Some of North America's best biathletes are coming to shoot and ski their way to victory in the event hosted by the Callaghan Winter Sports Club (CWSC) when the North American Championships come to town from April 1 to 3.
This will be the final race of the season for many of the sport's top competitors and Max Saenger, chief of competition for the event, expects it to be a memorable weekend.
"This is the biggest and highest-ranked event we've had in our backyard since the Olympics," he said. "There's an Asian champion, a European champion and we're just thrilled to be able to crown a North American champion here."
Mayor Greg Gardner echoed Saenger's enthusiasm in a letter addressed to the athletes coming to compete.
"We are proud and excited to be able to host such an important event," he said. "Sacrifice, passion and commitment have led you here, so on behalf of the District of Squamish, we wish you success at all of the Nordic events."
The event will get underway on April 1 with a brief opening ceremonies followed by the sprint competition for the North American Championships athletes. A unique aspect to the event is that locals will have a chance to compete on the same track as some of the elite biathletes with the Callaghan Valley Open divisions.
"This is a post-Olympic year, so unfortunately some athletes will be ending their season with the Canadian Championships back east," Saenger said. "So we decided to make this a mass-participation event and locals will get a chance to be on the same course as the pros. Anybody and everybody can sign up to take part."
There will be categories for everyone from those below 10 to the Masters men's and women's division over the age of 31.
The pursuit competition is featured on April 2, the second day of the event, with a banquet and award ceremony taking place at Quest University later that evening. The final day of competition takes place on April 3 and will feature the zeroing-class events.
As with the opening day, the Callaghan Valley Open divisions will host identical races later that afternoon. Those interested in competing pay $35 for a single event, $60 for two or $100 to take part in all three. In addition, locals can attend the banquet at Quest for a cost of $25.
Saenger said that event organizers are still looking for volunteers and those interested can email [email protected] for more information.
"We're definitely still looking for volunteers," he said. "Biathlon moves more data than any other sport, so we can use all the help we can get."
Saenger pointed out that admission is free for spectators. The North American Championship races start at 10 a.m. with the Callaghan Valley open races beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Some of the athletes who may attend are American Jeremy Teela, who placed ninth in the men's sprint at the 2010 Olympics and Canadian Jean-Philippe Leguellec, who finished sixth.
"This is the grand finale for a lot of these guys," Saenger said. "I really urge people to not give up on this ski season and come check us out. There's tons of snow still and the skiing has just been fantastic this year. There should be just some incredible conditions for our athletes."
For more information on the event, visit www.callaghanwintersportsclub.com.
