DREAM ACHIEVE INSPIRE

Friday, June 26, 2009

2010 Arctic Winter Games Theme Song Competition Winner to be Announced Monday

Organizers of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie are building momentum for the cultural
component of the Games, with the winner of the 2010 Theme Song Competition to be announced at a media conference Monday.

In an effort to capture the International flavor of these unique Northern Games, the competition invited entries from anyone who has spent more than five years living North of the 55th parallel.

After careful consideration by the selection committee, a winner was chosen and will be announced Monday, June 29th at 10:30am, at a Media Conference being held at the Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza in Grande Prairie.

The song itself will remain under wraps for a few more days, and will be performed for the first time as a part of Canada Day celebrations at Muskoseepi Park. Director of Culture Jackie Clayton says the song, entitled ‘Rise Up’, fits the theme of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games ‘Dream Achieve Inspire’ very well.

In keeping with the youth focus of the Games, Wayne Ayling, Chair of Opening and Closing Ceremonies was tasked with ensuring the arrangement of the song had strong appeal to young people. Ayling looked to Shane Seward, a young musician heavily involved with the local music scene to involve other young artists and come up with the arrangement of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games rock anthem.

Media Interviews available:
Monday, June 29, 2009
Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza
10:30am

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

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Arctic Winter Games International Committee Visits Grande Prairie

Just over eight months from the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie members of the organization’s International Committee will visit the region this week to check in with the 2010 Host Society.

Representatives from Alaska, Greenland, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon will join those from Northern Alberta to tour some of the new sport facilities that will be used in 2010, and meet dozens of the volunteers and staff that will make the Games a reality in our community.

This is the fourth of six visits scheduled by the International Committee to track the planning in each host community. Their busy three day visit will include a full day of presentations by various divisions within the organization.

Media Interviews available:
Friday, June 26, 2009
Stanford Room, Upstairs at the Coca-Cola Centre
12:00pm

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

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Peace Region’s Elected Officials to Participate in Arctic Sports Competition

Volunteers from the 2010 Arctic Winter Games will lead many of the region’s elected officials in some friendly competition Tuesday, June 16th at the City of Grande Prairie’s Municipal Government Day celebrations in Muskoseepi Park.

Elected officials from seven neighboring municipalities will participate in four activities, all of which will be featured in the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, coming to Grande Prairie March 6-13, 2010.

Alaskan High Kick
The athlete supports himself/herself on the ground with one hand while grasping one foot with the other hand. The athlete must use his / her free foot to kick a target
suspended overhead before landing on the kicking foot.

Sledge Jump
Ten wooden sledges are placed in a row. The athlete jumps over as many as possible before fatigue forces him / her to stop. The athlete may only execute two-foot jumps,
and the feet may not be placed further apart than shoulder-wide.

Stick Pull
Competitors stand in a staggered stance facing each other, gripping a Crisco-greased stick. At the judge’s signals competitors grip the stick, then begin pulling away from
their competitor with a straight arm and in a slow and steady fashion. Best-of-three wins it.

Pole Push
Two teams of four players each grasp opposite ends of a 6-8 meter pole. The teams attempt to push each other out of a 10 metre circle. A team wins the round when it
succeeds in pushing the centre mark of the pole across the boundary line. Best-ofthree wins it.

The ‘competition’ for elected officials will run from 4:30-5:00pm, with members of the public encouraged to try their hand at these unique Arctic Sports following the City’s official welcome around 5:00.

Find YOUR Way to the Games! Visit our display at Municipal Government Day to Register as a Volunteer, Get Your Gameswear, or find out more about the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie.

Media Interviews available on-site Tuesday June 16, 4:00-7:00pm

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

Friday, June 12, 2009

Gameswear Fridays to be Launched with the City & County of Grande Prairie

The 2010 Arctic Winter Games will launch the Gameswear Fridays program next week, with Funding Partners the City of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie being the first to confirm their support.

Members of the Games Host Society will be joined by City Aldermen and County Councilors for the announcement, happening Monday, June 15th, 9:00am at the County office. Elected officials will be the first to don their Gameswear in support of the program, but Director of Administration for the Games, Mike Reid says that’s just the beginning.

“As a supporter of our Gameswear Friday program our Funding Partners, and ALL Games sponsors, are eligible to receive a discount on bulk Gameswear purchases. These savings can be passed along to their staff, encouraging them to show their support for the Games by proudly wearing their Gameswear at work every Friday between now and the Games”.

Reid says the City and County are both shining examples of how Games pride can be encouraged in a work-place. But, he says community support for the Games reaches well beyond our municipal governments to businesses of all sizes.

“The Gameswear Friday campaign is a great way for the public to easily identify those businesses that have already made a commitment to supporting this unique sporting and cultural event. And if it encourages others to get involved, that’s even better” he says.

Mayor Dwight Logan was the first to purchase his 2010 Arctic Winter Games vest, which will be officially presented to him, along with the rest of City and County elected officials at their respective council meetings Monday.

Gameswear Fridays will also ensure that new products and styles of Gameswear are being seen out in the community as they’re made available. Reid says new stock is coming in all the time. To see the latest, visit the 2010 Arctic Winter Games Store in Ernie’s Sports Plaza or visit the Online Store at www.awg2010.org.

To initiate Gameswear Fridays at your business, contact the 2010 Arctic Winter Games at 780-538-4777.

Please join us for a Media Conference to officially launch Gameswear Fridays
Monday, June 15, 2009
9:00am at the County of Grande Prairie Office

Monday, June 1, 2009

Games Launches 2010 Campaign to Encourage Small Business Support

With just over nine months until the Games, the 2010 Host Society is stepping up their sponsorship drive, with an initiative specifically targeting small businesses.

The '2010 Campaign' was officially launched this week, with organizers announcing several businesses that have already committed to the campaign.

Chair of Sponsorship, Linda Side says the campaign is a simple, affordable way for businesses to invest in the legacy of developing athletes. She says they've tried to make it as easy as possible for businesses to get on board and support the Games.

“This initiative allows small businesses that are making contributions of $2010 or more to choose a pre-authorized payment plan that suits their schedule. We've had a tremendous response from the community already, and we're confident that the flexibility of the 2010 Campaign will encourage even more support from the region's small businesses.”

The community of Grande Prairie has a history of supporting developing athletes, something the Arctic Winter Games 2010 Sports Ambassador has seen first-hand. “I've seen what happens when a community comes together to support its athletes. I know the difference their support has made to me, and the difference a Games experience can make in the lives of its participants,” said local aerialist and Olympic hopeful Ryan Blais.

“The Games will give the people of Grande Prairie an opportunity to make an impact not only in the lives of local participants, but also to showcase our community to the world & give the international community a glimpse of our commitment to developing athletes world-wide,” he added.

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

2010 Arctic Winter Games Sports Ambassador featured in Provincial Tourism Video

Local aerialist, Olympic hopeful, and Sports Ambassador for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, Ryan Blais has been chosen to represent Alberta‟s North in a promotional video for Travel Alberta.

The video, entitled 'Follow Your Passion to Alberta, features a representative from each of the provinces five regions. Blais was chosen because of the passion he displays for his sport and his community.

The video made its debut to the world at a media event in New York City just over a month ago. The event was hosted by Travel Alberta in an effort to encourage tourists to visit the province.

Back at home, the 2010 Arctic Winter Games committee was paying close attention.

“We're thrilled that Ryan was chosen to represent the North. The passion he shows for his sport, and for the Grande Prairie region, is one of the reasons we invited him to be the Games' Sports Ambassador. So it's certainly no surprise to us that when Travel Alberta was looking for a passionate, inspiring person from the North, that they chose him,” said Games President Debbie Reid.

Throughout his career, Blais has been an active promoter of Alberta's North, taking every opportunity to mention the individuals, businesses and even local facilities that combined with his tremendous talent to help him excel.

As he mentions in the video, “The winters are long and cold, but the people are warm and that's usually what keeps people around, and keeps them coming back to Northern Alberta.” Blais says that was also a factor in why he took the role as Sports Ambassador for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. “It's a chance to promote our region, and welcome an International audience to visit our community and see first-hand the spirit of our people.”


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