The Victoria International Cross Country Association (VICCA) held its AGM on May 20 and elected its 2021 Board of Directors. The Society’s mandate is to organize and promote cross country events in Victoria from the regional level up to international competition. It successfully staged the 2020 Pan Am Cross Country Championships at Bear Mountain Resort in Langford, BC.

The Board boasts a wealth of experience from representatives of running clubs and sports events to Victoria’s running alumni.  President of the Board is Ulla Hansen; Vice-President: Gary Duncan; Secretary: Julien Marceau and Treasurer: Paul Siluch. There are six Directors at Large: Bruce Deacon, Louise Hodgson-Jones, Christopher Kelsall, Mike Kennedy, Tom Michell, and Bob Reid.

Hansen is a 27-time Canadian National Championship Medalist and has represented Canada seven times at the World Cross Country Championships. She was part of the original bid committee for the 2020 Pan Am Cross Country Championships.

“Our Board remains committed to the advancement of the sport of cross country both regionally and internationally,” said Hansen. “Having weathered this past difficult year, VICCA is excited about the latest PHO announcement, and we are planning to host cross country racing events later this year.”

The board’s athletic alumni also includes Deacon – two-time Olympian, Pan Am Games Silver Medalist and General Manager of the 2020 Pan Am Cross Country Championships, and Michell – Provincial High School Track Champion, marathon runner and the 1996 Canadian Masters Track Champion in the 800m and 1500m.