Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 24 September 2012 02:33
Vernon and other cities vying for Ironman Canada now have to wait about two weeks to find out who is chosen the new host. The city will officially submit its bid to the World Triathlon Corporation today. It will be up against the likes of Kamloops and Kelowna for the event which has been estimated to have an economic impact of more than $10 million. It's attracted 2,500 athletes the few years In Penticton which is changing to the Challenge event, citing a better deal for the city. Vernon businessman Akbal Mund, who led the organizing for the 2012 BC Winter Games, sees two sides if Vernon is successful in landing the race. "I know there is an economic impact that will help all business. My only fear is this is an unknown in the first year, going up against another event on the same weekend in another city (Penticton)." Funtastic's executive director Jim McEwan feels it's great for the community, even though he agrees, there will be unknowns in the first year. "You're going to find there's things we didn't expect like costs and personnel, and I think we'll find out afterwards what has to happen for years two, three and four, but I think it's great for the community." Councillor Brian Quiring feels it will be a huge boost for the local economy, and getting up to 4,000 volunteers won't be a problem. "A lot of the volunteers come from outside the region because it gives you preference for a position in the race the following year, so there's some incentive for being an volunteer." The World Triathlon Corporation will announce the winning city October 10th.
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