8 July 2009
Mike Holmes Salutes the “Great 38”
By Skills/Compétence Canada
Members of Team Canada gathered for a Champions Breakfast in Ottawa on Friday June 26th for the final countdown to WorldSkills Calgary 2009.
The Champions Breakfast was the last orientation meeting for the Team Canada delegation, including the 38 Competitors along with their Experts and trainers, prior to the 40th WorldSkills Competition.
Keynote speaker and a leading advocate for skilled trades, Mike Holmes, saluted Team Canada as the “Great 38” and encouraged the Competitors to do their very best on this last stretch of training before the “test of their lives” in Calgary. The host of HGTV’s Holmes on HomesTM and Canada's Most Trusted Contractor, said that there is nothing better than witnessing the success of these young individuals as they reach for excellence in their respective skill categories – a testament to the growing popularity of careers in skilled trades. “The look on a kid’s face when I put that medal around their neck says everything.”
The 38 members of Team Canada will compete in 35 of the 45 skill categories against more than 900 Competitors from 51 Member countries/regions. The four-day WorldSkills Competition is the biggest international skills competition of its kind in the world.
Terry Cooke, President of Skills/Compétences Canada, also provided words of encouragement for Team Canada. “As you make your final preparations for WorldSkills Calgary 2009, I encourage you to find balance in your life that will allow you to simply do your best, because really no one can ask for more than that!”
Stacy DuBois, one of seven women on Team Canada, who is competing in the category of IT Software Applications, had an opportunity to address the crowd of over 200. She spoke of her journey through the various Skills/Compétences Canada competitions that ultimately secured her a spot on Team Canada. “It has been a lot of work, but the rewards are countless. My skills are improving, I’m meeting lots of new people, my self confidence has improved, and I have so many great memories from along the way. It also feels great knowing I’m part of a growing movement to promote skilled trades and technology careers for young people across the country.”
For more information, please visit: www.skillscanada.com.