Canada’s McKeever nominated for Laureus World Sports Award

CALGARY — From a glitzy awards ceremony in Monaco to the nordic trails of Prince George, B.C., Brian McKeever is in for a whirlwind week.

A winner of 13 Paralympic and 19 world championship gold medals in cross-country skiing, the 39-year-old from Canmore, Alta., is nominated for a Laureus World Sports Award.

McKeever will miss a pair of races at the world para-nordic championships that start Friday in Prince George in order to attend Monday’s ceremony at The Sporting Club Monte Carlo.

He will rejoin the host Canadian team in time to compete in two events before the world championships conclude Feb. 24.

“It’s a unique opportunity I felt I couldn’t miss and important enough ... to even miss a couple of the races at our world championships for this,” McKeever said.

Laureus presents awards in seven categories: sportswoman, sportsman, team, breakthrough, comeback, disability and action.

Past winners include Roger Federer, Usain Bolt, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Yao Ming, Michael Schumacher, Lindsey Vonn, the Chicago Cubs and FC Bayern Munich.

Laureus runs an academy and a foundation to promote social change and celebrate excellence through sport.

Sponsored by international luxury-brand companies, the annual gown and tux awards ceremony is the organization’s showcase.

Actor James Marsden is this year’s master of ceremonies.