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Morning gStar
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Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012
P R O U D L Y
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N O R T H
O K A N A G A N
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Dreams of Ironman glory cut short RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Competitors had barely hit the course running when Vernon’s vision of victory stumbled. Just four days after submitting a bid, the City of Vernon learned late Friday that it was not short-listed to host Ironman Canada for 2013 to 2017. “We thought this fits Vernon,” said Kevin Poole, economic development manager, who is clearly disappointed with the outcome. “I had thought, let’s go big or let’s go home.” Poole spoke with Ironman officials in Tampa, Florida about their decision. “I was told we put Kevin Poole in a fantastic bid and we could have hosted it. The route options worked,” he said. “But they were looking for the athlete experience. They said their athletes will be attracted to a resort community, which is why they are looking at Whistler and Huntsville, Ont., or a mid-major market, which Kelowna qualifies as.” The World Triathlon Corporation, which owns Ironman, is saying little about its decision. “We selected the three we did because they presented the three most compelling proposals,” said Steve Meckfessel, WTC’s global race operations managing director.
MORNING STAR FILE PHOTO
Volunteers spread out across Vernon to generate public support for an Ironman Canada bid. “The Vernon community and those pulling together that bid did an amazing job.” The opportunity to host Ironman Canada opened up after Penticton severed its relationship with the event after 30 years. Seven communities submitted bids.
The prospect of hosting an international sports event galvanized the North Okanagan community. “There’s never been anything like this where there was support from right across the region,” said Poole. About 722 letters of support from resi-
dents and adjacent jurisdictions were generated within a week, and triathlon enthusiasts spread out across the community to bring residents on board. “We felt strongly about our bid and we still feel confident we could have hosted the event,” said Jade Kersey, who was part of a citizens’ group involved in the city’s bid process. While disappointed, Kersey admits the decision must be accepted. “World Triathlon Corporation has to do what’s best for them.” Among those who worked around-theclock on the city’s bid was Mayor Rob Sawatzky, who ensured nearby municipalities would endorse the plans. “The realities of the world are a competitive one and the company had to make a decision but I thought we were competitive,” he said. “It’s disappointing for the community and for the city staff who put so much hard work into this bid.” With Vernon now on the sidelines, all eyes are on the finish line. “We want Ironman to stay in the Okanagan,” said Poole. “If Kelowna gets it, that’s good for our hotels and good for our athletes.” Poole isn’t sure if the City of Vernon would direct resources towards a Kelowna Ironman although one of Kelowna’s proposed routes goes to Predator Ridge. “There would have to be some discussions,” he said. The new host of Ironman Canada will be announced Oct. 10 in Hawaii.
Police withhold cause of Polson Park death ROGER KNOX Morning Star Staff
RCMP, at this time, will not be releasing the results of an autopsy into the death of a man found in Polson Park Wednesday night. The body of 47-year-old Terrance Fergus was discovered just after 9:30 p.m. near the fountain at 32nd Street and 25th Avenue. He was pronounced dead by emergency health personnel. An autopsy on Fergus was conducted Friday in Kamloops. “At this time, we will not be releasing the results (of the autopsy) because we continue to follow up on information in this case,” said
Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk Friday afternoon. Foul play has not officially been ruled out. “Officers will continue to work on this file over the weekend and we hope to have something released early this week,” said Molendyk. “We are continuing to follow up on a number of tips that have come in regarding this file.” Police issued a plea for the public’s help Thursday if anyone saw Fergus laying near a bench close to the fountain before 9:30 p.m., or if they had any information about the death. On Thursday, Molendyk said Fergus was a LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR man Vernon RCMP officers had contact with RCMP officers continue to investigate the discovery of a body at Vernon’s Polson Park over the past several months. Wednesday.
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