The Western Canadian Para Alpine Championships took place March 13-16 on Panorama Mountain, B.C. For the Vancouver Island Society of Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS) this was their first race of the season as a team and by far the farthest the team has ever been.
“After a long, eventful journey through breathtaking scenery,” said VISAS alpine ski racer Melle Pemble, “where we saw a lone wolf, which is supposed to be very lucky, and narrowly missing three Big-Horned sheep that sprang out from nowhere, we arrived at last, driving up the long twisting road to Panorama.”
For the "Building Our Best" camp the VISAS race team was raring to go. On camp days the team of three skiers and one snowboarder were out early training in both Slalom and Giant Slalom (GS). “The Rocky Mountains were truly majestic,” added Pemble, “and racers came from far and wide, the farthest being from New Brunswick.” The regional teams had two days of racing alongside the provincial B.C. and Alberta Teams.
“It was super to ski and train with them all,” said Pemble. “As a team we have endless laughter and create everlasting memories and friendships. We are so looking forward to our next adventure together.”
Three VISAS racers were on the podium with Melle Pemble taking gold in Slalom and gold in GS, Joe Grubweiser with silver in both Slalom and GS, and Ron Greenhorn winning bronze in both events. Bazz Petropoulos, VISAS snowboard racer, completed the GS on a very challenging course.
VISAS’s race team would like to thank the following major sponsors: Ski Tak Hut, Dr. Colleen Clancy and Thrifty Foods (downtown Courtenay store) for their support. “We also would have never made the journey to Panorama without the financial and organizational support of the racers' friends and family members,” said VISAS race team coach Jen Bowlby.
A special thanks goes to team volunteer parents Linda and Oscar Grubweiser and Rachel Pemble, and VISAS head coach Tom Clark. The team gratefully acknowledges the fantastic support they receive from Mount Washington Alpine Resort where they train every Sunday."
VISAS is always interested in hearing from potential racers who would benefit from ski improvement opportunities or lessons through the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports. Visit www.visasweb.ca or its Facebook page for more information.
– Vancouver Island Society of Adaptive Snowsports