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.