August 30, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

August 30, 2007

Calgary wins bid to host 2009 World Water Skiing Championships

LINZ, Austria – The International Water Ski Federation, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada and the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority announced today that Calgary has won the bid to host the 2009 World Water Ski Championships. The competition will be held August 3 to 9 at the Lakes of KastynStone, two specifically built water ski lakes operated by the Predator Bay Water Ski Club.

Canada previously hosted successful world championships in 1953, 1967 and 1979. The 2009 worlds are expected to attract nearly 200 athletes from more than 40 countries and when combined with a family festival is expected to draw thousands of spectators locally and from around the world. Canadians should have plenty to cheer about as well. Canada is a superpower in the sport with ore than 50 medals in world competition. The current team is led by the legendary Jaret Llewellyn of Innisfail, Alta., and 17-year-old phenom Whitney McClintock of Cambridge, Ont. Llewellyn, who has won 102 titles including 8 World Championships, 14 U.S. Masters and U.S. Open medals and 25 Pan American medals, is looking to cap his illustrious career in his backyard at the 2009 championships.

“As a native Albertan I’m overjoyed that the World’s have been awarded to Canada again and at such a perfect ski site”, said Llewellyn. It will be very special for me to perform at home in what could be my last World Championships.”

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our sport, to showcase the best that water skiing and Canada have to offer,’’ said Glenn Bowie, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s president. ‘’Our athletes get home field advantage for the first time in 30 years on one of the premiere facilities in the world. We want all of Canada to know that our skiers have and continue to be among the best competitors in this sport.

Bowie said an outstanding team has developed and will execute a comprehensive business plan intended to ensure that this event impacts the sport in Canada well beyond the competition.

“The business plan will ensure we attract many people who otherwise would not have been exposed to competitive water skiing and that we reap many lasting legacies,’’ he said. ‘’These include a meaningful legacy fund, a hosting and fundraising model for the future of the sport, facility and equipment enhancements, coaching, officiating and volunteer development, and a huge inspiration to our community."

Doug Mitchell, Chairman of the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority said, “we are very pleased to have supported the bid to host the 2009 World Water Ski Championship. Calgary has an outstanding track record for hosting international sport events, and we expect that the 2009 World Championship will enjoy tremendous success. It’s great for the sport of water skiing in Canada, and great for the enthusiasts of water skiing in Alberta, and it will be a wonderful opportunity for Calgarians to see the best athletes in the sport of waterskiing. The Calgary Sport Tourism Authority will continue working to attract international sport events to our calendar that offer significant branding and promotional opportunities, community legacies, and benefits to the Tourism industry.”

With over 31,000 registered members, Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is the recognized national sports organization for towed water sports. Canada's record of success on the world stage is nothing short of impressive: 19 world championship gold medals, 52 total medals in the world championships, and 27 Pan Am Games medals since 1995. Most recently, the 5-member Canadian team won 9 medals at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro including 5 gold, making water skiing one of the most prolific of all Canadian teams in medal count.

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For high resolution photographs, media permission rights granted from Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada, visit:

Lakes at KastynStone venue 1, credit Andy Mielzynski:

http://www.waterski-wakeboard.ca/worlds09/Lakes_at_KastynStone_1_credit_Andy_Mielzynski.jpg

Lakes at KastynStone venue 2, credit Andy Mielzynski

http://www.waterski-wakeboard.ca/worlds09/Lakes_at_KastynStone_2_credit_Andy_Mielzynski.jpg

Jaret Llewellyn action photo, credit Britta Llewellyn:

http://www.waterski-wakeboard.ca/worlds09/Jaret_Llewellyn_slalom_credit_Britta_Llewellyn.jpg

Whitney McClintock action photo, credit Andy Mielzynski:

http://www.waterski-wakeboard.ca/worlds09/Whitney_McClintock_slalom_credit_Andy_Mielzynski.jpg

For more information, contact:

George Athans