Counting down until Calgary Welcomes the World

Monday, May 25, 2009, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Deputy Mayor Diane Colley-Urquhart, WorldSkills Calgary 2009 Ltd. celebrity spokesperson Chef David Adjey, along with representatives from founding sponsor EnCana Corporation unveiled the official WorldSkills Calgary 2009 countdown clock on Monday. Also taking part in the celebration were Members of Team Canada, WorldSkills International, and many Calgarians, who are all looking forward to seeing the largest independent event ever hosted on the 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 Ltd. 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.”

As the clock 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.

“WorldSkills International has been working closely with WorldSkills Calgary 2009 Ltd. 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.

“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.”

Counting down the days, hours, and minutes until the 40th WorldSkills Competition, the countdown clock, sponsored by EnCana Corporation, is visible in the windows of the EnCana Corporation office, located across the street from the Fairmont Palliser on the corner of 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW.

The Competition itself, which is free to the public, takes place on Stampede Park from September 2 – 5, 2009 and is flanked by the Opening Ceremony (September 1, 2009), 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.

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The 40th WorldSkills Competition is coming to Calgary, Alberta, Canada from September 1 – 7, 2009. The organizing committee, WorldSkills Calgary 2009 Ltd., is leading the event coordination with support from WorldSkills International, Skills/Compétences Canada, and Skills Canada Alberta.

For more information, please visit www.worldskills2009.com