Water skiers from around the world will be making waves in Foothills County this weekend.
The IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships will be taking place on the Lakes of Kastynstone at the Predator Bay Water Ski Club from August 1st to 4th.
This competition will see over 130 of the top youth water skiers from over 20 countries compete in the world title competition.
While there will be athletes coming from as far away as Japan and Australia, there will be a local athlete competing.
Sofia Pelkey from Bragg Creek will be competing as part of the Canadian team and happens to be the youngest member of the team.
Pelkey had previously swept the U17 Girls categories in slalom, trick, jump, and overall at the JR. Canadian Open this summer.
During the competition, athletes will be competing in three categories.
They will be competing in slalom, trick, and jump categories.
In slalom, the athletes will have to navigate through a course of buoys at a high speed, while in the trick category, the athletes will perform a series of acrobatic maneuvers.
In the jump category, the athletes will compete to see who can get the farthest distance off a ramp.
"We are thrilled to host such an extraordinary gathering of young talent," said the Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow in a media release form July 31st. "Alberta is known for its vibrant sport culture, and the Predator Bay Water Ski Club’s world-class facilities and natural scenery make it the perfect location for these world championships."
It is expected that more than 1,500 spectators will be in attendance, and this competition is estimated to inject upwards of $1 million into the greater Calgary area as all the athletes, officials, and spectators will visit and support local businesses in the region.
To help plan, stage, and deliver the competition, the Provincial government has provided $35,000.
The Predator Bay Water Ski Club has previously hosted National Championships five times, five Pro Tournaments, and the 2009 IWWF Open World Water Ski Championships.
To learn more about the competition, click here.