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Silver lining to a tough ski season for KAR
Mackenzie Investments today announced that, after a thrilling race to the finish, teams representing Kimberley Alpine Resort (KAR) and Adanac Ski Hill (Sudbury, ON) tied for first place in Mackenzie Investments’ second annual Mackenzie Top Peak contest.
Each will receive $50,000 to invest in local community projects.
Teams representing Sommet Saint- Sauveur (QC), Fernie Alpine Resort (BC) and Mont Blanc (QC) placed third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Top Peak is a national competition that seeks to identify one special ski community that exemplifies the Top Peak mantra: “Be Invested. On and Off the Hill.” This year’s program, which featured 68 teams from across the country, offered a hybrid model of live programming in an effort to rally Canadian ski communities for a chance to win $50,000 to put towards a local, community initiative – not to mention bragging rights for winning the coveted Mackenzie Top Peak “Crown.”
“We’re thrilled at the spirit all the teams displayed as they came together this year to not just compete, but to also celebrate the sport they love and support their local communities,” said Barry McInerney, President and CEO, Mackenzie Investments. “In a race that was truly too close to call, the judging panel felt that both Team Adanac and Team Kimberley were deserving co-winners for their exceptional efforts and enthusiasm.”
McInerney noted that Kimberley Alpine Resort and Adanac Ski Hill faced a variety of challenges they had to overcome this ski season, including the ongoing impact of the pandemic and, in the case of Kimberley, a fire that destroyed their main chair lift.
Both winners plan to put their prize earnings toward facility and equipment upgrades that will benefit their local ski communities.
Team Kimberley will be helping expand access to future ski programs and upgrade their club’s training equipment.
Team Adanac is earmarking their funds to help in the construction of a multipurpose ski shack to house equipment, facilitate races and act as a supplemental area for athletes.
The winning teams were determined in part by total points accumulated throughout the season based on votes accumulated, weekly challenge participation and social media posts and in part by an expert panel of judges representing Mackenzie and the ski community, including Manuel Osborne-Paradis (four time Olympian and World Cup Champion) and Brittany Phelan (Olympic silver medalist in ski cross).
“I was honoured to have been part of the judging panel and I’d like to thank all of the teams for their enthusiasm, dedication and engagement,” said Osborne-Paradis. “It was a tremendous sophomore year for Top Peak, and we look forward to many more exciting seasons!”
Last season, the team from Mont Ste-Marie (QC) was awarded the top prize by Mackenzie and invested $50,000 to improve public access to its ski hill, expanding the children’s racing program and enhancing safety and hill facilities.
“Congratulations to Kimberley Alpine Team for this incredible win. Darin Welch… it must feel great now that the effort is rewarded,” stated City of Kimberley Mayor Don McCormick.
Darin Welch played a pivotal role in KAR achieving this goal.
This year over 69 teams registered for the contest, with over 1,000 people signing up to participate and rally their organizations, resulting in 564,890 total points earned
To learn more about Mackenzie Top Peak and to view highlights from the competition, please visit: www.mackenzietoppeak.ca.
Kimberley Alpine Resort file photo
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