Calgary, Alta. (November 30, 2016) – The Alpine Canada Rising Stars program offers Canada’s next generation of alpine superstars, a pathway to the podium and success on the world stage. The Rising Stars project is designed to give emerging U16 athletes an opportunity to immerse themselves in early season training while increasing their ski racing knowledge and building skills necessary to continue on the path to success. Many Rising Star athletes will have the opportunity to compete at international races, including Topolino, Italy and St. Moritz, Switzerland. Athletes will also have the chance to compete against their peers from around the world on home snow at the annually held Whistler Cup race. 

The Alpine Canada 2016 U16 Rising Stars camp is scheduled to take place on snow at Panorama Mountain Resort, December 2nd through 9th. Athletes will be joined by some of Canada’s best U16 coaches giving athletes an unprecedented opportunity to take their skiing to the next level. Athletes will also enjoy nightly team meetings, technical presentations and video reviews with some of the country’s top coaches. 

Coaches will work with all the athletes throughout strategic training environments, including dryland components, providing them with opportunities to further enhance and develop their knowledge and skill set.

“We are excited to get the best athletes from the entire country together to challenge themselves against their peers,” said Dusan Grasic, Alpine Canada Domestic Director. “We are looking forward to watching future World Cup stars as they take part in this unique opportunity to meet racers from across the country and forge new friendships. We are hoping to give these driven young athletes an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Alpine Canada wishes to thank Rising Stars partners including, The Nic Zorcic (NZ) Foundation for awarding $500 to each attending athlete, Panorama Mountain Resort and World Cup Supply. 

Congratulations to all athletes selected to attend the 2016 U16 Rising Stars camp!

MEN:

Caeden Carruthers – NB

Aaron Puskas - ON

Griffin Hanson – ON

Wayne Howard – ON

Harrison Daniel – AB

Logan Dunn – AB

James Small – AB

Adam Matejko – AB

Kurt Wilde - AB 

Nathan Romanin – BC

Caele Kassa – BC

Gerrit van Soest – BC

Beckett Hooton – BC

LADIES:

Emily Todd – NS

Jayden Metcalfe - ON

Elizbeth Sullivan – ON

Emma Williamson – ON

Kiara Alexander – AB

Avery Lebsack – AB

Tora Hoshizaki – AB

Alyssa Hill -  AB

Cassidy Grey – AB

Maja Woolley – BC

Gigi Kranjc – BC

Charlize Street – BC

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-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 develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.

For further information or press inquiries, please contact Ashley Shantz at ashantz@alpinecanada.org or call (587) 226-3007.