FasterSkier

Tag: Project Podium

  • Cross Country Canada Launches Unique Project Podium Initiative

    Cross Country Canada Launches Unique Project Podium Initiative

    Ski to the Podium with Canada’s Cross-Country Ski Athletes

    —Cross Country Canada Launches unique Project Podium fundraising initiative—

     (Press release)

    CANMORE, Alta.—Fresh off one of the most successful seasons in the history of the program, Cross Country Canada is giving fans the opportunity to ski with its athletes to the international podium, thanks to Project Podium.

    Widely recognized that high-performance athletes need financial backing to succeed at the international level, Project Podium takes fundraising to a new level by bringing partners on the snow for lessons and ski tips with National Team athletes, and VIP, behind-the-scenes access at international and domestic World Cup events in addition to hosting at the 2014 Olympic WinterGames.

    “There is no doubt there is increased excitement for winter sport in Canada, and we want to give passionate race fans the opportunity to have a special experience by bringing them closer to our National Team, while enabling Cross Country Canada to fully deliver the resources our athletes require to achieve excellence,” said Davin MacIntosh, CEO of Cross Country Canada.

    Interested fans can buy into one of two membership levels. Tied to the Olympic cycle, a gold membership starting in 2012 will consist of a two-year commitment at $10,000 (tax receipt provided) each year. Members will receive: official National Team clothing packages; VIP passes and hosting for international and domestic World Cup events; VIP hosting at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games; ski days, lessons and tours of Cross Country Canada’s Regional Training Centres led by National Team athletes; invitations to regional events with National Team athletes; along with a Cross Country Canada communications package.

    A silver level membership can be purchased for an annual contribution of $2,500. In return, members will receive a National Team jacket, VIP passes for domestic World Cup events, ski lessons and a tour at one of Cross Country Canada’s Regional Training Centres, and a communications package.

    “Project Podium is about so much more than just financial support,” said MacIntosh. “We know it takes a community to build Olympic and World Champions, and it is our goal to connect our partners directly with our National Team of athletes, coaches and staff.”

    With less than 500 days remaining until the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the unique fundraising initiative comes on the heels of one of the organization’s most successful seasons. Canada’s World Cup athletes skied to an unprecedented 14 World Cup medals highlighted by Devon Kershaw becoming the first Canadian male to finish second in the overall World Cup standings. The four athletes on the Para-Nordic Ski Team combined for 21 IPC World Cupmedals with Mark Arendz, Chris Klebl and Brian McKeever winning six medals each.

    “Our success on the world stage has inspired a new generation of promising young skiers, with a growth in participation at all levels of thesport across the country,” added MacIntosh. “With record results at the elite level, steady growth in participation rates, and the Olympic and ParalympicGames just around the corner, we believe there has never been a more important time to support cross-country skiing in Canada. Our time is now, and we look forward to having fans help us make history.”

    For more information on Project Podium, please contact Matthew Jeffries at mjeffries@cccski.com, or visit us at www.cccski.com.

    Cross Country Canada is the governing body of cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal winter sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 55,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities, including those on Canada’s National Ski Teams and Para-Nordic Ski Teams. With the support of its valued corporate partners – Haywood Securities Inc., AltaGas,. Canadian Pacific and Statoil – along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee and Own the Podium, Cross Country Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Cross Country Canada, please visit us at www.cccski.com.

  • FS Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    FS Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

    FS Holiday Gift Guide

    Over the course of the next week we will be running a holiday gift guide to help you with your holiday shopping for the Nordic skiers in your life. Each installment will feature products in a different price range. First up are some great ideas under twenty dollars. Feel free to use the comment section to share your own ideas!

    Toko Carbon GripSpray
    Toko Carbon GripSpray

    MSRP: $13.00

    Klister skiing can be one of the true pleasures of life – perfect kick and perfect glide! But application can be another matter. Toko’s GripWax sprays are an effective, quick alternative to the heat gun and tube. A great gift for the person who laments the fact that every time the conditions call for klister, he/she goes skating.

    Individual GripSpray waxes are available here.

    Bold Beautiful Biathlon
    Bold Beautiful Biathlon

    MSRP: $20 (Canadian)

    Support the Canadian Women’s Biathlon team by purchasing this calendar. The profits go directly to funding their training and competition expenses up until the 2010 Olympics. The calendar, featuring tasteful nude photos, runs a full 14 months and details the team’s race schedule through the Vancouver Olympic Games.

    This product is available here.

    Cross Country Ski Touring Santa Claus Ornament

    Cross Country Ski Touring Santa Claus Ornament

    MSRP: $10.95

    No cross-country ski enthusiast’s Christmas tree is complete without the Ski Touring Santa Claus Ornament! The intricately detailed skiing Santa will ensure everyone knows of your passion for Nordic skiing.

    This product was recommended by Skinny Skis and is available here.

    Swix Groove Pencil
    Swix Groove Pencil

    MSRP: $5.95

    A perfect stocking stuffer and an essential tool for the wax box. Easy removal of glide wax from the groove.

    This product was recommended by Skinny Skis and is available here.

    Rode Kick Wax

    Rode Kick Wax

    MSRP: $10.00

    There are aren’t many “must have” kick waxes, but Rode Multigrade Violet should have a place in every wax box, and Blue Super ranks high as well. Broad ranges and high performance are the hallmarks of Rode waxes.

    This product is available here.

    SIGG Classic Water Bottle
    SIGG Classic Water Bottle

    MSRP: $18.00

    Stylish AND functional, SIGG water bottles are extruded from a single piece of aluminum. Available in numerous colors and patterns. These bottles became very popular with the BPA plastic scare.

    This product is available directly from SIGG US here. and from REI here.

    2009 Project Podium Calendar
    2009 Project Podium Calendar

    MSRP: $10.00

    Another calendar option – this one featuring more skiing and less skin. All proceeds go to help Canadian skiers target the podium. Features photos of the top racers in Canada, including Chandra Crawford and Devon Kershaw, and lists the 2008-09 Canadian national race calendar.

    This product is available here.

    Start Grip Tape
    Start Grip Tape

    MSRP: $17.00

    Create your own waxless classic skis – one application of GripTape lasts for up to 250 kilometers and works in a full range of snow conditions. Another great option for simplifying classic ski preparation for those with time constraints! Also a good option for long classic races with highly variable conditions. No waxing tools, No Heating/Ironing – No need to re-apply between uses or remove for storage – Temperature range (+5°C to 20°C) – All snow conditions: klister, ice, powder, abrasive, etc.

    This product is available here.

    Bridgedale Bjorndalen Race Sock

    Bridgedale Bjorndalen Race Sock

    MSRP: $19.99

    The Cross Country Bjørndalen was designed with the help of World Champion Norweigan Biathlete Ole Einar Bjorndalen. Light-weight and breathable, yet warm, this wool/synthetic mix is a perfect race sock. These socks do not hinder your feel for the snow, but are plenty warm, and the wool content keeps them from getting smelly!

    Says Bjorndalen, “I am always having problems with keeping my feet warm and comfortable after heavy training and competition,” he said. “I get sweaty, and when I stop I get cold. I brought the problem up with the Norwegian importer of Bridgedale, and the cooperation to develop the perfect sock began.”

    This product is available here.

    Swix BP Combi Brush
    Swix BP Combi Brush

    MSRP: $24.00 on sale for $19.99

    Combo “Turbo” Brush. Cork and Nylon. This is a handy brush, that some World Cup Technicians use at the race start site for second-run or in between sprints Cera F application. Perfect for the quick application of any solid Cera F product.

    This product is available here.

    Road ID
    Road ID

    MSRP: 19.99

    We never want to consider that a friend or family member might be in a serious accident while training, but rollerskiing, biking and even running can be very dangerous. The Road ID is an identification bracelet (models for ankle, wrist, and shoe are available) listing emergency contact info and important medical information that is worn while training. If the unthinkable does occur this is a way that emergency personnel can be sure to have necessary info. While not the most jolly of gifts, it could be the most important you ever give. Available in multiple colors.

    This product is available here.