February 12, 2011 (Halifax, Nova Scotia) – From attending Space Camp to carrying Alberta’s flag, Scott Gow’s mission to fulfilling his Olympic dream will take a major step forward on Friday evening. Gow will lead a high-powered contingent of 242 Alberta athletes into the Halifax Metro Centre, and ultimately, towards the podium at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, February 11-27.

The 20-year-old accomplished biathlete from Calgary, who is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence both on the snow and in the classroom as an honour-student graduate of the National Sport School, Gow arrives to the Canada Winter Games from the Czech Republic where he led Canada to a ninth-place finish at the World Junior Biathlon Championships.

“I am pretty excited. I have been looking forward to this for a number of days now and I’m thrilled the time has arrived,” said Gow following his first training session in Halifax. “It is a tremendous honour to be the lead representative for Alberta walking into the ceremonies. We’ll have some fun tonight, but then get down to work. I’ll need to quickly get back to focus on racing and make sure I accomplish the goals I have for myself here.”

Three years ago Gow was the Western Canadian representative, and one of handful of young students from around the world, selected to attend the United Space School at NASA in Houston, Texas. Students were selected to the Camp based on academic standing, along with accomplishments outside of the classroom along with an interview process.

“I take a lot of pride in that experience at Space School. To be able to do something at that calibre outside of my sport is very important to me,” said Gow. “I have taken a lot from that experience and applied it to my sport. It required lots of hard work, time management and I really had to commit myself to being successful.”

With the goal finishing in the top-three in the overall medal count, Team Alberta consists of 242 athletes competing in 20 sports. In addition, 74 coaches, and managers, along with 18 mission staff members, will provide support and leadership for the young athletes. Three artists are also members of the team, and will interpret the experience of the Games through the National ArtistsProgram.

“This is a unique group of athletes which combines veteran leadership with youthful energy and drive,” said Pat Lechelt, Chef de Mission, Team Alberta. “These athletes have achieved an unprecedented amount of success provincially and nationally. For many, this is the first major benchmark in their journey towards achieving their Olympic dream. We are committed to working together to get off to a quick start and collective accomplish our goals.”

Alberta has finished third in the point standings five times throughout the history of the Canada Winter Games, the most recent in 2007 when the two-week event was staged in Whitehorse.

The Canada Winter Games have acted as a stepping stone for many of Canada’s most celebrated national, international and Olympic athletes including: Catriona Le May Doan; Steve Nash; Sidney Crosby; Marc Gagnon; Chandra Crawford; and Adam Van Koeverden.

Team Alberta at the 2011 Canada Winter Games

– 337 participants will represent Alberta in 20 sports at the 2011 Canada Winter Games including 242 athletes, 74 coaches, 18 mission staff and three artists
– Alberta has finished third in the point standings the last two Canada Winter Games, the most recent in 2007 when the event was staged in Whitehorse.
– Canmore’s Scott Gow, a member of the Canadian biathlon team, is the official flag bearer for Team Alberta.
– Canada Winter Games alumni from Alberta who went on to compete in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games include Jennifer Heil (Freestyle Skiing), Jessica Gregg (Speed skating), Hailey Wickenheiser (Women’s Hockey), Marc Kennedy (Curling), and Chandra Crawford (Cross Country Skiing).
– Team Alberta’s largest contingent is in hockey (men’s and women’s) with 20 athletes and five coaches and managers per team.  Team Alberta’s smallest contingent is in curling (men’s and women’s) with four athletes and one coach per team.
– Team Alberta’s youngest athlete is 10-year old Edward Guo from Edmonton in table tennis.

To see the full list of Alberta athletes participating at the Games, track their results, or for more information, visit their Facebook page HERE or visit www.teamalberta.org .