Dawson Creek shortlisted for Sport Tourism Canada awards over Para Cup hosting

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The City of Dawson Creek’s efforts in hosting the 2025 Para Cup has propelled the community to the forefront of Canadian sports tourism.

According to a press release on Friday, March 6th, the city was named a finalist in a pair of categories for the 2026 Prestige awards presented by Sport Tourism Canada.

The statement says the awards recognize the premier sport tourism events and initiatives throughout Canada each year.

The 2025 Para Cup, which was a para ice hockey competition pitting the top four countries in the sport against one another before the 2026 Paralympics, received nods for international sport event of the year with a budget less than $2 million, and sport event legacy of the year. 

General manager of community services for Dawson Creek, Ryan MacIvor, was also a member of the event’s organizing committee.

“We are honoured to see the Para Cup recognized nationally,” said MacIvor. “The event showed what is possible when a community, volunteers and partners work together to host world-class sport.”

The city partnered with Hockey Canada to showcase the event, which saw the United States outlast Canada 2-0 in the final. Czechia and China were also featured during the competition.

Dawson Creek mayor Darcy Dober said: “Working with Hockey Canada to bring the Para Cup to Dawson Creek was an incredible experience. It showed smaller communities can host major events and create lasting impact for athletes and fans.”

The Prestige award winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 11th at the awards Gala in Mississauga, Ontario.