ALPINE:

IRIS Vision to the Top camp preps racers for Whistler Cup

April 1, 2010 — Alpine Canada

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Some of Canada's elite young ski racers are in Whistler preparing for an introduction to international level competition as Alpine Canada concludes the 2009-10 season focused on developing future ski racing champions.

The IRIS Vision to the Top ski camp takes place April 4-7 in preparation for the 2010 Whistler Cup, bringing together the top K1 and K2 (11- to 14-year-olds) in Canada. The camp is considered a key benchmark for the next generation of Canadian ski racers, some of whom participated in last month's President's Choice Canadian K2 Championships at Collingwood, Ont.

"The athletes invited to participate in Whistler have been identified as elite skiers nationally for their age. The IRIS Vision to the Top ski camp focuses on having fun while building a team atmosphere within ski racers this age. The goal is to develop winning habits and provide a key introduction to the ski racer development process in Canada," said ACA National Development Director Benoit Lalande, the Canadian Whistler Cup team leader.

"These events also provide a unique opportunity for provincial-level coaches to communicate and share ideas with each other, resulting in a stronger and more unified program nationally," said Lalande.

The camp, sponsored by IRIS The Visual Group — Canada's largest eyecare provider, with more than 160 locations across the country — will include training and instruction, as well as time trials to determine the Canadian team at the Whistler Cup.

"Teamwork is an important part of the IRIS culture, and that's why we are extremely proud to support these young athletes and future champions as they come together as a team at IRIS Vision to the Top,” said IRIS President and CEO Dr. Francis Jean, optometrist.

Lalande also acknowledged the contributions of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, adding that the camp would not be possible without the club’s support on and off the slopes.

ACA will announce the Canadian team participating in the IRIS Vision to the Top ski camp and Whistler Cup later this week. The Canadian team will be defending its overall title for the second time in three years when the 2010 Whistler Cup kicks off April 9.  SRC