September 15, 2010 (Calgary, AB) – Two-time Olympic medallist, Beckie Scott, will launch the second year of the Ski Fit North Alberta program at a training camp for Northern Alberta skiers in St. Albert on September 18 & 19 in cooperation with the St. Albert Nordic Ski Club. Designed to inspire Canadian youth to try cross country skiing and maximize their potential, Scott will bring her inspirational message to the area for the second year thanks to the development of Ski Fit North Alberta. This program is a unique and proud partnership between Cross Country Canada (CCC), Cross Country Alberta (the provincial affiliate to the National body) and Statoil.

Ski Fit North Alberta will target Canadian youth between the ages of six and 14 in regions of Statoil’s core business in Northern Alberta. Scott, of Vermilion, AB, will help recruit and retain children to the sport of cross-country skiing in an effort to increase awareness, support youth development and strengthen Canada’s junior athlete talent pool.

“Ski Fit North has been a highly successful program in communities in northern Saskatchewan for more than 15 years. It is a proven youth development program that we are now able to grow and deliver in Northern Albertan communities,” said Davin MacIntosh, executive director, Cross Country Canada. “With Beckie Scott as an active Olympic role model, and the generous support of Statoil, our goal is to inspire kids and teach them the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle, while encouraging them to pursue excellence in cross-country skiing.”

The Beckie Scott Youth Ambassador Program, joining forces with Ski Fit North Alberta, showcases Statoil’s commitment to supporting CCC. This partnership is designed to ensure the success of Canadian cross-country skiers by focusing on supporting Cross Country Canada’s junior and youth programs and reaching out to youth in the remote areas.

During Scott’s visit to this camp, she will speak about her journey from club skiing in Vermillion to the top of the Olympic cross country ski podium. “Having new opportunities to pursue excellence through sport will change the lives of aspiring Olympians in every corner of the country,” said Beckie Scott, who represents the pinnacle of Cross Country Canada’s development model. “Supporting skiers at the grassroots level, while educating them on setting proper goals within the various stages of their development is crucial to ensuring Canada’s success continues on the world stage.”

Statoil’s support of the next generation of athletes also includes supporting members of the National Junior Team and CCC’s National Team Development Centres with enhanced coaching, training and competitive opportunities overseas. “We are extremely proud to invest in the heroes of tomorrow and support the sport of cross country skiing in Canada,” said Lars Christian Bacher, president of Statoil Canada. “It is our hope that this contribution will help build strong grassroots programs across Canada so that amateur athletes have the skills, coaching and competitive opportunities needed to realize their full potential.”

For details on the local schedule of events and activities, please click HERE.

Statoil is a gold-medal partner of Cross Country Canada.