March 11, 2007 (Mount Washington, B.C.) – Canada’s Colette Bourgonje (LW10) laid claim to the gold medal Saturday, in the women’s sit-ski biathlon sprint race at the IPC World Cup in Mount Washington, B.C.

Bourgonje, who hails from Saskatoon, battled through tough skiing conditions, blowing snow and wind, to take top spot in the race.

“It was a challenging day of skiing,” said Bourgonje. “Conditions were really snowy and windy, and there were no tracks on the trail so it made it more difficult. On the whole, it was a really fun race and I am happy to come out on top.”

The IPC World Cup is divided into three categories for the various disabilities including: visually impaired, sit-skiing, and standing amputation and limb disability.

World Cup rookie, Lou Gibson, put together a solid day in the men’s sit-ski race. The Vancouver native has been using this season to gain valuable experience against the world’s best ParaNordic athletes and it seems to be paying off. Gibson finished the day in fourth-place.

The IPC World Cups continue Sunday with the cross-country long distance event. For more information on the event click here.