The BC School Sports High School Downhill Ski and Snowboard Provincials were held at Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR) from Feb. 29 to Mar. 3. There were 27 schools that participated in the event and came to Fernie from throughout the Province.
“[There were] 270 skiers and snowboarders,” said Jean Boyd, one of four organizers. “Racers were from Smithers, Vancouver and the Okanagan area, all over the province.”
Planning for the Provincials was started at the end of last summer to prepare for the four categories that took place over the three-day event. Categories included ski and snowboard giant slalom (GS) and ski and snowboard terrain cross.
The events could not have gone smoothly without help according to Boyd.
“Awesome results from the athletes and incredible work by our volunteers. We had about 40 volunteers per day and excellent support from FAR,” said Boyd. “I would say over the three days there were 80 volunteers total. Using about 40 volunteers per day, many people helped out on multiple days. A big thank you to Gail Adams our volunteer coordinator.”
According to event feedback, both competitors and coaches enjoyed themselves.
“Great weather and we had some awesome snow. Athletes and coaches loved Fernie,” said Boyd.
Fernie participants placed well at the event, with the Fernie Secondary Girls Snowboard Team coming in third in the GS category. Individually the school also did well. Keegan Street came first in Boys GS, Charlize Street came first in Girls GS, Emma Fyfe came second in Girls GS and eight overall for Boys Snowboard went to Sean Hardy.