FIS Racers at Sun Peaks for GMC Pontiac Cup 2007/02/19

Feb 18 2007 Sun Peaks hosts Pontiac GMC Cup this weekend Sun Peaks Resort is hosting the final event in the western series of the Pontiac GMC Cup, one of Canada’s premier amateur ski racing series. The event begins today and runs until Wednesday, Feb. 21. Kelowna skier Kelsey Serwa is expected to take part in the races. Previously held at Apex Mountain Resort, Panorama Resort and Silver Star Resort over the past seven years, the Pontiac GMC Cup draws athletes and spectators from around western Canada and the United States. Now it is Sun Peak’s turn to play host and support Canada’s young ski racers and future Olympic athletes. As a successful developmental ski program sanctioned by Alpine Canada and the International Ski Federation (FIS), the Pontiac GMC Cup provides amateur skiers with essential competitive experience. Many Cup winners and competitors have gone on to become members of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and many more are expected to make their mark on the international circuit in the near future. The series is the brain-child of Olympic Champion Nancy Greene Raine, who approached General Motors 38 years ago with the concept of creating a strong domestic series for up-and-coming Canadian alpine racers to compete with the best across the country. GM of Canada has a rich history as a benefactor to communities and to amateur support. Thus, the original Pontiac Cup series was launched, and out of it came some of Canada’s best alpine racers—Kathy Kreiner, Gerry Sorensen, Laurie Graham, Karen Percy, and the Crazy Canucks. “Our own Sun Peaks Alpine Club FIS athletes are excited to be able to take part in the races on their home mountain,” said Claire Challen, head coach and program director of the Sun Peaks Alpine Club. “The races will all be held at the OSV Austrian Ski Team race center, which is where our athletes train all season long. Being so familiar with the terrain and surrounded by the supportive members of the SPAC should give our own athletes a confidence boost,” Challen said. Ashley Tait, director of communications for Tourism Sun Peaks added: “We are thrilled to be hosting the Pontiac GMC Cup at Sun Peaks Resort. Alpine racing is an important component at Sun Peaks and it is a great opportunity to showcase the facilities at the Nancy Greene International Race Training Centre, the North American training centre for the Austrian Ski Team.” The medalists in both men’s and women’s competition receive $600, $400 and $250 respectively. The Pontiac GMC Cup series features 32 races in four provinces before the national championships in March. The series culminates with the 2007 Pontiac GMC Canadian Championships in Whistler, from March 20 to 28. The best young athletes from Canada compete head-to-head against athletes from the Canadian Alpine Ski Team in speed and technical events. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © Copyright 2007 Kelowna Capital News Check out the results from FIS Racing at www.bcalpine.com