Prince George, Canada set to host 2019 Nordic Worlds

“The first-ever World Championship in Prince George – I like the way that sounds,”

World Para Nordic Skiing, Cross Country Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee are pleased to announce that the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club in Prince George, British Columbia, has been chosen as the host site for the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships.

Approximately 140 athletes from over 20 countries will travel to Prince George to compete in Para cross-country skiing and biathlon events.

The event will mark the first World Championship held in the city of Prince George. In 2015, the city successfully hosted the 2015 Canada Winter Games, the country’s largest domestic multisport event. Now, it is set to welcome the world.

“The first-ever World Championship in Prince George – I like the way that sounds,” said Lyn Hall, Mayor of Prince George. “Thank you to World Para Nordic Skiing for recognising that Prince George is a special place with world-class venues, world-class volunteers, and world-class experiences for athletes. We look forward to welcoming you in February 2019.”

“Less than a year after the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships in Prince George will be a fantastic opportunity to expose Canadians to world class competition,” added Karen O’Neill, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “Fans can expect to see many established stars from PyeongChang, as well as new athletes with great potential, competing in Prince George in 2019.”

Canada has a rich history in Para Nordic skiing. Brian McKeever has won 13 Paralympic medals in three Games, including 10 gold, the most ever by a Canadian winter Paralympian. His brother and original guide, Robin, is now a national coach in the sport.

Added Erica Hummel, CEO of Tourism Prince George: “We are thrilled that this high profile event is coming to Prince George, creating further recognition that we are succeeding in building a reputation as a world-class sport hosting destination. We’re looking forward to showcasing our northern city and creating the warm hosting atmosphere we’re known for here in Prince George.”

The local Nordic skiing community has been working towards an event like this for many years.

“This is a terrific milestone for our club and we surely wouldn’t be making an exciting announcement like this one today without our members and amazing volunteers,” said Kevin Pettersen, Chair of the Local Organising Committee. “Hosting this World Championship in 2019 is a natural progression from hosting the Canada Winter Games and the facility improvements we made at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. I’m tremendously honoured to be leading the Organising Committee for the World Para Nordic Skiing Championships and can’t wait to make it happen!”

About Prince George: Located in central British Columbia, Prince George is a city of 72,000 positioned at the confluence of rivers, highways, and railways. Prince George is emerging as a premier sport-hosting destination. Over the last three years alone, the City has hosted more than 8,000 athletes involved with competitions at the provincial level or higher. This included the 2015 Canada Winter Games, which attracted nearly 3,300 athletes. The Otway Nordic Centre features 55km of trails, a world-class biathlon range, and on-site technical facilities.