The IGSA NORAM Winsport Canada Cup lived up to all expectations and more on this Labor Day long weekend.  On opening day the weather cooperated, thousands of spectators attended, and even more joined in for the webcast.

This was a world class event at a world class track.  Longboard competitors from all over North America, Europe, Australia, and South America converged at Winsport for three days of incredible racing.  Full credit goes to Winsport, IGSA, sponsors, and all of the volunteers who helped make this event a success.

The Winsport track is considered “technical”  by racers which normally means speeds are lower to enable negotiating the seven turns on the course.  However, someone forgot to tell the racers the track was technical as they hit the turns at very high speeds.  Some even achieved speeds of over 100km/hr crossing the finish line.

ColossoVision, as a sponsor, was pleased to provide screens, video production and webcasting support.  Winsports 1.5km course meant a lot of corners to cover with long stretches in between.  We were fortunate to have had the experience from 2009 to draw on, and therefore we added additional technologies to enhance the visual experience for everyone.

Here’s what we provided in 2011.

• 10 km – video cables
• 3 – microwave video systems
• 4 – robotic cameras – remote controlled
• 4 – hard cameras
• 1 – hand held camera
• 1 – Barco B10 mobile screen
• 1 – VisuaLED 11ft x 21ft screen
• 1 – Network feed over a 50Mbps bandwidth for streaming
• 1 – Replay system
• 1 – Live scoring and results integration
• 1 – Digital signal distribution for riders lounge and other locations
• 1 – Integration of live and webcast sound with KISS Pro Audio

During the live webcast, viewers had the opportunity ask questions and make comments on IGSA’s twitter and the ColossoCasting chat room.  Many of the questions kept our Announcer, David Dean , very busy and juggling duties while providing live play by play of the race.  Great work David!

The webcast was the first step in sharing the experience of the NORAM Winsport Canada Cup from Calgary with the longboarding community.  ColossoVision will be releasing the final produced product in November of this year.

Imagine 10k Half Marathon and Walk
Niverville Manitoba
September 24th  2011  9:00am

The Imagine Run is more than a half marathon and walk.  “Imagine is a group of caring individuals who are committed to raising public awareness & erasing the Stigma surrounding Mental Health Issues & Suicide.”

Although our family at ColossoVision considers this a privilege to be a sponsor, we truly wish there was no need for such a run.   Yet, the realities of suicide where teens and youth are involved is supported by some very scary statistics.  According to the Canadian Childrens Rights Council, ” Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people after motor vehicle accidents”

When i was a teen I remember arriving for morning classes to find out one of the students at our high school attempted suicide.  Shock and disbelief was what a lot of us felt.  How can someone attempt such a final act?  Especially when this person was popular, in sports, came from a very stable family, and appeared to have everything they wanted.  In asking teachers if they knew why ,  we were told to not ask  as they would not discuss it.   Maybe we need to discuss this more! Bringing awareness to youth and teens that they are not alone and there are people who are prepared to listen and help.

We are a family first and business second.  Our family wishes to lend our support to Mona and Jeff in helping get the message out.

Here are some related links:

A mother’s mission - Half-marathon created to help prevent suicides

Remembering Joey Stott

The IGSA, Gravity of Sports Festival, World Cup Series returns to Calgary on September 2nd at Winsport.

ColossoVision was part of the inaugural run in 2009 which saw racers from all over North America, with some from destinations as far as Europe and Australia, race on Winsports ” world class ” track. The comments from the racers were extremely positive as were the spectators.

As Winsports website states , ” Some of the fastest longboard riders in the world will be competing here at COP for the WinSport Canada Cup which is the only Canadian stop on the World Cup Series. Plus, admission is free! “

As a sponsor / supplier ColossoVision will be engaging large LED screens on site to display live coverage of the event.

Plans are in the works to stream the event live! In 2009 over 30,000 viewers world wide watched the excitement.

Winsports course is highly technical for a North American track, just like some of the roads in Europe.
Calgary! This event is right in your back yard.  A world class event with speed, spills, thrills, and more.

Highlights of 2009 Longboard Races

ColossoVision’s mobile screen and the Tricaster HD850 proved to be a valuable  resource at two events last week at the Mill Woods Golf Course in Edmonton.  Two side by side events,  the Ladies invitational tournament  and Men’s Pro-am Invitational engaged ColossoVisions technologies to display sponsor advertising,  results, and other content to enhance the spectators and players tournament experience.

“ The event itself went very well and all of the guests seemed quite impressed with the display. While I received many thanks for the graphics and switching, the quality of the display was really the key.

 My personal appreciation goes to Brent Wanstall and Chris Soltesz for setting everything up, including lugging the Tricaster onto the 12’ scaffolding set up for us.

 ( organizers name withheld )“

I would like to thank Mill Woods Golf Course for inviting ColossoVision back for our second year at what was a  successful tournament .

Andy Soltesz