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The 2008 Continental Cup and FIS Cup Ski Jump events received $15,000 from Hosting BC. Held at Whistler's Olympic Park, the event drew 50 athletes aged 13-30, from nine countries including Norway, Finland, and the Czech Republic as well as ski jumpers from BC and Alberta. They competed in front of 4,000 spectators and 200 volunteers supported the event.
As host nation for the Continental Cup, Canada was able to enter up to 16 athletes, double the usual number, providing significantly greater opportunity for Canadian athletes. Organizers said experience on the Olympic venue as well as the chance to compete internationally without significant travel expense was extremely valuable to Canadian athletes. Direct economic and tourism benefits included 1,000 hotel room night bookings and increased revenue for Squamish and Whistler hospitality businesses. National media coverage raised the profile of the area and will contribute to future sport and other tourism. Volunteers and officials upgraded skills to international levels to form an experienced resource pool for future major events.
