October 1, 2005 (Vernon, B.C.) – World Cup Fridays, a month-long awareness campaign, was launched today at the Vernon & District Credit Union, Peak Sponsor of the 2005 Viessmann FIS World Cup, to be hosted by Sovereign Lake Nordic Club this December. The launch was hosted by the Vernon & District Credit Union whose staff appeared at the event in their World Cup vests.

“We are very excited to be here today in our ‘World Cup Wear”, ” explains Murray Clare, general manager of Vernon & District Credit Union. “We encourage the public to come by VDCU beginning next Friday to see our apparel, view the World Cup display decorating our premises, and to purchase admission buttons for the exciting 2005 World Cup races in December. We’re definitely ready to Welcome the World!”

World Cup Fridays is a program to create a World Cup presence in the Greater Vernon community as the December races draw closer. Everyone is encouraged to wear World Cup clothing on Fridays throughout October. Businesses are invited to have their staff dress in World Cup wear on Fridays and to decorate their business premises with a World Cup or international theme. For information on how to participate, contact the World Cup Office at 558-4770 or info@sovereignlake2005.ca.

SUN FM Radio, one of the World Cup Media Partners, broadcast the “Sunrise Show” from the launch site this morning and will be visiting participating World Cup Fridays businesses on Fridays and awarding prizes to participants.

The 2005 Viessmann FIS World Cup tour stops in Vernon on December 10th and 11th when Sovereign Lake Nordic Club hosts 160 of the world’s top Nordic racers competing for points on the World Cup circuit. The World Cup races here will be the last opportunity for nations to qualify their skiers for competition in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy next February.

The 2005 World Cup Festival begins in Vernon with Opening Ceremonies in downtown Vernon on Saturday, December 3. For more information on the event, see the website at www.sovereignlake2005.ca.

BUSINESSES SIGNED ON FOR THE WORLD CUP FRIDAYS PROGRAM

To September 30, 2005

– Vernon & District Credit Union

– SW Audio Visual

– Corbett Office Plus

– Vernon Morning Star

– Vital Path Health Center

– GEM Mapping

– Brown Derby, Armstrong

– Falcon Nest Lodge

– Prestige Hotel & Convention Center

– Fitz Clothing

– Vernon Tourism

– Vernon Chamber of Commerce

– Downtown Vernon Association