Mt. Sima GM invites the Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden to snowboard, discuss the future of sport tourism in the Yukon

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Adam van Koeverden & Sam Oettli. Photo by A.J Smith

Adam van Koeverden’s first time on a snowboard this year was at Yukon’s very own Mt. Sima. Everyone who has lived in the Yukon knows it’s Canada’s hidden gem, especially when it comes to winter sports. Mt. Sima itself is a premier early season training ground for both national and local teams, making it vital for up and coming Yukon athletes. The importance of Mt. Sima for young athletes in the territory is something Oettli understands very well, and wanted to show van Koeverden in person. “You can present stuff and put it on paper but until you experience it, it’s different to show what this place is made of.”

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Sam Oettli & Adam van Koeverden. Photo by Caela Fenton

Mt. Sima didn’t disappoint on showcasing what the Yukon had to offer and van Koeverden has enjoyed his time here. “It’s such a nice place that I think every Canadian should visit at some point.” As well as the Yukon views, van Koeverden has also seen much of the AWG too and has given out numerous medals to the athletes. He stated that the AWG has been eye opening in its significance as a cultural exchange. The event has been a significant opportunity for people of all cultures and ethnicities to learn something new from the participants.

The visit was to show that Mt. Sima can provide something unique for athletes not just in the Yukon, but all across Canada. The south of the country has less opportunities for training, especially in the early season. This means Mt. Sima can give people competing at the highest international level from across the country a chance to prepare for upcoming tournaments sooner. Mt. Sima doesn’t just provide a space for training, they help with transport for people in remote communities as well as sending instructors to other locations such as Dawson City. Rural and remote communities having access to great infrastructure and team based activities is something van Koeverden recognises. The AWG in particular highlights this as it is one of the only opportunities these athletes have to compete with people outside of their community.

Access to facilities for young athletes is not only important for them to practise in their respective discipline, but to give them a chance to try other sports they may also enjoy and excel at. Many of the youth competitors at the AWG were involved in multiple events and even won medals in various different categories. Oettli himself has competed in multiple sports at two AWG tournaments. His advice for young athletes, especially those practising multiple sports is “keep trying and don’t be afraid to do the thing that you didn’t think you could do.”

Mt. Sima and the AWG have helped shine a light on what the Yukon has to offer the world of sport tourism and van Koeverden has expressed interest in returning for more snowboarding at Mt. Sima. “It's been really exciting to learn a little bit about what draws people to the north and what we can potentially add as a country in terms of resources to attract more people to the north.” 

By A.J Smith

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