After the success and legacy of the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Prince George will now welcome the world to its local slopes.
The International Paralympic Committee and World Para-Nordic Skiing has selected the city to host the 2019 World Para-Nordic Skiing Championships.
VIDEO: @Lynhallpg, MLAs, @OtwayPG, & others unveil official sign for upcoming 2019 World ParaNordic Skiing Championships @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/sXihXpcUHq
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 9, 2016
“The fact is, there’s so much opportunity here from a sports tourism perspective,” says Mayor Lyn Hall, who’s pleased with the committee’s selection.
“We talk about that a lot, and it’s not just financial legacy, it’s about the facilities that we have are the biggest legacy that we have as a result of the [Canada Winter] games and now we’re going to be able to utilize this great location.”
Caledonia Nordic Ski Club Director of Competitions Jim Burbee says the cross-country and biathlon event will reap great benefits.
“I think there’s a great contribution to the community and the sport of cross-country skiing is close to my heart, so it kind of fits to put those two together.”
He adds the facility itself will be kept in shape for the next three years leading up to February of 2019.
Mayor Hall says the next step will be to figure out the total cost.
“The organizing committee will start to look at fundraising and a budget; that’ll get put together and it’s just part of the whole package.”
Nearly 140 athletes from over 20 countries are expected to participate.
PHOTOS: #CityOfPG will host 2019 World ParaNordic Ski Championships; local MLAs say it'll bring more sport tourism to Northern BC @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/7QSNXOMkAJ
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 9, 2016
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