Spotlight Shines On Local Sport Venues

Last February, Big White hosted the Canadian Open Snowboard Tour, using funding from the Hosting BC grant program, supported by 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of B.C.

"Having events in the province saves travel costs and time, allowing the racers to focus on preparing for competition," said Andrew George, athlete program director for the B.C. Snowboard Association. "Riders are asked to travel all over North America and Europe, so when they have the opportunity to train and compete at home it really helps."

2010 Legacies Now partners with the Province of B.C. to fund events like this one through its Hosting BC grant program. In addition to helping B.C. athletes compete in events closer to home, the funding also helps promote the province as a premier sport event destination.

The races drew an audience of more than 500, generated several hundred hotel nights and Kelowna-area businesses saw an increase in revenues. This event was used to train and educate event officials and volunteers creating a strong database to support future B.C. and Canadian snowboard events. Local and provincial snowboard clubs also benefited as all equipment purchased, such as gates and timing wire, will be available for their use.

The Canadian Open Snowboard Tour attracted 58 male and 22 female racers from around the world and showcased the first class Snowboard Cross facilities Big White has to offer. Among the athletes were 17 B.C. racers, competing for points for the NorAm Tour, as well as very valuable FIS (Federation Internationale de Ski) points which determine world standings.

Hosting BC community grants are funded through the Province of B.C. and 2010 Legacies Now to support B.C. organizations bidding for or hosting events at the junior, senior and university levels. From 2004-2009, Hosting BC distributed a total of $2.7 million to support 197 events, including Canadian championships, World Cups and qualifying tournaments for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Canadian Open Snowboard Tour will be back again at Big White in January 2010 with two more Snowboard Cross events.

Hosting BC provides BC communities with funding to host national and international sport events. The program aims to build BC's reputation as a premier sport event destination and maximize sport hosting opportunities leading up to, and beyond, the 2010 Winter Games.

Since its launch in 2004, Hosting BC has invested $2.6 million in 34 communities to host 188 events. The program is supported by the Province of British Columbia.