World of cross-country

Rob Bernhardt and Toby Oswald-Felker will discuss a cool subject -- the 2005 World Cup cross-country skiing event in December -- during a Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on June 23 at the Village Green Hotel.
Both Bernhardt and Oswald-Felker are high-ranking officials for the World Cup event at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club facilities Dec. 3-11.
On April 3, B.C. Education Minister Tom Christensen announced funding of $1.35 million towards expanding the trail system and completing the necessary infrastructure at Sovereign Lake with a view to the World Cup in mind. The funding will provide a lasting legacy of world-class trails and the necessary infrastructure to position the facility as a top Nordic ski destination in the world, and will also go a long way to attract future World Cup level competitions to the region. "The expansion will generate tremendous economic spin-offs for the entire region. I'm pleased that we were able to work closely with the Club to make this project possible," said Christensen.
The total expansion cost is $1.93 million. It includes a new technical building, shop building, new trails, start and finish areas, signs, fencing and an upgraded parking area to accommodate cross-country and biathlon competitions.
Of course, the first big test for the upgraded venue will be the 2005 World Cup, December 3- 11. This event is expected to bring more than 160 of the world’s top cross-country athletes from 26 countries to the venue, garner international TV coverage and attract thousands of spectators.
Christensen indicated that the Greater Vernon Services Commission estimates the races along with the week-long festivities will generate in excess of $10 million in economic spin-offs for the region.
“This project and the 2005 World Cup will help focus world attention on the Thompson-Okanagan and attract recreational and competitive skiers to our region,” said Bernhardt, president of Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and Chief of Competition for the Veissman FIS 2005 World Cup.. “In addition, it will allow Canadian athletes to compete at a World Cup level on home turf, something we have not been able to do in Canada since 1994. We appreciate the tremendous support and encouragement we have received from Tom Christensen and the Province and applaud their efforts to ensure that every region of the province benefits from the 2010 Olympics and to build world-class facilities to benefit this region for decades to come.”
“An upgraded Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre puts the Thompson-Okanagan on the world scene for the 2005 World Cup, and for events leading up to and after the 2010 Winter Olympics" continued Bernhardt.
During the April 12-15 meeting of the North American Cross Country Ski Areas Association annual meeting in Breckenridge, Colorado, Bernhardt was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. The CCSAA, based in New Hampshire, is the trade association representing operators of cross-country ski facilities throughout North America. Berhardt has served as a Board Member of the CCSAA for two years. At this year's conference, Bernhardt made a presentation on the cross-country ski trail lighting project undertaken by the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, the first phase of a planned five-kilometer lighted trail which opened last December. The lighting is one aspect of the major upgrading of infrastructure which is part of the World Cup plans.
World Cup celebrations in Greater Vernon begins with Opening Ceremonies as part of Downtown Vernon's Christmas Light Up on Saturday, December 3, followed by a full week of festivities leading up to the races at Soverign Lake December 10 and 11.
"In addition to the preparing to host ski races, volunteers from around British Columbia and the host communities of Vernon and Coldstream are busy planning creative activities such as a Downtown Christmas Traditions Light Up and Opening Ceremonies, Festival on the Hill, Performing Arts Showcase and Ski Camps," said Oswald-Felker, Chair of the World Cup Event Organizing Committee. "There will be entertainment for the spectators throughout the race days in town and on the hill. Bring your skis! Ski the beautiful new trails and join in the pure excitement. There will be fun for the whole family."