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Supporting Canadian Athletes

Across Canada, talented athletes are driven by the inspirational Olympic motto of “faster, higher, stronger.” Whether their dream is to compete in the Olympic or Paralympic Games or simply to be their best, this strategic objective is about providing support to help make those dreams come true. In doing so, Whistler will also be helping Canadian athletes reach the podium in 2010 and in years to come.

The municipality is developing a program in partnership with PacificSport to support emerging Canadian athletes by expanding access to Whistler training facilities beyond carded athletes.

Flexible high-school programs are designed for athletes who want to train in Whistler while continuing their studies. Whistler will show Canada's athletes that our community is solidly behind them through several programs: recognizing and celebrating local athletes and coaches; and an “Adopt an Athlete” program that supports Canadian athletes.

Because the competition venues were completed more than two years before the Games, Canadian athletes will be able to train extensively on the tracks and slopes on which they will ultimately compete for a medal.

The Whistler Sliding Centre – which will host the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events – will see more than 10,000 training runs on the track before the Olympic Games. As one of only four sliding centres in North America, and one of only 15 in the world, this access will provide Canadian athletes with a significant “home-field advantage.”

“We have the best of both worlds because the track is fast and technical. We had the best athletes in the sport trying it out to make sure it meets international standards. So far it's received high praise,” says Meaghan Simister, Canadian luge athlete.

Post Games, the track will become an attraction for resort visitors in summer and winter, and a facility for sport development and world-calibre events. It will be operated by the Whistler Legacies Society.

Key Deliverables

Athlete Access to Municipal Training Facilities
Expanded “Flexible School” Program
Program to Recognize Whistler Athletes/Coaches
Plan to Host a Canadian Coach Training Summit

Adopt a Canadian Athlete Program
Familiarization Plan for Canadian Athletes
Canadian Olympic Committee – Games-time Hosting Venue
Canadian Olympic/Paralympic Committee
Logistics Plan

“It is just phenomenal to be able to train and race in your hometown. Everyone is really excited to see how they can enjoy the venue, from the local Nordics Club to national athletes. ”

— Tyler Mosher, Whistler resident and member of the Canadian Para-Nordic Cross-Country Team

LINDSAY ALCOCK, TWO-TIME CANADIAN OLYMPIAN, SKELETON

“Standing at the top of the Whistler sliding track for the first time, I felt like a pioneer. I was going to be the second woman down this track and it filled me with a tremendous sense of pride – pride in myself, my country and all the organizations that actually made this facility a reality.

“I walked up the track, carefully examining the 16 curves that were already being called some of the toughest in world. Although I was a little intimidated, I knew that being here in March 2008 meant I could potentially get in 300 practice runs ahead of my 2010 competitors.

“And then I was in flight, hurtling down this monstrous track at over 130 kilometres per hour – striving to set an unofficial speed record. I could only imagine how fast I would travel when the track is in peak condition for the Games.

“I arrived at the bottom with a few new bruises – but with increased confidence. I looked back up at the 1,450 metres of track with a big smile, knowing what this will mean for my skills and my career – and recognizing the critical legacy that has been created for future athletes.”