U of C, Olympic Oval hail funding announcement

November 20, 2006

Source: University of Calgary
http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/november2006/oval-funding/

U of C, Olympic Oval hail funding announcement as re-investment in the future

Today’s announcement that the provincial government will reinvest in Alberta’s Olympic legacy facilities is being hailed by the University of Calgary as good news for Albertans, and great news for Canada.

"The Olympic Oval will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year," says the Oval’s Director, Mark Greenwald. "The facility has held up well over the years, but if we are to continue producing the best skaters in the world, we need significant upgrading, repairs and maintenance. We are hopeful that this provincial government funding will help us to continue to be the best in the world."

Athletes who train at the Oval were responsible for 41 per cent of all medals won in the Torino Games. The facility will remain the primary training facility for speed skating and most of the women’s hockey team for the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

Besides high performance sport, the Olympic Oval is also a heavily used recreation facility and a popular tourist destination. Over a million people passed through the doors last year. "We believe we have been excellent stewards of this facility for the province and for the city of Calgary," says the Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Dr. Wayne Giles. "We are proud of what the Oval has accomplished and we thank the province for its re-investment in the legacy facilities."

For More Information Contact:

Mark Greenwald 220-8148
Director, Olympic Oval

Bridget Cox 210-8568
Olympic Oval Communications