WHISTLER, BC, March 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Whistler Cup organizers announced today that Mackenzie Investments, one of Canada's largest investment management companies, will return as title sponsor of the renowned international youth ski race.  Mackenzie has signed a multi-year commitment, helping to ensure that Whistler Cup continues to grow and evolve, offering a world class training ground for these young racers.

This year's Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup will welcome hundreds of young ski racers from around the world. The action starts on April 1, 2016, in Whistler, British Columbia. The countries that will be represented at the 2016 Whistler Cup are Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Japan,  New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Romania, Serbia, South Africa and Turkey. 

Title sponsorship of the Whistler Cup is an extension of Mackenzie Investments' long-term support of amateur skiing in Canada, including sponsorship of seven premier national snow sport organizations involving Alpine Canada Alpin, Biathlon Canada, Canada Snowboard, Canadian Freestyle Ski Association, Cross Country Canada, Nordic Combined Canada and Ski Jumping Canada. Mackenzie Investments is also official sponsor of three-time Olympic downhill racer Manny Osborne-Paradis.

"Mackenzie Investments is pleased to continue our support of this incredible event, which helps nurture and foster the confidence these young athletes need to compete on the world stage," said Jeff Carney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mackenzie Investments. "We want to thank our partners at Whistler Cup for putting on this incredible event, showcasing one of Canada's most breathtaking mountains, and we wish all the athletes from around the world a successful weekend on the hill. 

Max Meier, the parent of a young Whistler ski racer, created the Whistler Cup. He and the Whistler Mountain Ski Club Program Director at the time, Joze Sparovec, were inspired to bring an international juvenile ski race to Canada after attending the famed "Trofeo Topolino" in Italy.  With the help of the third founder, Jim Yeates, the inaugural Whistler Cup was held in 1993 and has grown in stature and influence. This year's race celebrates 24 years of successful international ski racing at Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain Ski Club. 

About Mackenzie Investments
Mackenzie Investments was founded in 1967, and is a leading investment management firm providing investment advisory and related services. With $59.1 billion in assets under management as at February 29, 2016, Mackenzie Investments distributes its investment services through multiple distribution channels to both retail and institutional investors. Mackenzie Investments is a member of the IGM Financial Inc. (TSX: IGM) group of companies. IGM Financial is one of Canada's premier financial services companies with $129 billion in total assets under management as at February 29, 2016. For more information, visit mackenzieinvestments.com.

SOURCE Mackenzie Financial Corporation

Image with caption: "Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup (CNW Group/Mackenzie Financial Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160321_C8132_PHOTO_EN_647039.jpg