Minister announces new chairperson for Marble Mountain

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is pleased to announce that K. Allen Vansen has been named the new chairperson for the Marble Mountain Development Corporation.

"Mr. Vansen brings considerable experience to the corporation," said Minister Aylward. "He has demonstrated a level of commitment and expertise that will prove to be a valuable asset to the Marble Mountian team. Most recently, Mr. Vansen has been president/owner of Extreme Event Management which is working with the Corner Brook Triathlon Committee through 2004 for the ITU Triathlon World Cup events. He has also been general manager and operations manager of the ITU Triathlon World Cup and he has a long background with the Marble Mountain Ski Club holding such positions as program director, head coach, assistant coach and events director. Mr. Vansen also offered his expertise as the head coach of the provincial and Canada Games alpine ski team for the quadrennial training cycle from the 1995 Canada Winter Games to the 1999 Canada Winter Games.

"Government is committed to making the resort a world class ski facility as it believes, and continues to believe, that Marble Mountain is a vital and important facility for Newfoundland and Labrador. The economic benefits from the resort are significant especially for the west coast where airports, hotels, and shops benefit from the many visitors who come to ski and take part in other activities at Marble Mountain. Marble Mountain is also a very important recreation venue."

Bob Mercer, MHA - Humber East, is also pleased with this appointment. "Mr. Vansen is a respected member of our community. His abilities and experience makes him the ideal person to provide the leadership necessary to secure a successful future for Marble Mountain. "

The Marble Mountain ski resort, has hosted a number of high profile events, demonstrating it's capable of hosting world class events. In 1999, the resort was home to the freestyle and alpine events at the 1999 Canada Winter Games held in Corner Brook. The resort also hosted the annual MuchMusic SNOWJOB music special in 1997.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2001 11 15                            4:25 p.m.