Canada’s 2016 IFSC World Cups Cancelled

Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC) made the announcement in the following press release.

CEC is very disappointed to announce that we will not be hosting IFSC Lead and Speed World Cup events in Central Saanich, BC in July 2016. The CEC is also very disappointed to announce that, at this time, we do not anticipate hosting an IFSC Boulder World Cup event in Canada in 2016.

CEC has been working diligently with experienced Event Organizers on comprehensive plans to host these events, as we realize that they are important to our athletes, and to the competitive climbing community across the country.

Unfortunately, the financial resources required to host a world class climbing event are considerable. The costs involved in hosting a World Cup event vary according to the disciplines involved, but can range from $100,000 to $150,000.

Event Organizers faced significant challenges in obtaining the support needed and in reducing the financial risks involved to an acceptable level. As CEC receives no government funding and very modest sponsorship revenues, we are not able to financially underwrite these events.

For these reasons, CEC and the two Event Organizers have been unable to move forward with plans to host these events in a manner that would ensure that the financial risks were reasonable, manageable, and sustainable for all.

These events were removed from the Provisional World Cup Calendar by the IFSC at the end of December, as Event Organizer Agreements could not be completed at that time.

This decision was consistent with IFSC policies. CEC recently contacted the IFSC and confirmed that the Central Saanich Lead / Speed events have been cancelled.

The IFSC agreed to further extend their deadlines regarding deposits and Event Agreements in the hopes that the Boulder World Cup could go ahead as originally planned. However, unless a major sponsor comes forward prior to February 14, 2016, CEC will formally cancel that event as well.

These decisions have no impact on CEC’s membership in the IFSC, and Canadian athletes will continue to be able to compete at IFSC sanctioned international events this season.

CEC is committed to working with the IFSC and Event Organizers to host one or more World Cup events in the near future, hopefully as soon as next season.