Edmonton... More than 450 participants from 68 communities around the province will represent Alberta at the 2009 Canada Summer Games in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, August 15-29.

 

“Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches and staff whose hard work and dedication have been recognized by their selection to Team Alberta,” said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation.  “We are extremely proud of all of our participants and look forward with pride and enthusiasm as they represent Alberta at the Games.”

 

With close to 360 athletes competing in 18 sports, this edition of Team Alberta represents one of the largest and most talented teams Alberta has sent to a Canada Summer Games.  In addition, 76 coaches and managers, along with 18 mission staff, will provide support and leadership for Team Alberta during the Games.  Three artists are also members of the team and will interpret the Games experience through their art.

 

“This is an exceptional group of athletes whose combination of experience, dedication and energy will push us towards our goal to finish in the top three for medals and points at the Games,” said Scott Fraser, Team Alberta Chef de Mission.  “Our athletes have achieved success provincially and nationally, and these Games represent the next step in their quest to compete in the Olympics.”

 

To see the full list of Alberta athletes participating at the Games, to track their results, or for more information, visit www.teamalberta.org.

 

Team Alberta’s involvement in the Games is coordinated by the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit Crown corporation supported by the Alberta Lottery Fund.  The foundation provides support for participation in sport, recreation and physical activity, athletic excellence and the preservation and recreational use of natural environments in Alberta. Through the foundation, the Alberta government has provided $1.5 million towards team training, the selection of teams and the operations of Team Alberta.

 

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Editor’s Note:  Media interested in conducting interviews with athletes and officials in advance of the Games can do so by contacting Chris Dornan at the phone numbers below.

 

Chris Dornan, Team Alberta Media Liaison, 281-703-4394 or 902-626-9670 during the Games

Dan Huang, Communications, Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, 780-427-1828

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000