Businesses and Volunteers Generously Contribute to the 2010 Arctic Winter Games Store and Office

Grande Prairie - Debbie Reid, president of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games Host Society gave accolades to the local businesses and community volunteers for their generous contributions toward the new Games office and store. Reid announced that the new Games office and store facility, along with all the set-up costs including wiring, phones, construction and furnishings were provided through donations and sponsorship.

"The support that our organization has received to open this office and store is overwhelming," said Reid. "Our business community stepped up so generously and so willingly, and our volunteers worked tirelessly painting and scrubbing and preparing for this day. The Arctic Winter Games is both proud and humbled to announce that we are able to set-up the office and store free of any cash outlay to our organization.

When you experience this type of commitment, you really have to appreciate how fortunate we are to live among people who care so much about their community."

Reid made the announcement at today's grand opening of the new Arctic Winter Games office and store, located at Ernie's Sports Plaza. The store will be open with limited hours for the sale of 2010 Games merchandise. The first line of merchandise is also available to order online through the Games website.

Local government representatives were on hand for the grand opening and for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Assisting Reid with cutting the ribbon to officially mark the opening were City of Grande Prairie Mayor Dwight Logan, County of Grande Prairie Councilor Leanne Beaupre and M.D. of Greenview Councilor Lesley Vandemark.

Members of the 2010 Host Society also expressed appreciation to the newest sponsors of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. These sponsors were recognized for their contributions to the new office and store, as well as to the Games, which will held in our city next March.

The Arctic Winter Games invites the public to come by and see their new space at 11500-100 Street, or to go online and check out their merchandise at www.awg2010.org.

The Arctic Winter Games is an international sport and cultural event that provides Northern youth with an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and showcase their talents. The 2010 Games will be held in Grande Prairie from March 6-13.

For further information contact:

Debbie Reid

President

2010 Arctic Winter Games

Cell: (780) 512-6346

The Grand Opening Celebration of The 2010 Arctic Winter Games Office and Store

Greenland Cultural Arctic Winter Games Representative Visits Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie, Canada - An Arctic Winter Games cultural representative from the Nordic Institute of Greenland, Mr. Anders Berndtsson, is in Grande Prairie on a three-day visit to view the cultural facilities that will be used during the 2010 Games, and to see first-hand the framework of the cultural component of the 2010 Games. He will also be meeting with members of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games Host Society.

The Sports Federation of Greenland has selected the Institute to provide all the cultural contribution from Greenland to the 2010 Games. Berndtsson and his cultural institution have, with huge success, produced the Greenlandic cultural contribution both at the 2006 Arctic Winter Games in Kenai, Alaska and the 2008 Yellowknife Games in the North West Territories.

"Many of us from Grande Prairie who were at the 2008 Games in Yellowknife had the privilege of seeing Greenland's cultural performance," said Jackie Clayton, cultural director for the 2010 Games. "We are definitely looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us at next year's Games." Berndtsson says plans are underway for the Greenlandic production for the gala events in 2010, and will consist of a fusion between Greenlandic choir traditions and South African choir traditions. "Greenland believes it is very important for the young cultural participants to have the opportunity to go through a professional creative process prior the Games," said Berndtsson." A professional artistic leader, choreographer, and light and sound designer are hired in Greenland for the production that will be held in Grande Prairie."

The Nordic Institute of Greenland is a cultural institution under the Nordic Council of Ministers and is based in Nuuk, Greenland. NAPA is part of the active cultural life in Greenland and gives opportunities to experience Nordic culture in Greenland and Greenlandic culture in Scandanavian countries. One of NAPA's priority areas is to support, stimulate and contribute to the development of Greenlandic culture through its own cultural projects, with an emphasis on children's and youth culture.

Contact:
April Weavell
Marketing & PR Assistant Director/Media Chair
2010 Arctic Winter Games
Cell: (780) 505-0703 Email: media@awg2010.org

The Unique Cultural Aspect of The Games

One of the things that really sets the Arctic Winter Games apart from other sporting events is the unique cultural performances that are an integral part of the week.

Take this example; traditional Throat Singing.



Just one example of the unique cultural performances you can expect to see in Grande Prairie 2010!

Arctic Winter Games Rocks with Canadian Music Icon Colin James

Grande Prairie, Alberta – The 2010 Arctic Winter Games is hosting a party, and they're inviting the community to dine and dance to the music of Canadian music icon Colin James. James – a six time Juno winner who has sold over a million albums worldwide – will be in our city on March 28 at the Evergreen TEK Centre to help raise awareness and funds for the 2010 international celebration of sport and culture.

2010 Arctic Winter Games Sponsorship Chair Linda Side said that Saskatchewan-born James is just the right person for the fundraising event.

"Colin is a very well-known and accomplished western-Canadian musician who has made his mark on the world with his raw talent. Music and culture are a huge component of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, and Colin James represents the incredible level of talent that we Canadians bring to the international stage."

The Canadian singer, guitarist and songwriter appeals to a variety of audiences and music lovers playing in the blues, rock and swing genres. Also joining James will be seven members of his band who have played with many of the industry's greats including the Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton.

Side said that the evening will include a silent auction featuring a variety of unique aboriginal art pieces from aboriginal artists around the region. There will be an opportunity for a meet and greet for sponsors with Colin James.

"It is a rare opportunity to share an evening with this caliber of talent in such an intimate, casual and closed setting. With the Games just over a year away, the excitement is building and what better way to celebrate than with this level of Canadian entertainment."

Tickets for the dinner and dance are $175 a piece and can be purchased at the Crystal Centre Box Office, or by calling the games office at 780-538-4777. Table sponsors will have an opportunity to personally meet Colin James before the event.

The Arctic Winter Games is an international sport and cultural event that provides Northern youth with an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and showcase their talents. The 2010 Games will be held in Grande Prairie, Alberta from March 6 – 13. Participating contingents will include Northern Alberta, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alaska, Greenland, the Russian region of Yamal and the Sami (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia)

Contact:

Linda Side

Sponsorship Chair, 2010 Arctic Winter Games

Work: (780) 532-0636 Cell: (780) 831-8517

General Manager for 2010 Arctic Winter Games Announced

NEWS RELEASE
December 9, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

General Manager for 2010 Arctic Winter Games Announced

The 2010 Arctic Winter Games and Grande Prairie Regional College are pleased to announce the appointment of François Fournier as General Manager of the Games to be held in Grande Prairie in March, 2010.

Fournier is the Athletic Director in the department of Physical Education, Athletics and Kinesiology at GPRC, and has been released from that position to fulfill this role for 2010 Arctic Winter Games. GPRC allowed its staff to apply for the 18-month position as part of the college’s
commitment to support the host committee. The City of Grande Prairie offered the same opportunity.

“François brings to our Games extensive knowledge and experience in sports and sport-based volunteer organizations locally and at a national and international level,” said Debbie Reid, president of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. “That combined with his “get it done” attitude and the
relationships that he has built up over the years within the sport community really make him an excellent addition to our team.

“Securing an individual with François’ level of expertise for an 18-month period was certainly facilitated by the overwhelming support and commitment extended to the Games by the College and the City.”

“GPRC is proud to be a resource for our community as we prepare to host athletes and cultural participants of the circumpolar countries,” said Don Gnatiuk, president of Grande Prairie Regional College. “We recognize that this position requires a highly qualified individual who would be difficult to recruit for a short term appointment. Giving our employees the opportunity to apply for the position without risking their College jobs is part of our ongoing support for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games.

“I congratulate François on this appointment, and also congratulate the Games host committee on their selection of a highly effective manager with vast athletic experience.”

François Fournier has had extensive experience in athletic and events management nationally and internationally. He has worked in the promotion of professional football teams, and at the College has worked in enrolment management, public relations, and fundraising prior to his current position as Athletic Director. In 2007, Fournier was named Athletic Director of the Year by the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association.

“The timing of this opportunity was good,” Fournier said of his decision to seek the General Manager position. “Many long-term plans have been put into motion for Athletics at the College, and I will return in time to put them into action. Meanwhile, I have been involved with the 2010 Arctic Winter Games since Grande Prairie was awarded the Games, and I am looking forward to this opportunity to give the event my full attention.

“I have great admiration for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games team – they are passionate to make this a great event and the coming months are going to be very rewarding for us all.”

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For more information contact:
Debbie Reid, President
2010 Arctic Winter Games
Cell: 780-512-6346

Don Gnatiuk, President
Grande Prairie Regional College
Phone: 780-539-2024
François Fournier
Cell: 780-814-1854
Available Tuesday, December 9 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

The Arctic Winter Games is a high profile circumpolar sport and cultural event for northern participants who reside north of the 55th
parallel. Grande Prairie will host the 21st Arctic Winter Games, and is the southern-most community to host the Games, which will be
held from March 6-13, 2010.

TELUS Connects with the 2010 Arctic Winter Games as First Diamond Sponsor

NEWS RELEASE
December 3, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TELUS Connects with the 2010 Arctic Winter Games as First Diamond Sponsor

Grande Prairie, Alberta – The 2010 Arctic Winter Games received a huge boost today, announcing that TELUS has come on board as the Games’ first Diamond Sponsor. TELUS’ sponsorship, which puts them in the +$200,000 “Diamond” category, comes in the form of both gift-in-kind and cash.

“We are proud to welcome TELUS as our first corporate Diamond sponsor for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games,” said Debbie Reid, 2010 Games president. “Their sponsorship is a huge step forward as TELUS is not only providing us with goods that we will need to successfully operate our games, but they have also committed funds to be used for our operating budget. This is a gift that will benefit our youth and our community in a very big way.”

TELUS will provide the 2010 Games with phone installation services, cell phones for Games staff and volunteers, promotional signage on its downtown building, and items for special events. In addition, seventy-five thousand dollars has been committed in funds to cover operational expenses for the Games, which are less than a year-and-a-half away.

“At TELUS, we are committed to connecting Canadians with the sports they love and make real, long-term connections to the communities where our employees work, live and play,” said Steve Podborski, TELUS director of Sport Marketing. “As sponsor of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie, TELUS is proud to support the community, and proud to give a boost to these athletes and help them realize their dreams.”

With the Games taking place at several locations throughout the City and County of Grande Prairie, communications is critical for the 2010 Games team. This past summer, it was announced that 21 sports will be featured at the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. For the first time in Games history, freestyle skiing was added to the roster. In addition, cultural epresentatives from each of the delegations participate at venues throughout the Games.

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For more information contact:
Debbie Reid, President
2010 Arctic Winter Games
Cell: 780-512-6346
Chris Gerritsen

TELUS Media Relations
Cell: 403-808-9591
chris.gerritsen@telus.com

The Arctic Winter Games is a high profile circumpolar sport and cultural event for northern participants who reside north of the 55th parallel. Grande Prairie will host the 21st Arctic Winter games, and is the southern-most community to host the Games, which will be held from March 6-13, 2010.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.5 billion of annual revenue and 11.5 million customer connections including 6 million wireless subscribers, 4.3 million wireline network access lines and 1.2 million Internet subscribers. TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video. In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $113 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 2.1 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Nine TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead our local philanthropic initiatives. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.