Story
The 2008 Short Track Speed Skating selection event received $7,500 from Hosting BC. Thirty-two athletes competed for the right to represent Canada on the 2008/09 World Cup Short Track Speed Skating Circuit. Athletes, aged 18-27, came from six provinces and territories to compete in front of 2,000 spectators. Eighty volunteers supported the event.
The event allowed local coaches to be mentored by national team coaches. Twenty skaters, not on the national team, were able to compete with Canada's best and one skater, Jessica Hewitt from BC, earned a place on the national team.
There were 1,200 hotel room nights booked and an overall economic impact estimated at $130,000. Volunteers upgraded their skills and were able to serve at the World Cup that followed the selection event. Also, organizers worked with facility managers and were able to make adjustments prior to the World Cup and the 2010 Winter Games. Equipment purchased for the selection event was used at the World Cup.
