The Largest Adaptive Snowbording Championship in Canada

Grouse Mountain in British Columbia to host major event for snowboarders with physical disabilities organized by Canadian Snowboard Federation.

(West Vancouver, BC – January 28, 2009) The Canadian Snowboard Federation (CSF) will host the largest ever National Adaptive Snowboarding Championships on January 29th at Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, British Columbia where athletes from five nations will compete for the title

The one-day, night event will feature top Canadian and international snowboarders with physical disabilities in a one-rider version of snowboardcross. The one-rider version of snowboardcross, also called a sling-shot format, consists of the best three time trial runs to crown the Canadian champion.

“We are very excited to stage this largest event in our history. This is a sign that our efforts to develop the sport are generating results,” said Tom McIllfaterick, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Snowboard Federation. “We are also delighted that Grouse Mountain have made their facilities available to us, and share our commitment to providing opportunities of this nature”.

In 2008, the CSF became a world leader by hosting the first ever adaptive snowboarding world cup in Whistler, British Columbia. The international event made history by introducing classification concepts for the first time in the history of the sport around the globe.

“Our goals for the sport is to increase awareness, increase the participation of young riders and build a base which will ultimately allow its inclusion in the Paralympic Winter Games,” continues McIllfaterick.

The CSF recognizes the significant interest in making the sport accessible to persons with disabilities and, as the national governing body for the sport of snowboarding, is addressing this interest through various initiatives within the Canadian Adaptive Snowboard Program.

“As we move onwards, we aim to continue developing the sport through strong policies, procedures, and resources. We have, as well, taken a leadership role internationally in discussions with the International Paralympic Committee, the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS), and the World Snowboard Federation” added McIllfaterick.

Adaptive snowboarding refers to a modified version of the sport, with changes in equipment, rules, and technical specifications that enable persons with physical disabilities to participate in both recreational and competitive activities

Adaptive snowboard events include male and female athletes with a physical disability such as spinal injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, or visual impairments. Athletes compete based on their functional ability, allowing athletes with different disabilities to compete against each other.

The CSF’s philosophy for adaptive snowboarding is to have it fully integrated with the delivery of programs and activities for able-bodied participants of the sport. Adaptive snowboarding is currently integrated into Vision 2020: The Long Term Athlete Development Plan for Snowboarding, and into the Canadian Snowboard Coaching Program.

–canadian snowboard federation–

ABOUT THE CANADIAN SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
The Canadian Snowboard Federation (CSF) is the governing body for the sport of snowboarding in Canada. Committed to high performance excellence in World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic Winter Games competition, the CSF provides a wide range of programs and support services based on established principles of long term athlete development, for all levels of snowboarding ability.

The CSF advocates a brand of winter exhilaration that provides opportunity from park to podium and promotes self expression and individuality in the pursuit of personal excellence. For more information on the services and programs offered by the CSF, please visit: www.csf.ca.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Guy Napert-Frenette
Manager, Communications
Canadian Snowboard Federation
403-614-4275
guynf@csf.ca