Tilton in 1:49.10 and Sarah Colpitts.
