Look out Alberta! December 15-18 the world’s top cross country skiers will be in Canmore for the Alberta Centennial World Cup. Beckie Scott and Sara Renner will lead the Canadian National Team as they compete for places on the medal podium in one of the last major international races before the 2006 Torino Olympics.
Designed and developed for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, the events are taking place at the Canmore Nordic Centre – currently undergoing a $23 million refurbishment to return the facility to international standards. Phase one of the renovations is complete including a new trail system, lighting, snow making and grooming systems and new wax and team room buildings. This is the centre's first international World Cup cross-country Nordic ski event since 1989.
Admission to the races is free with a donation to the Food Bank. Shuttle service will be available from downtown Canmore up to the Nordic Centre during the event. More information on the events, race times and the competitors is available at www.canmore2005.com.
In additon to the races, the Town of Canmore and the Calgary Stampede are hosting a five-day festival from December 14-19 to celebrate Alberta's centennial and to welcome the World Cup. A series of activities are planned ranging from a Stampede pancake breakfast to a winter rodeo and ending in a lively street party on Saturday after the races. Don’t forget to head down to the Canmore Civic Centre Plaza to experience the Alberta Centennial Stage – an outdoor concert featuring local talent.
The Alberta Centennial World Cup is one of the final events planned in our centennial year so don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of the celebrations.
