April 23/08 11:53 am - 2008 BC Provincial Team Announcement
Posted by Editoress on 04/23/08
B.C. Launches Provincial Team & Announces Sponsors
Courtesy Cycling BC
B.C. Provincial Team Launch - A Gathering of the Cycling Clans
"If you build it ... they will come." Okay, so the metaphors are mixing a bit here. This isn't baseball and it isn't Scotland. But it is pride, loyalty and dedication.
Cycling BC has built a provincial team to be proud of and when the team members were asked to come to Vancouver for an historic multi-discipline photo-shoot, like the clans of Scotland, they answered the call. The evening of April 22nd, 2008 saw forty-four Cycling BC Provincial Team riders, from up-and-coming riders to freshly qualified Olympic riders Zach Bell and Gina Grain, along with Team staff, gathered for the first annual Provincial Team Launch and photo shoot in Vancouver.
In a testament of respect for the hardworking staff at Cycling BC, cyclists from every discipline made tracks to Vancouver in response to a request from Richard Wooles, Head Provincial Coach and High Performance Director.
"There happened to be a big group of riders in town for some training and I wanted to take advantage of this before they all dispersed." says Wooles, "The team has grown considerably this year and I felt this might be the last opportunity to take such a shot before everyone heads off to all corners of Canada and the globe to compete."
Downhill riders flew in from a race in California and made straight for the meeting. More came from the Island and the Sunshine Coast. One young rider drove more than six and a half hours for the team photo, and when asked why he would do such a thing, he responded
"I believe in what is happening here, and I want to do my part in any way I can. I get my payback every day in the free coaching, help with travel costs, and the expertise the team has to offer me. It just keeps getting better and better."
"This is a big day for cycling in BC," said Steve Lund, Provincial Team Coach. "Never before do I recall the six groups (Road, Downhill, BMX, Cross-Country, Track and Cyclocross) all in one place at the same time for such a momentous event. It is very exciting to see."
Wooles believes that this event is indeed something special - to have brought the team to one of such breadth and depth within such a short period has taken a remarkable effort, which could not have happened without the assistance from the Province of BC, generous private sponsors, the Canadian Sport Center Pacific, volunteers and staff.
"We are here today to say a big thank you," adds Wooles. "My career in cycling has taken me around the world and I assure you, we have some unbelievable talent here in BC. We are trying to build a solid foundation upon which all disciplines of riders can realize their full potential in the rewarding sport of cycling."
Cycling BC Provincial Team Announces Sponsors for 2008
Cycling BC is excited to be able to take our Provincial Team to a new level with the help of a number of enthusiastic new and returning sponsors.
It is with great pleasure that we're able to announce Haywood Securities Inc. as a Platinum sponsor. On behalf of everyone involved, we'd like to thank them for their generous support, which will allow us to develop our programs from Youth upwards to be the best in the country, and the world in the years ahead. There are people within this company with a shared vision for developing sport on all levels. From the riders in BC and Canada, we thank them.
Continuing their support from previous years are Adera Group and Atac Sportswear, both of whom are Gold sponsors this year. It's rewarding to keep existing sponsors, and we thank them for their continued generosity and support. They have made a huge difference to where we are today as a Provincial Team.
Coming in as a Silver sponsor is Fab-All Manufacturing. They have been a huge help in the early stages of fundraising, providing professional advice that was greatly appreciated. The company is committed to helping us develop the sport of cycling in the years ahead.
H&R Block has expanded their support of cycling to include our Provincial Team, coming in as a new Bronze sponsor. This company already does a huge amount for the sport of cycling across the country, and we are proud to be involved with them.
A number of companies have come on board as Champion Suppliers; Wheelbuilder.com, La Bicicletta Pro Bike Shop, Active Life Physiotherapy, and BBB Bike Parts. Without their help, the wheels, bikes, bodies, and parts wouldn't keep moving. We thank them for their generous support.
Within these companies, the enthusiasm for sport and giving back is outstanding and inspirational, and I know our developing riders will truly see the benefit of having such a committed group behind them. From everyone involved, we must say a big thank you again.
Support the dreams of BC's young cyclists in one of the following ways:
1. Make a tax-deductible charitable donation to Cycling BC - High Performance Team via Sport BC Sports Trust Funder
2. Buy Cycling BC Team Clothing from Atac Sportswear
3. Help us Build a Better Future by sponsoring Cycling BC's Provincial Team
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