April 8, 2009 (Squamish, BC) – Richard MacKellar, Test of Metal Course Protection initiative (TOMCP) coordinator, announced today the March monthly winners of the “Protect the Test” contest. Andre Munck, won the popular vote category, with his piece, “Competing through the years,” and Donna Wall was the committee’s choice for “Protect the Test Course.”

“Both pieces were passionate defences of the value of the Test of Metal course to the community,” MacKellar said.

The contest offers participants an opportunity to say in writing, photography or video why the Test of Metal course is important to them or to Squamish.

The overall winner will receive a free 2009 Test of Metal Weekend Package including accommodation, and a lifetime entry to the Test of Metal As well, monthly prizes and four “Best Of The Rest” winners will receive entry into the 2009 Test of Metal. These winners will be chosen either by popular vote or by the TOMCP Committee.

“Great entries are starting to roll in,” MacKellar said, “so people who are interested in racing this year ought to get their videos, photos or stories on line soon.”

The deadline for this month’s contest is April 30. Winners who choose not to use their entry have the option to return the entry to the contest for the following month’s draw or to offer the entry to a Squamish not-for-profit to be auctioned or raffled at the not-for-profit’s discretion.

Full details of the contest can be found at www.protectthetest.com. Winners will be posted on the Protect the Test webpage, and on the TOMCP Facebook page here.