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The hardcore snowboarder already has Feb. 12 to 15 circled on her calendar, the freestyle skiing enthusiast can hardly sit still in expectation of Feb. 5 to 7, when he’ll spy aerial daredevils launch into the air, complete three rotations and two flips before landing perfectly in stride, as if they never left the snow. But the casual fan probably doesn’t realize the world’s greatest winter athletes arrive in Vancouver a year early to test the (frozen) water. In fact, the “Sport Events” or Test Games, as they are commonly called, provide a menu of world championships throughout 2009, offering opportunities to see the world’s best and, potentially, a gold medal performance that outshines the efforts a year hence.

“These are international competitions,” explains Mary Fraser, director of media relations and sports communications for the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC). “They include World Cups and World Championships that will take place at the 2010 competition venues in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler throughout 2009. They provide VANOC with the opportunity to test Games-time operations, train potential Games-time volunteers and allow the public a chance to experience the 15 sport disciplines and many of the athletes who will be showcased at the 2010 Winter Games.”

Many of the athletes have never skied the stickier snow of the Pacific Coast Ranges or skated upon Richmond’s new speed skating oval, with its broad window that looks out upon the Fraser River’s Middle Arm and the Greater Vancouver International Airport. The events entice spectators to view several events from the Paralympics as well, including wheelchair curling and the very popular sledge hockey. Of course, attending these events will tease enthusiasts with glimpses of the 2010 spectacle.

Fraser says the Sport Events differ from the Olympics in fundamental ways. “VANOC does not directly facilitate Sport Events; however, it plays a supportive role to the international sport federations that host Sport Events at Vancouver 2010 venues. Sport Events ensures that the venues are up to world-class standards.”

Unlike the Olympics, when tickets are distributed from one source, tickets for individual Sport Events are available from that specific event’s organizers. Some of the most exciting events will be held in February to correspond with the one-year countdown to the Feb. 12 opening of the 2010 Olympic Games. So head to Vancouver and Whistler to watch the best athletes in the world join the rest of us in the Pacific Northwest in preparation for the largest cultural and athletic festival in our region’s history.

2009 February Sport Events:

FIBT Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Cup
Feb. 5-7
The Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler
www.whistlerbobsleighskeleton.com

ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2009
Feb. 2-8
Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver
www.fourcontinents2009.com

FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup
Feb. 5-7
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver
www.freestyleski.ca/en/worldcups/2009/cypress/index.htm

FIS Snowboard World Cup
Feb. 12-15
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver
www.snowboardworldcup2009.com

FIL Luge World Cup
Feb. 20-21
The Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler
www.whistlerluge.com

WCF World Wheelchair Curling Championship
Feb. 21-28
Vancouver Paralympic Centre (Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park), Vancouver
www.wwhcc2009.com

Hockey Canada Cup – Sledge Hockey
Feb. 24-March 1
UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver
www.hockeycanada.ca

Look for your March/April issue of Journey magazine to read more tips on how to fully enjoy the 2010 Winter Olympics!