Eastern Canadian Championships on this weekend at the Nakkertok Ski Centre
The “Next Generation” of Canadian athletes compete for the medals
Friday, February 3rd, marks the opening day of cross-country skiing’s Eastern Canadian Championships, at the Nakkertok Ski Centre. Six local athletes have qualified for the World Junior/U23 and Senior Championships, so will not be attending, but Évènements Nordiques Gatineau Nordic Events (ÉNGNE) will be organizing races, for the next generation of Canadian racers. The event is attracting over 650 skiers from across the country and will be an important competitive opportunity as the athletes prepare for the Canadian Championships to be held March 11th to 17th in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Orford’s Leo Grandbois will be a strong favourite in the men’s race after winning double gold in December’s Candy Cane Cup. Chelsea’s Mats Halvorsen a Nakkertok skier, should also be in the mix for medals. On the women’s side Chelsea Nordiq’s Tory Audet, Nakkertok’s Bronwyn Williams (Cantley), and her club teammate Katya Semeniuk (Ottawa) will be looking to share the podium. Williams and Audet split the gold medals in December and Semeniuk won gold at last year’s event.
Tourisme Outaouais and “Gatineau pour la vie” will once again be presenting sponsors for the event and their support has been essential for the success of many local ski events.
Athletes will vie for almost $12,000 of prize money, including $6,000 of the “Hall Mark of Excellence Program” and contributions from Ski de Fond Quebec, Cross Country Ontario and ÉNGNE. The Hall Mark of Excellence program was set up by former Canadian National Team coach Marty Hall, and his wife Kathy, to help with the development of skiing in Canada and the U.S.
Media are invited to attend the event February 3 to 5. Out of town racers will be arriving on Thursday, February 2. For onsite access during the event and detailed scheduling information, please use the contact information below.
For more information contact :
Anton Scheier media@engne.ca 613-601-8257
Marie-Pier Pelletier-Millette mariepierpm@gmail.com 819-593-1159