Caledonia Nordic Ski Club president Kevin Pettersen says he was flattered when his organization was asked if they were interested in hosting the 2019 International Paralympic Nordic Championships.
“We were approached by Cross Country Canada, the national sports organization to promote cross country skiing and also para-nordic skiing in Canada and they were interested in our interest to host the 2019 Para-Nordic World championship.”
He says hosting a world championship is beyond what the club had dared dream about.
“We were hoping to attract a world cup event but this one level above a world cup event – it’s a world championship. The only thing higher would be the Paralympic Games. So it’s quite an honour for us to be asked to host this.”
The club submitted an intent to bid for the event on April 10 and the city council has agreed to support a successful bid with $250,000 from the Major Events Reserve.
Mayor Lyn Hall says hosting the international event would be another feather in the city’s cap.
“Every time we hold an event like this, whether it be an international, national or provincial event, it puts Prince George on the map. It gives us an economic boost, it gives the community a boost.”
Hall says hosting major events in the city pays off, as seen with the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
“There’s huge benefits to the community. I think the revenue generated was estimated at somewhere over a million dollars and for us to be able to host it here is just an indication of the legacy that the Canada Winter Games is providing the community. It’s a huge thing,” he says. “It’s so important to hold these events here – whether it be a music festival, a sporting event, a dance festival. Whatever it is, it really promotes the City and that’s what we’re after.”
Pettersen says he’s not sure when the formal bid is due or when the host city will be announced but he believes Prince George has a good chance of winning.
“Things are looking pretty good in the sense that it’s North America’s turn in 2019. And then also last year, these games were hosted in Cable, Wisconsin. So, in terms of it being Canada’s turn, we’re in really good position and we are the choice site for Canada.”
The two week competition is projected to draw 150 athletes and about 100 officials and volunteers.
Tourism Prince George estimates the economic impact for the city at $1.6 million with a possible provincial impact of $2.5 million.