World Cup Bobsleigh and Skeleton Slide into Sport Spotlight on Canada’s West Coast

WHISTLER, B.C. — In just one week’s time, the world’s best bobsleigh and skeleton athletes will slide into the spotlight in British Columbia when Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton hosts the nation’s lone World Cup stop in 2016 at the Whistler Sliding Centre, January 18-23.

Thanks to the generous financial support of $60,000 by the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the Whistler Sliding Centre will play host to nearly 100 athletes, representing 18 countries from around the globe that will descend on Whistler Village for men’s and women’s skeleton and bobsleigh races.

Led by North Vancouver’s Jane Channell in women’s skeleton, a talented group of Canadian athletes loaded with medal potential will be bombing down the 16-corner, 1,450-metre Olympic track at lightening fast speeds.

Other Canadian athletes to keep an eye will be two-time Olympic gold medallist in women’s bobsleigh, Kaillie Humphries. The Calgarian, who won gold on the Whistler track in 2010, has four podium finishes in as many races this year, including two victories, with brakeman Melissa Lotholz (Barrhead, Alta.).

Justin Kripps (Summerland, B.C.) and Alex Kopacz (London, Ont.) will be looking for their first two-man medal of the season in Whistler. The Canadian duo has two fourth-place finishes.

“We are really excited to be back racing in Whistler once again,” said Kripps. “All of the races we’ve done there have been a ton of fun with big crowds and awesome racing. With the World Championships coming to Whistler in 2019, it’s great to have the Whistler Sliding Centre back on the World Cup schedule. I can’t wait to get it going out there.”

Albeit in the four-man discipline, Calgary’s Chris Spring’s first World Cup medal came in Whistler. Spring will be looking to be in the medal mix in the two-man bobsleigh race. Multiple World Cup medallist in women’s skeleton, Elisabeth Vathje (Calgary), along with Dave Greszczyszyn (Brampton, Ont.), and Barrett Martineau (Calgary) in men’s skeleton will also suit up in Whistler.

Who is Coming…

The Whistler Sliding Centre will play host to the top athletes on the globe in 2016. Nearly 100 athletes representing 18 countries will slide into Whistler for men’s and women’s skeleton and bobsleigh races.

Schedule:

Canadian Team Media Availabilities around Training

January 19 (interviews following training)

9 a.m. – bobsleigh training

3 p.m. – skeleton training

January 20 (interviews following training)

9 a.m. – skeleton training

3 p.m. – bobsleigh training

World Cup Races:

January 22

2 p.m. – women’s skeleton

6 p.m.  – two-man bobsleigh

January 23

10 a.m. – men’s skeleton

2 p.m. – women’s bobsleigh

6 p.m. – two-man bobsleigh

Tickets:

Tickets for the Whistler event can be purchased for $10 now at www.whistlerslidingcentre.com, or in person at Guest Services at the Whistler Sliding Centre.  Children under twelve are free.

Whistler Media Accreditation:

ALL media must RSVP to Chris Dornan at hpprchris@shaw.ca in advance of the event to receive media credentials for the World Cup. Media can pick up accreditation at Guest Services, and will then be shuttled to the Media Centre at the venue.

Media Parking:

Limited parking will be made available for media in Lot 7 and 8. Media may also gain free access to the venue via the Excalibur Gondola.

For complete event information, please visit www.bobsleigh.ca or www.whistlerslidingcentre.com

TV Coverage:

A live stream from the World Cup stop at the Whistler Sliding Centre can be viewed at www.cbc.ca.

About Whistler Sport Legacies and the Whistler Sliding Centre

The Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC) is operated by Whistler Sport Legacies, a non-profit organization dedicated to grow sport at three venues: Whistler Olympic Park, the Whistler Sliding Centre, and the Whistler Athletes’ Centre.  Each facility plays a unique role in inspiring sport excellence for the benefit of athletes, residents, and visitors.  The WSC was the 2010 Olympic Winter Games venue for bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions; and today, is a training and competition venue for sliding sport athletes of all levels.  For more information, visit whistlerslidingcentre.com

About Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton

Bobsleigh CANADA Skeleton is a non-profit organization and the national governing body for the sports of bobsleigh and skeleton in Canada. With the support of its valued corporate partners –– BMW Canada, Conceptum Sport Logistics – along with the Government of Canada, and Own the Podium. Bobsleigh CANADA Skeleton develops Olympic and world champions. Please visit us at www.bobsleighcanadaskeleton.ca.  

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

World Cup Accreditation/Canadian Team Requests

Chris Dornan                                                          

Media and Public Relations

Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton

T: 403-620-8731