Tom Velisek & Stephanie Haines on the podium at the 18th Annual Neil Edgeworth Banked Slalom at Big White, March 22, 2015.
Image Credit: Big White Ski Resort
March 25, 2015 - 2:54 PM
KELOWNA - A Kelowna woman walked away with a trophy, and bragging rights, after earning the fastest time in the ladies portion of the biggest annual banked slalom snowboarding event in British Columbia.
A total of 265 participants raced in 20 different categories as Big White Ski Resort once again hosted the Annual Neil Edgeworth Banked Slalom, now in its 18th year. The event, which ran March 21 to 22, is designed to emphasize fun and friendship and attracts participants of all ages, with a range of five to 64 years old this year, according to a media release from the resort.
Stephanie Haines, a 27-year-old woman from Kelowna, took the fastest time for the ladies at 1:23:30. She had to work hard for the win because the turnout for women was particularly strong this year, according to the release. As well, the number of families attending was also at an all-time high.
B.C.'s Tom Velisek, 34, took the best time for men at 1:18:71.
Each entrant was allowed two official timed runs, one on each day of the event. More than $20,000 worth of prizes were handed out to participants, including snowboards and longboards, guitars, helmet and apparel.
“The soul of the sport definitely rang true at this year’s gathering,” Big White Ski Resort's director of terraine parks and outdoor events Flynn Seddon says. “Everyone lives with a piece of this event embedded in them. Next year promises to be even bigger and we’re already looking forward to it.”
Competitor at the 18th Annual Neil Edgeworth Banked Slalom event held at Big White Ski Resort, March 21-22, 2015.
Image Credit: Big White Ski Resort
News from © iNFOnews, 2015