December 23, 2005 – The Alberta Centennial World Cup ofcross-country skiing wrapped up this week with another great medal-winning performance by Canadian athletes in Canmore. Beckie Scott and Sara Renner teamed up for a silver medal in the women’s 6×1.2 km team sprint event.

Beckie Scott also won a silver medal in the 10 km. individual start and a gold medal in the 15 km. mass start events. “This week has been a tremendous success. Over 10,000 fans came out this week to see the world’s best skiers,” said Chief of Media Jason Hatcher. ” We had great weather, great skiing, and one of the world’s top Nordic venues. What a way to close out Alberta’s centennial celebration!”

Entrance to the event was by way of a donation to the Calgary and Canmore Food Banks. Spectators generously donated 3000 pounds of food and $2500 in cash over the three-day event.

The Government of Alberta invested over $23 million into the Canmore Nordic Centre to upgrade the 1988 Olympic facility to be one of the world’s best current venues. The event was televised across Europe with an audience of over 50 million. “The world was watching Canmore this weekend and they got a great show,” said Hatcher. “Hopefully our Canadian athletes will take the momentum from their success on home snow all the way to the Olympics.”

“The Local Organizing Committee is very pleased with the success of this event but we will be working hard to bring the World Cup back to Canmore in 2007 and 2009 as we head towards the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver,” said Hatcher. “The investment from the Government of Alberta will not only bring international competitions to Canmore but will also provide training facilities for future Olympians, and recreational trails for any level of skier to enjoy.”