The event will bring together approximately 250 athletes from 20 countries to compete for world championship titles in slalom, trick, jump and overall events, along with the prestigious Team Overall Championship.<\/p>\n
Related Stories:<\/p>\n
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Red Deer athletes among Canadian delegation<\/p>\n
Red Deer\u2019s Brad Balon has been selected to compete as part of Team Canada in the 45+ Men division, taking part in slalom, trick and jump events.<\/p>\n
Balon said representing Canada is a dream he has worked toward since he was a child.<\/p>\n
\u201cWater Ski Canada announced the team that will represent Canada at the 35+ IWWF World Water Ski Championships, and I am incredibly honoured and excited to be named to the team,\u201d Balon said.<\/p>\n
He credited his family, including his parents, brother, wife and children, for supporting his waterskiing journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing up behind the boat with my mom, dad, and brother, I always dreamed of one day having the chance to wear the maple leaf,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Balon also thanked the ski communities he has been part of over the years, saying the friendships and experiences have been an important part of his journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t wait to put on the maple leaf and ski for Team Canada,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Red Deer\u2019s Carolyn Cheetham will also compete at the event as a Host Organizing Committee entry in the 55+ Women Slalom category.<\/p>\n
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Canada welcomes the world to Predator Bay<\/p>\n
The 2026 championships mark an opportunity for Canadian athletes to compete on home water while welcoming competitors from around the globe.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re proud to welcome the world to Canada and showcase the incredible depth of talent within our over-35 community,\u201d said Russ Dickson, president of Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada and host committee member.<\/p>\n
\u201cHosting the World Championships at Predator Bay is a tremendous opportunity for our athletes to compete on home water while demonstrating Canada\u2019s passion for the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Canada\u2019s delegation includes Team Canada members competing for the Team Overall title, along with individual athletes, wildcard competitors and additional entries awarded to the Host Organizing Committee by the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation.<\/p>\n
Competition begins this week<\/p>\n
Official familiarization runs July 19-21, with competition scheduled for July 22-26 and spectators are welcome throughout the week at Predator Bay, with free admission.<\/p>\n
The championships are supported by Tourism Calgary, the Government of Alberta, Sport Canada, sponsors, partners and community supporters.<\/p>\n
More information, including athlete lists, schedules and live results, is available through the IWWF event website<\/a>.<\/p>\n **With information from\u00a0Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n