KIMBERLEY, B.C. (February 11, 2011) – The Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team is hoping to build on its success at the IPC World Ski Championships as the IPC Coupe Nor-Am Cup series kicks off in Kimberley, B.C.

X-Games Mono skier X gold medalist Josh Dueck, from Vernon, B.C., will be looking to continue his winning streak this weekend.

“These races will be really good not only for the national team but also for the development athletes because it will give them the confidence that they need to go fast and learn how to race speed events,” said the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games slalom silver medalist. “It will also challenge the best athletes and separate the field.

“I’m excited to race, not only in Canada again, but in my hometown. I’ve already run into a couple of friends and family so it will be pretty special for me this weekend.”

Some of the world’s best Para-Alpine skiers will also take part in the Nor-Am series in Kimberley. Three-time 2011 world champion Vincent Gauthier-Manuel, from France, as well as multiple world championships bronze medalist Thomas Pfyl, from Switzerland, will compete this weekend.

“These will be good races. The field is strong and it will be tough races for sure with the other countries here,” said Dueck. “This definitely represents Canada’s commitment to excellence and that we can pull off some quality races. I definitely encourage people to come watch the Canadian athletes.”

Joining Dueck will be 2010 Paralympic Games bronze medalist and 2011 World Championships bronze medalist Karolina Wisniewska, from Ottawa, Ont., Squamish’s Matt Hallat and Kirk Schornstein from Spruce Grove, Alta.

Members of the Canadian Prospect Group as well as Development Team will also be present, including Sam Danniels from Whistler, B.C., and Melanie Schwartz from Toronto, Ont.

“I’m excited for this opportunity,” said CPAST athletic director Brianne Law, of the international field competing in Kimberley this weekend. “The strength of the field will provide the up and coming athletes some great competition and experience. It’s really good for our guys, not only on the team but on the provincial teams, as well.

“With such few World Cups this year on the IPC circuit, having the International athletes choosing to come to Canada is a great honour.  It means they know that we are able to put World Class races together,” added Law. “There are not a lot of speed events on the IPC calendar and to be able to race some in our backyard is a good opportunity.”

The IPC Coupe Nor-Am Cup event will start Saturday with two downhill races and will end Sunday with two super-G races.

Christopher Williamson, who is based in Markham, Ont., crashed during a warm-up run before the second giant slalom run at the world championships. He had surgery on his fractured wrist and will not compete again this season.

Whistler’s Morgan Perrin is still recovering from his fractured foot and his return to snow has not yet been determined.

WATCH THIS: The CPAST Team in Sestriere, ITA at the 2011 IPC World Championships in January http://www.youtube.com/user/AlpineCanadaAlpin#p/u/0/gh236X_xjcY

Follow Canada’s Alpine Ski Teams on Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA ALPIN

Alpine Canada Alpin is the national governing body for alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada Alpin develops Olympic, World Championship and World Cup medalists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community. Please visit us at www.canski.org and www.canadaskicross.ca.

INFORMATION:
Sophie Pilon
Coordinator, PR and Media /
Coordonatrice, Relations publiques et média
Alpin Canada
T: 403-777-3650
C: 403-815-7340      
spilon@canski.org
www.canski.org