December 13, 2005 (Canmore, AB) – Canada’s Beckie Scott and Sara Renner lead the Canadian National Team to Canmore this week with hopes of continuing the momentum of last weekend’s medal winning performances in Vernon in which Beckie won a Gold and a Silver medal and Sara won a bronze.
 
After reaching the podium three times in Vernon, the Canadian National Team is looking for more success this week in Canmore. Competing at an international competition on “home snow” for the first time, Beckie Scott, Sara Renner and the rest of the team will be looking to thrill the home province crowds that are expected in Canmore on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday this week.
 
“Conditions are ideal in Canmore right now,” said Ken Hughes, Communications Chair of the Local Organizing Committee. “The athletes have been training here for the last couple of weeks and they are thrilled with the conditions and the courses.”
 
“We are expecting lots of fans to be on hand to cheer on our Canadian athletes as they go for the Gold in Canmore,” said Hughes. “We need Canadian fans out in force so that we can send our athletes to Torino with the momentum that will lead them to the Olympic Podium.”
 
The Alberta Centennial World Cup is one of the last major competitions before the Olympics in Torino, Italy.
 
The Alberta Centennial World Cup in Canmore is the culminating event of Alberta’s Centennial celebrations. The Government of Alberta has invested over $23 million into upgrading the Canmore Nordic facility, making it one of the premiere Nordic facilities in the world.
 
In addition to the races on Saturday December 17th, the Calgary Stampede will be holding a Winter Rodeo at the Nordic Centre between races. The Town of Canmore is hosting a Town Festival with events scheduled throughout the week.
 
The competition runs Thursday Dec 15th from 10:30am to 1:00pm, Saturday Dec 17th from 10am to 2pm, and Sunday 9:45am-12:00pm.  Admission is free with a donation to the local Food Bank.