BIG WHITE POISED FOR MILESTONE “WELCOME TO PARADISE” FIS PARA SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP
Within the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx people and various other First Nation, Big White Ski Resort and BC Snowboard are honored to host a landmark “Welcome to Paradise” FIS Para Snowboard Cross World Cup in the stunning Okanagan on March 23th-24th. The 10th anniversary of the event marks a significant milestone for the history of Canadian Para Snowboarding as the World's longest consecutively running Para Snowboard World Cup in this discipline. Consisting of back-to-back individual race starts over two days, the event is the FIS World Tour finals for Para Snowboard Cross will finish with the prestigious Crystal Globes presented to the overall World Cup season champions.
This World Cup builds upon BC Snowboard’s decade long history of successful events at the resort and the ongoing support of numerous local partners and stakeholders underscores the role community engagement has contributed in the advancement, growth and visibility of Para Snowboarding.
”Canada Snowboard recognizes the incredible efforts of the athletes, volunteers and organizers who make the Welcome to Paradise FIS Para Snowboard Cross World Cup a huge ongoing success. It is a unique opportunity for athletes to come together and experience the World-class resort. The continued success of Welcome to Paradise is in large part to BC Snowboard, whose staff continues to be dedicated to bringing world class snowboarding events to British Columbia.. In Para Snowboard, Canadian athletes excel, displaying remarkable grit and determination while achieving remarkable success on the international stage. I encourage all to visit Big White and support our inspiring and talented Canadian Team riders at Welcome to Paradise.”
Dustin Heise - CEO Canada Snowboard
"BC Snowboard is delighted to welcome athletes from around the world into our snowboard community for the Welcome to Paradise FIS Para Snowboard Cross World Cup. We're looking forward to closing out the FIS Para Snowboard Cross season in British Columbia and it’s amazing to see this community welcoming the best of the best, in such a beautiful environment.”
Cathy Astofooroff - Executive Director BC Snowboard
Welcome to Paradise will feature 50+ of the world’s best Para Snowboarders from 10+ nations showcasing their talents as they battle it out on Big White’s renowned cross course. The riders will vie for top honors head to head in heats racing through a course of inclined berms, different features such as jumps and rollers, and race gates; a thrilling and exhilarating spectacle unique to this discipline. With a variety of accommodation options and a host of activities and entertainment throughout the resort, Big White’s renowned ski and snowboard facilities, picturesque winter landscapes, and warm hospitality makes for the perfect winter getaway to witness the action.
“Big White Ski resort takes pride in hosting the Para athletes. We are there to support the development of the sport and to act as a true partner to the countries and athletes who participate in this annual event.”
Flynn Seddon - Big White Director of Terrain Park & Outdoor Events
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The Canadian Para Snowboarding Team, adorned with Paralympic, World Championship and World Cup Crystal Globe accolades, will be leveraging the home field advantage and continuing its pursuit of excellence. This elite lineup of athletes includes Tyler Turner, a Paralympic Gold and Silver Medalist (Beijing 2022), who after defending his World Championship title last year here is now in pursuit of a third consecutive Crystal Globe, Sandrine Hamel claimed two podium finishes at the event in 2023 and SBX Crystal Globe (2019) and X Games medalist Alex Massie continues to be a powerhouse on the track.
"We're very excited to return to Big White Ski Resort for the 10th anniversary of the Snowboard Cross Para World Cup! The support from the community, Big White Ski Resort, BC Snowboard, and Canada Snowboard has solidified this as a longstanding home for para-snowboarding excellence. Our team is set and ready for this event in what promises to be a thrilling Snowboard Cross World Cup finals. It’s amazing that our athletes get to close the season at home in front of friends and family!"
Greg Picard - Canada Para-Snowboard Coach
The event is a testament to the collaborative efforts of BC Snowboard, Big White and Canada Snowboard, celebrating para athletes from across the globe, their remarkable stories and the unifying power of sport.
“Welcome to Paradise” is an integral component of the Shred the North 2023-2024 World Cup Series and promises to continue to leave a lasting impact on the community, highlighting this shared commitment to promoting the sport and fostering a platform for the success of athletes, partnerships and the spectators' experience alike. It’s more than a competition; it's a celebration of the human spirit, athleticism, and the true essence of Snowboarding. Join us on March 23th-24th at Big White for all the action.
For more information, event details, and how to get involved - Welcome to Paradise
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