October 28, 2009 (Canmore, Alberta) – This winter, Fast and Female, presented by Best Buy, will host a record number of seven events in seven Canadian provinces/territories, empowering in excess of six hundred young female cross-country skiers and biathletes between the ages of 9 to 19 years old.

“Since Fast and Female started in 2005 we’ve been working to meet the high demand for our fun events that empower young women through sport,” said Chandra Crawford, 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist in Cross-Country Skiing, Fast and Female founder, and full-time athlete. “I am super pumped that thanks to our partners and inspiring ambassadors, Fast and Female can spread the love of cross-country skiing and the importance of an active lifestyle to so many more girls throughout the country.”

Led by role model ambassadors consisting of current and alumni female cross-country skiers and biathletes from Canada’s national and provincial teams, all Fast and Female Ski and Chat Series events will feature cross-country ski drills, inspirational talks and healthy snacks. The Yukon National Ski Festival will also include yoga and dance sessions, two activities dear to founder Chandra Crawford’s heart.

“By having girls get together in a non-competitive and stimulating environment, we can foster the retention of girls in cross country skiing, biathlon and sports in general,” added Marie-Hélène Thibeault, Executive Director for the program. “Ultimately, by leveraging the positive experiences of Fast and Female ambassadors and combining that with stimulating physical activities, we are entrusting young female athletes with the confidence they need to reach their full potential on and off snow.”

2010 Fast and Female Ski & Chat Series All Fast and Female events will be free to youth participants.

– January 9, 2010 – Quebec (QC)
– February 3, 2010 – Canmore (AB)
– February 19, 2010 – Hardwood Hills (ON)
– *March 15, 2010 – Whitehorse (YK) Annual Ski Festival*
– March 27, 2010 – St.-Anthony (NL)
– April 3, 2010 – Yellowknife (NT)
– April 10, 2010 – Burns Lake (BC)

*In the past four years, Fast and Female focused its efforts on hosting a single Winter Annual Ski Festival. Past stops have included Silver Star Mountain Resort (British Columbia), Canmore (Alberta), Thunder Bay (Ontario), Mont St. Anne (Québec), Whistler (British Columbia), Calgary (Alberta), and Cape Croker (Ontario).

Fast and Female presented by Best Buy
Fast and Female presented by Best Buy is a nonprofit organization started in 2005 by Olympic Gold Medalist in cross-country skiing Chandra Crawford. The organization’s mission of “Empowerment Through Sport” is accomplished through fun-filled initiatives. Fast and Female presented by Best Buy is about more than a great time on skis; it’s about building confidence and leadership skills in girls and young women while showing them how much they have to gain from an active lifestyle. The young girls who attend Fast and Female presented by Best Buy events today will lead it in the future. For more information about Fast and Female and upcoming events, visit www.fastandfemale.com.