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The 2008 Ladies FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping event received $10,000 from Hosting BC. Held at Whistler Olympic Park, the event drew 30 athletes, aged 13-24, from nine countries including Austria, Slovenia, the US and from BC and Alberta. There were 2,000 spectators at the event that was supported by 200 volunteers.
The event gave Canadian athletes a chance to compete internationally without significant travel expense and to gain critical experience on an Olympic venue. As the host nation, Canada was able to enter up to eight jumpers, double the usual number, providing significantly greater opportunity for Canadian athletes. National media coverage gave considerable exposure to the area, contributing to future sport and other tourism. In addition, direct economic and tourism benefits included 1,000 hotel room nights booked and increased revenue for tourism and hospitality businesses in Squamish and Whistler. Officials and volunteers upgraded skills to international levels to form an experienced resource pool for future events. Sustainable community legacies include new timing technology.
