Victoria’s Bear Mountain continues its commitment to young athletes
Victoria, British Columbia, September 26, 2006… Victoria swimmer Karley Stutzel is buoyed by a $10,000 contribution by Bear Mountain Resort in support of her athletic endeavors.
Stutzel is currently training for the 10 km event in open water distance swimming at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Stutzel is one of only four Canadian competitors in the open water distance event.
“I was moved by Karley’s commitment to her sport,” says Len Barrie, CEO of Bear Mountain Resort, a former NHL hockey player turned real estate entrepreneur, and part time hockey coach. “We recognize how difficult it is for these young athletes to keep up with the financial demands of competition.”
“I’m so honoured by Bear Mountain's support,” says Stutzel. “It will truly go a long way to help me with my training and travel expenses.”
The 24-year-old Stutzel, who recently completed a BSc in Biology at the University of Victoria, had been holding down two part-time jobs – one at a preschool and another as a cashier at her local recreation centre. But a demanding training and competition regime necessitates extensive – and expensive – traveling on her part. Since 2001, she has traveled to Fukuoka, Japan, where she placed fourth in the 10km race at the FINAWorld Aquatic Championships; Alexandria, Egypt, where she placed fourth in the 2002 World Cup event; and Dubai, UAE, where she 7th in the 5km and 9th in the 25km events at the FINA World Open Water Swimming Championships. This fall, Stutzel competes for Canada in a World Cup tour that includes stops in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Portugal.
“We’ll be rooting for Karley as she represents Canada – and Victoria – on the world stage,” says Barrie. “Bear Mountain is a proud supporter of local athletes, and we follow each and every one of them with great interest.”
The resort’s and Barrie’s record of commitment to local sport include title sponsorship of the Bear Mountain Arena, ownership of the BCHL Grizzlies and numerous contributions to minor hockey.