Media Releases
99 Days until Calgary Welcomes the World
Monday, May 25, 2009, Calgary, Alberta, Canada - Deputy Mayor Diane Colley Urquhart, WorldSkills Calgary 2009 celebrity spokesperson Chef David Adjey, along with representatives from EnCana unveiled the official WorldSkills Calgary 2009 countdown clock on Monday. Also taking part in the celebration were Members of Team Canada, who will be competing in the event, WorldSkills International, and many Calgarians, who are all looking forward to seeing the largest independent event ever hosted at Stampede Park.
"Today's unveiling of the countdown clock builds the anticipation among Calgarians and the international community for the 40th WorldSkills Competition," said WorldSkills Calgary 2009 President and CEO Richard Walker. "We have been excitedly preparing since we won the bid in 2004 and we look forward to showing the rest of the world how Calgary puts on an event. This will be the best WorldSkills Competition to date."
Coinciding with the unveiling of the countdown clock is the announcement of EnCana as a Founding Sponsor of WorldSkills Calgary 2009. EnCana's sponsorship will be focused around the WorldSkills Calgary 2009 education and environmental programs. The countdown clock is visible in the windows of EnCana Place, located across the street from the Fairmont Palliser on the corner of 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW. EnCana is a leading North American unconventional natural gas and integrated oil company. By partnering with employees, community organizations and other businesses, EnCana contributes to the strength and sustainability of the communities where it operates.
As it winds down to the September 1 - 7, 2009 event, Calgary will welcome over 900 Competitors, who are taking part in an intense head-to-head four day Competition in 45 skill categories. The countdown clock hits zero at midnight September 1 and marks the official start of WorldSkills Calgary 2009. "Skills/Compétences Canada selected the team that will represent Canada at WorldSkills Calgary 2009 a year ago," said Chris Browton Executive Director, Skills Canada Alberta. "Every region of Canada, including eight Albertans, is represented on Team Canada. The 38 members are diligently training to demonstrate to the world our pride for all men and women with skilled talent to drive our economy and showcase the many promising futures to be found in the trades and technologies."
"WorldSkills International has been working closely with WorldSkills Calgary 2009 to make the 40th WorldSkills Competition one that raises the bar in many areas. As well as viewing the 45 skill competitions, there will be interactive and hands-on demonstrations throughout the Competition. We are looking forward to seeing all of Calgary at the event in 99 days," said David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International.
The Competition itself, which is free to the public, takes place at Stampede Park from September 2 - 5, 2009 and is flanked by the Opening Ceremony (September 1), the Closing Ceremony (September 6), and a celebration of WorldSkills Champions during the Labour Day Classic football game (September 7). Events around the city will also complement the 40th WorldSkills Competition, while showcasing Calgary to the world.
More information is available at www.worldskills2009.com.
The 40th WorldSkills Competition is coming to Calgary, Alberta, Canada from September 1 – 7, 2009. The organizing committee, WorldSkills Calgary 2009, is leading the event coordination with support from WorldSkills International, Skills/Compétences Canada, and Skills Canada Alberta.
