February 03, 2011 (Calgary, Alberta) – Fast and Female will be hosting its sixth Annual X-Country SkiFest in Canada on Sunday March 13, 2011 at the Canmore Nordic Centre in Alberta. The highly anticipated event will take place in conjunction with the 2011 National Cross-Country Ski Championships – set for March 11 to 19, also at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

The 2011 Fast and Female Annual X-Country SkiFest will host more than 150 female cross-country skiers and biathletes from all over Canada between the ages of 9 to 19 years old as well as their parents and coaches for a day of inspiration both on and off snow.

The youth segment of the Fast and Female 2011 Annual X-Country SkiFest will feature ski drills, yoga and dancing led by outstanding female Olympians, current members from the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team and other elite athletes.

Among the illustrious ambassadors present that day will be Sara Renner, who claimed a silver medal with Beckie Scott in the team sprint at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Renner, who recently retired from competitive ski racing after taking part in the 2010 Winter Games, also won bronze at the 2005 World Championships in the individual sprint.

The parent and coach segment of the Fast and Female day will feature three seminars in the morning on topics of particular importance to female athletes. More specifically, parents and coaches will have the opportunity to listen to informational presentations by sports psychologist Jan Derpak, nutritionist Samantha Perris from Nu-Roots and sports physiotherapist Erin Sturch from Active Motion Physiotherapy. In the afternoon, adult participants will have the opportunity to ski.

All youth and adult event participants will convene for lunch to attend a keynote presentation by Ellie Greenwood, winner of the 2010 Ultramarathon World Championships (100km). As a Banff resident, Greenwood will share her experiences in the ranks of the world’s best ultra long-distance runners. For more information concerning Ellie, please click HERE.

The registration fee for the youth event is $15 and includes a Fast and Female t-shirt, a Buff, a lunch, and access to all activities. The registration fee for the parent and coach activity is also $15 and includes the seminars, lunch and afternoon skiing. Financial assistance is available for participants in need. Please contact info@fastandfemale.com to inquire.

Registration for the highly anticipated event is now officially open and participants can secure a spot by clicking HERE.

Those interested in volunteering for the event can also offer their help by signing up to the event and selecting the volunteer ticket option.

The deadline to register is March 10, 2011. Athletes competing in the 2011 National Championships on that day may choose to join the Fast and Female event for the lunch and afternoon activities only for the same registration fee.

Fast and Female is able to host the 2011 Annual X-Country SkiFest thanks to the generous financial and in-kind contributions of sponsors including Best Buy Canada, Lululemon Athletica, Buff Multifunctional Headwear, Cold-FX, Clarins Canada, Cross-Country Canada, Sport Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the In Motion Network (Go Girl program), and the Canmore Nordic Centre. For a complete list of Fast and Female national program supporters and sponsors, please visit www.fastandfemale.com.