A Week Full of Milestones Makes for a Weekend FULL of Celebration

A week full of milestones for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games will wrap up this Saturday with a HUGE community celebration from 10:00am-3:00pm at Montrose Cultural Centre.

The Volunteer Rally is the second of three that will be held by the Games’ Host Society prior to the Games, and Director of Volunteers Linda Craik says the event is meant to celebrate our existing volunteers as much as to recruit new ones!

“This week we reached a few major milestones: This Thursday marked exactly ONE HUNDRED days to the Games, and as if that wasn’t enough cause for celebration we’ve also registered our ONE-THOUSANDTH volunteer!” says Craik.

A total of 2,500 volunteers are needed to bring the Games to Grande Prairie, and Craik says although we still have a long way to go, this milestone certainly helps to prove what organizers have been saying all along; the people of Grande Prairie and area are committed to making these Games a reality for our community!

Craik says every volunteer that registers is just as important as the last, regardless of what number they are. But, she says there is something particularly noteworthy about our #1000. Having just moved to Grande Prairie, Timothy Way was looking for a way to get involved in his new community when the Games Crew visited his place of employment to conduct on-site volunteer registration. He signed up that day, showing his commitment to the community after only one week of calling Grande Prairie home.

Games President Debbie Reid says it’s exactly that sense of community that is exemplified by our volunteers. “Although the majority of volunteers are needed for work DURING the Games, many of those that registered early are already getting involved, by donating their time to help with pre-Games events like parades, community displays, and events like this weekend’s Volunteer Rally.”

Craik says whether you’re planning to register at the rally or you’re one of the many volunteers already helping to make these games a success, EVERYONE IS WELCOME at the celebration this Saturday.

- Volunteer Registration at the Rally - Chance to Win HOURLY prizes

- Celebrate Aluk’s First Birthday – with birthday cake, and ‘Aluk’s Kids Corner’

- Take in Arctic Sport Demonstrations and Cultural Performances

- Check out a LIVE Games Gear Fashion Show

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

Ticket Sale Update

After just a few weeks of ticket sales for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games organizers are encouraged by the interest this milestone has generated in the community.

Residents have known the Games were coming, and have likely been planning to attend this international celebration for some time, says Ticket Chair Heidi Yang, but there’s a thrill that comes from actually holding the tickets in your hands.

Yang says it’s this thrill many people are hoping to bring to the holidays, by loading up at the box office this Christmas. She says the Games guarantee opportunities for unique family fun, while still keeping ticket prices reasonable.

“Games tickets make a perfect Christmas gift, and with the cost of daily sports passes comparable to the cost of a trip to the movies we’re seeing a lot of tickets purchased as family stocking stuffers - or even as gifts for teachers, coaches or colleagues,” Yang says.

She says price was a big factor when finalizing the ticket plan. The committee did considerable research to ensure ticket prices weren’t a barrier for anyone wishing to attend the Games. The result is families embracing the Games, and are making plans to share in the sports and cultures of the circumpolar North.

Even the four SPECTACULAR cultural events held during the Games are priced at less than $50 each. Tickets for the Games’ Opening and Closing Ceremonies have been the biggest sellers to-date, with those for Thursday & Friday’s Cultural Galas not far behind.

Yang says it’s the social interaction and cultural exhibition between contingents that reflects the true uniqueness of these Games, and that is most evident during ceremonies and galas. Assigned seating is in place for each of these dynamic events, with a limited number of tickets available for each.

The Arctic Winter Games international committee requires some tickets to be held back for international guests, further limiting the number of tickets available to the general public. As a result, Yang says those interested in attending should act quickly to avoid disappointment.

Get Your Tickets Today!
In Person: at the Crystal Centre Box Office
By Phone: 780-538-0387
Online: www.crystalcentre.com

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

Games’ Mascot Welcomes Beckie Scott to Grande Prairie

November 22, 2009 - Two-time Olympic medalist, Beckie Scott joined over 70 aspiring young cross-country skiers and coaches from Northern Alberta in Grande Prairie this weekend, as part of the Beckie Scott Youth Ambassador program made possible through the support of Statoil Canada Ltd.

Canada’s most famous cross-country skier, Scott participated in training sessions proudly hosted by a 2010 Arctic Winter Games Venue: Wapiti Nordic Ski Club.

Training covered on snow technique work, fitness and conditioning exercises and a comprehensive seminar schedule, culminating with an evening presentation by Scott. In the presentation, held at Peace Wapiti Academy, Canada’s most accomplished cross country skier spoke on the many issues impacting young skiers, including her own experiences growing up in rural Alberta as an elite athlete with an Olympic Dream.

The 2010 Arctic Winter Games mascot joined in the fun Sunday, for one of the final relays of the weekend. Aluk, a one-year-old pachyrhinosaurus strapped on skis for the very first time and took some pointers from one of the best!

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

2010 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES FEATURE - Volunteer Update

After the buzz created last week when the Olympic Torch Relay passed through our region on its way to Vancouver, the thoughts of many have drifted to our OWN International Celebration of Sport and Culture being held March 6-13, 2010 right here in Grande Prairie!

2,500 star volunteers will help to showcase our community to the world, and with just four months left to go organizers have 926 registered.

Director of Volunteers, Linda Craik says although it seems like there’s still lots of time – in reality there’s not.

“Our registration process is really sophisticated. There are a few steps, but it allows us to ensure that volunteers are assigned to divisions and tasks that they enjoy, while also ensuring everyone – young, old, participants, volunteers, and spectators – are kept safe”.

All volunteers are required to complete an RCMP clearance allowing them to work with vulnerable sectors like children and seniors. Craik says there is no cost to the volunteer, but because of the processing time required it’s highly recommended that ALL volunteers register by January 1, 2010 in order to ensure their clearance is received in time for the Games.

Even once the accreditation process is complete she says the work is far from over, with scheduling and training to follow. In addition to any training required for their specific tasks, ALL Arctic Winter Games volunteers will receive FREE customer service training by the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association.

“In addition to being a great opportunity for athletic competition, cultural exchange and social interaction, the AHLA training provided to our volunteers provides a whole new element of personal & professional development.” Craik says it’s been a great incentive for employers to encourage their employees to get involved.

REGISTER TODAY!

Online at www.awg2010.org:
Step 1 – Complete the Registration Form - indicate your interests & availability, and submit online
Step 2 – Download, Print & Complete the RCMP Clearance Form
Step 3 – Upload a Photo for your accreditation badge
Step 4 – Bring the completed RCMP Clearance Form to the Games Office with two pieces of government issued ID (one piece must have a photo, both must have your birthdate)

Or, Visit the Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza, the Games Crew will walk you through the process.

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

2010 Arctic Winter Games Ticket Sale Launch

After almost two years of preparations, residents and visitors will soon be able to solidify their plans to attend the 2010 Arctic Winter Games - but organizers say they’ll have to move fast!

Tickets for this international celebration of sport and culture go on sale Monday morning at 10:00am at the Crystal Centre Box Office.

With a limited number of tickets available, Ticket Chair Heidi Yang says Opening & Closing Ceremonies and the two Cultural Galas are expected to sell out shortly after the launch. Yang strongly recommends that people purchase these tickets quickly, as seat selection will be at a premium.

With an event of this magnitude, Yang says there’s no such thing as a small task. This theory was proven correct through the many hours spent reviewing schedules, VIP lists and seating capacities in preparation for the ticket sale launch.

“The sport schedules alone are intense, with seven days of competition in 21 sports,” says Yang. “When you add to that some of the unique cultural elements of the Games, like Opening & Closing Ceremonies, and two spectacular cultural galas, the event becomes much more than your typical set of Games.”

Yang says ticket options will allow spectators to customize their Games experience, with individual tickets sold for ceremonies and cultural galas. Once sport schedules are finalized, she says Sports Super Passes, Day Passes and tickets for Medal Rounds will be available to those intent on catching all the athletic elements of these unique circumpolar games.

Grande Prairie is the Southern-most city ever to host the Arctic Winter Games - which will welcome 2,000 athletes and cultural participants, as well as tourists, friends, and families from as far away as Greenland and Russia.

The Crystal Centre Box Office is the exclusive seller of 2010 Arctic Winter Games tickets, with purchases available in person, online, or by phone.

Ticket Sale Launch

Monday, November 2, 2009

Crystal Centre Box Office

10:00 am

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx