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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Five Albertans

Alberta welcomes nearly 200 of world’s best biathletes in World Cup finals this week

Mar 14, 2024 | 5:34 PM

Alberta will welcome 198 of the world’s top biathletes from 25 countries for the BMW International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup season finals this week.

Government officials say that Alberta’s long-standing reputation as the premier destination for international sporting events continues as the Canmore Nordic Centre hosts its first IBU World Cup circuit final from March 14-17. The Centre has hosted many other international biathlon union races in the past as well as the 1988 Winter Olympics.

The event, organized by the Alberta Event Hosting Society for Biathlon, incorporates the endurance of cross-country skiing and precision of rifle shooting across six individual races, including sprint, pursuit and mass start competitions.

“We are excited to welcome the world’s best biathletes to the Canmore Nordic Centre’s for the IBU World Cup Circuit final. This is a great opportunity to showcase that Alberta is the premier winter sports destination, as millions of viewers around the world have their eyes glued to this event while athletes compete for the Crystal Globes,” said Ken Davies, event chair for the Alberta Event Hosting Society for Biathlon.

The Alberta government is providing $200,000 in funding toward the planning, staging and delivery of the competition.

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As top athletes, including five Albertans, compete for the prestigious Crystal Globes during the final biathlon event of the season, an estimated 5,000 spectators will flock to the province’s iconic Rocky Mountains. A global audience of upwards of 60 million is also expected to tune in.

Officials say the influx of visitors in the region will bolster hotel bookings and increase activity at local businesses resulting in a projected economic impact of $5 million over the four-day event.

“Following a busy February World Cup season in Alberta, we are primed to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world for the grand finale of the biathlon season. These events bring in millions of dollars to the host communities, creating jobs, supporting businesses and helping raise Alberta’s profile as THE place to visit, play and live,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport.

Follow the result on International Biathlon Union website.