December 6, 2005 – Two programs designed to connect Vernon students with the 2005 World Cup of cross country ski races were announced today. The World Cup Challenge Passport program requires students to answer 14 “challenges” related to the World Cup and to have them stamped at 14 “stamping stations” around the city and at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. The “Adopt-an-Athlete” program matches elementary schools with participating teams.

The World Cup Challenge Passport has been distributed to over 4,000 students in Grades 3 through 7 in Vernon schools. Some of the challenges include going through an obstacle course they make up in their home or classroom, knowing how to say good morning in Norwegian, knowing how many nations are competing in the World Cup, making up a balanced diet, knowing information from the downtown mural tour (especially the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club mural) etc. They can get the information from the World Cup website (www.sovereignlake2005.ca) or from the museum & library or other resources in town. When they have completed all the challenges and received all their stamps, the students can enter a draw for prizes.

The “Adopt-a-Nation” program involves students studying the nation they have chosen from among the list of teams participating in the World Cup races. Some schools plan to go to Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre during the week leading up to the races to watch “their” team in training. Some schools have invited a member of “their” team to visit the classroom.
“This is a great way to get students involved in the spirit of World Cup,” said Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Olga Ilich. “Hopefully, these two programs will encourage students to make healthy choices and incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.”
The Vernon Morning Star is the media sponsor of the World Cup schools programs.