Emma Brown
Experiential Learning Lead Facilitator, Science World
As a self-proclaimed “Uphill Person” Emma found her calling in endurance sports not just as a test of
physical limits, but to connect with remote landscapes on a human-powered level. Off trail, she’s an advocate for environmental stewardship, science education, and empowering women in outdoor adventure sports. Whether she's running ridge lines or carving through untouched powder, Emma is always chasing the edge where discomfort meets discovery. Emma is Science World’s Outreach Lead Facilitator and brings live science to communities all around the province. Whether it’s hauling lab gear up a mountain or explaining physics in ski boots, Emma is proving that you can be both a nerd and a dirtbag athlete.
Claire Buchar – Downhill Mountain Biker
Claire Buchar is known for her dedication to the sport of mountain biking, having spent most of her competitive career as a privateer. She is a talented rider with a lot of heart.
As a 12 time Canadian National Team Member, World Championships Bronze Medalist, Multiple Canadian National Champion, Media Regular and Certified Coach, Claire is a globally respected athlete, coach and mentor in the industry and a true ambassador of mountain biking.
Tom Ward – Ultra Runner
Tom Ward is an ultra runner, father, husband, and business owner who fits long runs into the rhythm of everyday life. His passion for endurance is fueled not by competition, but by curiosity, connection, and the clarity that movement brings.
Rather than sticking strictly to organized races, he’s known for creating DIY, adventure-style challenges—like his 100km “ferry to ferry” run across B.C.’s Sunshine Coast and an Everesting fundraiser in the heart of his community, where he climbed the equivalent height of Mount Everest on his local trails to support BC Children’s Hospital. With the Gorge Waterfalls 100km race under his belt already this year, he's looking ahead to his first 100-miler this July, as he continues to push physical and mental limits, explore what’s possible, and find presence in motion. Off the trails, he’s deeply rooted in family and creating community through mindfulness and movement.
François Debroux – BMX Rider
Originally born and raised in Brussels, Belgium, François has been calling Vancouver home for a long time. A lifelong BMX rider, François can ride all disciplines but excel at Flatland: The art of linking rolling tricks on the ground.
Flatland is widely considered the most technical and difficult discipline of BMX. He has won multiple international competitions and is considered one of the top Master Class contenders in North America. François has been very active with the High Velocity Stunt Team and the international BMX scene. He is a BMX podcast producer, event organiser, contest and show announcer and of course rider.
