Multisports Championshps to attract 5,000 athletes
Michael Brown is apologizing in advance for anyone inconvenienced by this summer’s 2017 ITU World Multisports Championshps.
“We are going to piss you off,” said the event’s race director at a VIP event held Thursday at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
“If you can’t get out of your driveway or your business is blocked, these things are inevitable and we apologize in advance and thank you for your co-operation.”
That’s one of the small sacrifices required to stage such an event which will involve 5,000 athletes from around the globe in various world championships the week of Aug. 18-27, Brown said.
“There will be six world championships in 10 days, nothing like this has been attempted before. We have to tear down one race every day, transition, and start a brand new race the next day. It’s a testament to our team and how hard they will have to work.”
Brown said the various courses will cover different areas of the city and region promising if residents in one area of the city are inconvenienced, it probably won’t happen a second time.
“You won’t feel that impact for seven days in a row,” he promised. “We are designing courses which are both challenging and scenic and will show off different areas of our region. It won’t be the same streets being used for five days in a row.”
Brown said the event will promote four areas of commerce on its website: shopping, activity, food, and beer and wine and is hoping the business community becomes actively involved.
“The athletes are not coming in for one day, they will be here in advance and they will be sticking around and most of them are bringing their families. Once they’re done racing the next thing on their mind is what winery they will visit.”
Community events will include two athlete parades and a Red and White Canada 150th party.
“We’re hoping every single resident of Penticton comes out and supports the events. It’s not just a festival about the athletes. It’s a festival about Penticton. We’re all working on creating that special moment and memory that will stay with people forever. We want people 50 years from now to tell their greatgrandchildren about Penticton 2017.”
Numbers change daily but, at the moment, “are where we want them to be,” Brown said.
The festival received a boost of $220,000 in funding from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.
Earlier this year the City of Penticton has committed a total of $250,000 which includes both cash and in-kind services.
According to Penticton MLA Dan Ashton, the event is expected to generate $7.9 million of economic activity in B.C.
“Penticton has had a long history with the sport of triathlon. The ITU World Multisport Championships will provide global exposure to Penticton’s natural beauty and unique landscape for triathlons and multisport events,” Ashton said. “Our government is investing in this sports event as it will highlight the hospitality of the Okanagan, generate millions in revenue and create jobs both locally and provincially.”
Also unveiled on Thursday was a painting by local artist Ken Gillespie. Prints will be available of his original painting.
“The significant is to show the world what an amazing place Penticton is through art,” Brown said. “Culture is a big part of the festival and this is one of those pieces. Dignitaries, athletes and spectators can take a print home with them to always remember their time in Penticton.”
For additional information, go online to www.penticton2017.com.