ALPINE:

Top young racers hone skills at IRIS Vision to the Top camp

April 5, 2011 — Alpine Canada  

Canada’s best young ski racers are gathering in Whistler, B.C., this week as part of their preparations for a season-ending, international-level competition.

The IRIS Vision to the Top ski camp, which takes place from April 4-7 ahead of the 2011 Whistler Cup, brings together the top K2 (13- and 14-year-old) racers and coaches from across Canada.

The camp is a key benchmark for the next generation of Canadian ski racers, some of whom were selected for the Whistler Cup based on their performances at the 2011 President's Choice K2 Canadian Championships in Collingwood, Ont., in March.

"We are bringing the best K2-age skiers from Canada together," said Alpine Canada national director Jean-François Rapatel. "It will be one of the first times these athletes have had the chance to represent their country in an international competition. It's an important part of their development into future elite athletes. It's also a good opportunity for coaches to meet and work alongside their peers from across Canada."

The camp is sponsored by IRIS The Visual Group, Canada's largest eyecare provider with more than 170 locations nationwide. It will offer training and development programs to skiers. There will also be time trials to determine the Canadian team for the Whistler Cup, which takes place from April 8-10.

"At IRIS our goal is to help people experience better vision," said optometrist Dr. Francis Jean, president and CEO of IRIS. "Vision can also mean seeing the challenges ahead and realizing your dreams. We are extremely proud to support these young athletes and future champions as they come together at IRIS Vision to the Top."

Alpine Canada will announce the names of the athletes participating in the IRIS ski camp and the Whistler Cup later this week. The Canadian team will attempt to win the overall Whistler Cup title for the fourth time in five years. The Whistler Cup features K1 and K2 age-group ski racers.