February 18, 2006

Sapient Showcase Showdown Registration Filling Fast

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB’S SAPIENT SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN FEBRUARY 24-25, 2006

Registration is still open but filling fast for "Pipestyle" format with huge prize purse

WHISTLER, BC, February 18, 2006 - Registration for the Sapient-Showcase Showdown is filling fast as February 24, the first day of the event, draws near. The format is dubbed "Pipestyle" and $25,000 in cash prizing from Sapient and over $15,000 in prizing from other event sponsors is on the line.

Whistler Blackcomb locals including Dionne Delasalle, David Aubry, Justin Lamoureux, and Marie-France Roy will battle it out with riders from around the world including Chris Coulter, Kurt Wastell, Anthony Leffelaar and Shayne Pospisil.

Men’s

1st Place $10,000
2nd Place $4,000
3rd Place $2,000
4th Place $1,000
5th Place $500

Women’s

1st Place $5,000
2nd Place $2,000
3rd Place $1,000

Sapient is providing $25,000 in cash prizing and additional event sponsors Anon, RED, Option, Vans, Salomon-Bonfire and 32 are contributing over $15,000 in prizing. Registration for the event is now open and there are 75 spots available to athletes.

EVENT SCHEDULE

The Sapient Showcase Showdown is in the Super Night Pipe at Base II. Spectators can upload via the Blackcomb Gondola for free.

Friday,  February 24

Registration
1-2pm at "18 Below" at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain

Qualifying
Heats 1-4: 4:00 to 8:30pm

Saturday,  February 25

Semi Qualifying
Heats 1-3: 4:00 to 7:00pm

Finals
Warm-up: 7:15-7:25pm
Finals: 7:30 to 8:30pm

Awards ceremony immediately following competition.

Wrap-up Party at Maxx Fish 9:30pm with live band Fall of Summer.

"Pipestyle" - Slopestyle contest in the Super Night Pipe

The Pipestyle will incorporate tombstones, rails, boxes and spines into Whistler Blackcomb’s Super Night Pipe, creating a whole new style of halfpipe competition.

Registration will be taken over the phone at 1.800.766.0449 or in person at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations for an event promising to be the most innovative, entertaining and unique, rider-driven snowboard competition of the season. Questions? Email: sshowdown@intrawest.com

OTHER EVENTS February 25-26

Saturday,  February 25

Bell presents a free concert featuring Simple Plan starting at 3 p.m. in Village Square and hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos.

Sunday,  February 26

Visitors can experience Canada's passion for the national game of hockey on February 26th as rabid fans gather at 5:00 am in the Village Square to watch the Gold Medal Game for the Men's Hockey on the giant screen.

Torino 2006 Winter Games Closing Ceremony in Village Square on the big screen in Village Square. The flag hand-over celebration gets underway at 10:45 a.m.

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