Penticton cements reputation as premier multisport destination

PENTICTON — Penticton has won a bid to host the first ever ITU Multisport World Championships Festival.

The 10-day event, to be held in August 2017, will see 5,000 athletes compete in four separate World Championships: duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and the coveted global title for long-distance triathlon.

“There is no better place than Penticton for a multisport championship on this scale,” said Michael Brown, Executive Director, Penticton 2017 in a statement.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There is no better place than Penticton for a multisport championship on this scale," said Michael Brown, Executive Director, Penticton 2017 in a statement.

The international significance of Penticton 2017 means the region will welcome up to 5,000 athletes, thousands of spectators, media and members of the global triathlon family.

Organizers say the economic benefit to the region is expected to be in the millions. Brown says his team is working on a list of events that the community can participate in, and hopes to enlist the famous Penticton Volunteer Army to assist with the event.

“In Penticton we pride ourselves with not only stunning vistas of lakes, mountains, and vineyards throughout a legendary race course; but a very friendly supportive community and volunteer army of thousands,” said Penticton mayor Andrew Jakubeit.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "In Penticton we pride ourselves with not only stunning vistas of lakes, mountains, and vineyards throughout a legendary race course; but a very friendly supportive community and volunteer army of thousands," said Penticton mayor Andrew Jakubeit.

“Hosting the Canadian national championships this year and 2017 World Multi sport championships will bring economic activity to our community, which is a big part of our sports tourism strategy and a chance to showcase our region as a premier destination to invest, relax, train and play.”

The four world championship races were previously hosted in separate cities on different dates; however, the International Triathlon Union – the sport’s governing body – has brought all disciplines into a single venue to create a more exciting event, according to organizers.

“Penticton is special because of the long history of triathlon with the community. The people and the tradition of volunteerism in and support of sport,” says Les Pereira, President of Triathlon Canada. “We are very proud to be the first country to host this event. The sport of triathlon has its roots deeply entrenched in North America and much of it’s soul is in Canada.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Penticton is special because of the long history of triathlon with the community. The people and the tradition of volunteerism in and support of sport," says Les Pereira, President of Triathlon Canada. "We are very proud to be the first country to host this event. The sport of triathlon has its roots deeply entrenched in North America and much of it's soul is in Canada."

Michael Brown also owns and organizes the Challenge Penticton triathlon each year. Organizers say this means the local organizing team is familiar with the area, can leverage existing relationships and partnerships, and can use this year’s Challenge Penticton as a test event for the 2017 festival.