Story
The 2008 Samsung ISU Short Track World Cup event received $25,000 from Hosting BC. The event drew 82 athletes, aged 16-34, who came from 24 countries, including Latvia, Israel, and the Czech Republic as well as from four Canadian provinces and territories. There were upwards of 9,000 spectators at the event which was supported by 175 volunteers.
Local coaches were mentored by national coaches and eight local clubs had skaters attend the event to witness elite athletes in action and see the results of committed training. Economic impact includes 1,200 hotel room nights booked with an overall impact estimated at $130,000. Extensive media coverage raised the profile of the sport and organizers say the event offered the public a valuable preview of the 2010 Winter Games.
