FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silver Star Opens Trust Fund For Family Of Avalanche Victim Downhill mountain bike race to be launched in honor of AJ Cleary

March 10, 2014 – VERNON, BC. Silver Star Ski Resort Ltd. opened a trust fund for avalanche victim AJ Cleary’s family today. Staff and members of the community are encouraged to donate to the cause. AJ passed away as a result of being caught in an avalanche near Keefer Lake on Saturday March 8th. He worked as a part-time employee at the resort last summer and was a downhill mountain biking coach. Silver Star is incredibly supportive of this worthy cause. Jane Cann, President of Silver Star Mountain Resort, generously contributed $1,000 to launch the fund. “When I was approached with the idea to start a fund, it was a no brainer for me,” said Jane. “We haven’t done anything like this before but for someone that showed so much support for their community and its members, this is the least we can do for his family.” The 34-year-old Vernon resident was an active member of the Okanagan community. He was known for his work as a nurse at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, as well as for his dedication and commitment to mountain biking. The avid mountain biker regularly used Silver Star’s mountain biking facility over the past several years to enjoy one of his passions. He had a reputation as a fast, skilled rider and was nicknamed ‘Turbo.’ He coached many young riders in the sport and was a source of inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. “My wife worked with AJ at the hospital and my son was coached by him,” said Brad Baker, acting General Manager at the resort, whose idea it was to start the fund. “We’re all shocked and saddened by this news. We will remember AJ for being a passionate mountain biker that was an inspiration to all young riders.” AJ was a member of the North Okanagan Cycling Society (NOCS) that builds, maintains, protects and advocates for new trails. A downhill mountain bike race is scheduled at Silver Star Mountain Resort for July to honor AJ. The date and more details of the event will be forthcoming. Donations made out to the Baby Cleary Trust can be dropped off at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation Office located at 2191 32nd Street, Vernon, BC. To donate to the trust, cheques can be addressed to: Baby Cleary Trust 3108 33 Avenue, Vernon c/o Vantage One Credit Union, Vernon

Photo caption: AJ was a passionate coach and mountain biker Photo credit: Silver Star Mountain Resort

-30- Media Contact: Brad Baker Kim Logan Silver Star Mountain Resort dHz Media Inc. 250-558-8105 778-232-9128 bbaker@skisilverstar.com kim.logan@dhzmedia.com About Silver Star Mountain Resort www.skisilverstar.com Silver Star Mountain Resort is nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan region, less than a one-hour drive from Kelowna International Airport (YLW). A year round mountain destination, the resort offers 3,065 acres of varied skiable terrain, with an annual snowfall of more than 700 cm of dry B.C. interior powder. Award-winning Silver Star is recognized as being one of Canada’s best family resorts. An intimate, colourful, mid-mountain village provides true slope side lodging. In summer, the Silver Star Bike Park is widely regarded as one of the premier downhill mountain bike facilities in North America.