Kamloops Hosts the International Short Track Skating Championship

Speed skating was supported with $10,000 from HostingBC for the 2006 North American Age Class Short Track Championship. Competitors came from the U.S, Australia and eight Canadian provinces and Nunavut. The 197 athletes, including 58 B.C. skaters, ranged in age from 10-70 and competed in front of 300 spectators.

Support for the event has enabled the purchase of rink equipment such as water hoses and safety mats as well as a video camera for evaluating athletes' performance. Skate officials upgraded their qualifications and more than 100 volunteers were trained to form a pool of skilled resources for future skate events. Economic benefit included three hotels being fully occupied and visitors using a variety of local amenities. The Championship was the first major event held at the new McArthur Island Sport Centre Olympic Rink and provided significant exposure for the venue.

Hosting BC provides BC communities with funding to host national and international sport events. The program is supported by the Province of British Columbia.