Ryan Moffat (Photo Credit: Pat Bezenar)
Huge congratulations to Ryan Moffat of the Okanagan Zone Team and Big White Racers for qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games after the Alpine Insurance Tech series this week!
Moffatt put together a pair of solid performances in the slalom and giant slalom events, placing second and third to secure one of the four spots available on Team Canada. Rounding out Canada’s alpine team are Justin Alkier and Ali Nullmeyer from Ontario and Invermere's Amelia Smart, formerly of Vernon.
Chilliwack's Reece Howden trains with the Okanagan Ski Team. He'll compete in ski cross events. Howden nailed down one of just two spots — one male and one female — on the Canadian ski cross team. Kimberley’s Zoe Chore will also represent her country.
Catherine Martin of Kelowna, the Okanagan Alpine zone chair, said having four of the six Team Canada members from B.C. was "very exciting."
“But having two of the four from the Okanagan Ski Team is an even greater accomplishment, and it speaks volumes as to the athletes’ work ethic, dedication and determination. We are very proud of them and their coach Derek Trussler.”
Martin noted that the Youth Olympic Games will give the teenage athletes the opportunity to learn about high-performance sport and meet Olympic champions and role models from around the world.
These promising young athletes from all over the world will gather in the Norwegian town of Lillehammer from February 12 to 21, 2016 for the second edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games.
The fairy tale scenery of Norway’s Oppland region will provide the backdrop for fantastic feats on the snow and ice at the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lillehammer 2016.