10/09/2000

Turner Enthusiastic With Progress In 2005 Winter Goodwill Games Planning

Canmore, AB - Calling the Rocky Mountain region the most beautiful place in the world, Time Warner Vice-Chairman and Goodwill Games founder R.E. (Ted) Turner praised Alberta's latest efforts planning the 2005 Winter Goodwill Games at a news conference today. Turner joined 2005 Winter Goodwill Games Chairman, Doug Mitchell along with Turner Sports President, Mark Lazarus and Goodwill Games President, Michael Plant in Canmore to provide an update on the Games.

"I think this place is the most beautiful place in the world. When Mike (Plant} told me Calgary was a finalist, I couldn't have been happier. I said go and get it done," said Turner. "2005 is the 100th anniversary of Alberta being a province. We are really looking forward to being a part of the celebration".

Approximately 12 other venues across Alberta will host the proposed ten-day massive international sporting event to highlight Alberta's centennial celebrations. The province will become a global stage for almost 1,000 of the world's best athletes to compete in up to 14 events tentatively scheduled for February 18 - 27, 2005.

"The sheer magnitude of winter events being planned for 2005 has never been attempted before in the arena of the Goodwill Games. This will truly be a province-wide initiative, touching virtually every community from Lethbridge to Grande Prairie," says 2005 Winter Goodwill Games Chairman, Doug Mitchell.

"We are continuing to work very closely with the corporate sector and all levels of government to build a spectacular centennial festival that is fiscally sound while creating the greatest possible legacy for the next generation of Canadian athletes."

As such, plans are taking shape for the province's youth to compete in the Junior Goodwill Games; a competition for Alberta athletes participating in events that will mirror the Winter Goodwill Games sports and run concurrently wherever possible.

"This will be an incredible opportunity to connect Alberta's developing athletes with some of the world's best and most popular athletes," says Mitchell. "With our amazing volunteer spirit, I am confident Albertans can take the 2005 Winter Goodwill Games to extraordinary new heights and make all of Canada proud."

For information please call:

Doug Mitchell - Chairman, 2005 Winter Goodwill Games
phone - (403) 232-9493
fax - (403) 232-9606
email - dmitchell@blgcanada.com

Jeff Pomeroy - Director of Public Relations, Goodwill Games
phone - (404) 827-4786
fax - (404) 827-1394
email - jeff.pomeroy@turner.com

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