March 14, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Two sections of the Olympic Trail system at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park are now named after Alberta Olympians Beckie Scott and Sara Renner. Beckie’s Hill and Renner’s Revenge pay tribute to the retired Canadian cross-country ski Olympians and medallists.

“As new generations of skiers glide across the renamed trails, I hope they will be inspired by the accomplishments of Beckie and Sara,” said Minister Cindy Ady, Tourism, Parks and Recreation. “We are very proud of them and their contributions to cross-country skiing, to the Nordic Centre’s Olympic legacy and our province.”

Canmore’s Sara Renner is an Olympic Silver medalist and a four-time Olympian in cross-country skiing. She made her move on the downhill corner on Renner’s Revenge to capture the bronze medal in the 2010 Alberta World Cup classic sprint. This was the final World Cup race of her illustrious career. Following the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Renner retired from racing. She continues to contribute to her community by promoting awareness of climate change through the David Suzuki Foundation and the international climate advocacy group 350.org.

“The trails of the Canmore Nordic Centre are where, as a child, I started dreaming of becoming an excellent cross country skier,” said Renner. “It is an honor to have a trail named after me. It will remind me of how lucky I was to be able to chase my dream. Each time I plunge down Renner’s Revenge I will feel gratitude to the people with big hearts who supported me along the way.”

In 2005, Beckie Scott, Olympic Gold and Silver medalist in cross-country skiing, won the Alberta World Cup 15km Classic race largely through her efforts on the climb on Beckie’s Hill. It was there where she was able to gain the lead over her Russian rival, Julija Tchepalova, ultimately sealing her victory. Beckie retired from racing in 2006 as Canada’s most decorated cross-country skier of all time. She contributes to the sport and recreation community through her involvement with anti-doping initiatives, the International Olympic Committee, and Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization.

“I absolutely loved it every time I had a chance to race World Cups at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Racing on some of the hardest courses in the world, in front of a hometown crowd, was unforgettable. I feel incredibly honoured to have a trail named after me and what was accomplished here on these trails,” said Scott.

Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is one of the top cross-country and biathlon destinations in the world, boasting more than 65 kilometres of groomed and track-set trail for all ability levels. More than 40,000 elite and recreational skiers visit the park annually.  Trails are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.  For trail maps and rate information, please visit www.CanmoreNordicCentre.ca. The Nordic Centre is currently hosting the 2011 National Cross Country Ski Championships from March 11 to 19, which will attract more than 1,000 participants, coaches and spectators.