NEWS RELEASE
October 21, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
World-Class Aerialist Named 2010 Arctic Winter Games Sports Ambassador
Grande Prairie, Alberta – Debbie Reid, president of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games named Ryan Blais, member of the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team and one of the top aerialists in the world, as the 2010 Arctic Winter Games Sports Ambassador.
Twenty-nine year-old Blais, who was born and raised in Grande Prairie and whose family still resides here, was introduced at a press conference this morning, wearing 2010 Games merchandise that will soon be available for purchase online.
“Ryan really embodies the theme of our games – DREAM ACHIEVE INSPIRE, and his journey from a young Grande Prairie athlete to a world-class aerialist will truly be an inspiration to all of our participants,” said Debbie Reid, 2010 Games president.
“What is especially remarkable about Ryan, however, is that he is an excellent mentor and role model for young people who each day demonstrates that through perseverance and belief in oneself, you really can live the dream.”
Blais put on skis in grade 6, started freestyle at 16 years-of-age, joining the freestyle skiing club when he was 18. He is a current member of the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team - Aerials, has seven World Cup Podiums with two World Cup wins and is in training for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Blais also contributes to the local community as a spokesperson/ambassador for KidSport Grande Prairie and is founder of the “Come Fly With Me Foundation.”
“The thought of young kids participating in the 2010 AWG in Grande Prairie fills me with excitement because I know that for many of them it will likely be the pinnacle of their young sporting career, while for others it will be the catalyst that inspires them to follow their dreams for the rest of their lives,” said Blais. “These Games will teach the kids so much about themselves and will foster a self confidence that is priceless.”
Added Blais: “I'm excited to be the 2010 Arctic Winter Games Ambassador because I know how transformative an experience this can be for young kids and I'm looking forward to re-living the spark I felt ten years ago."
As Sports Ambassador, Blais will participate in Arctic Winter Games events, visit schools and make public speaking appearances to promote the 2010 Games theme and to encourage young people to be champions wherever their pursuits lie.
Dressed in 2010 Arctic Winter Games attire, Blais accompanied by Reid, introduced the first line of merchandise that will soon be available to the public for purchase online.
The 2010 Arctic Winter Games introductory line of merchandise consists of 12 items that you will soon be able to view and purchase online at www.awg2010.org. These items range from long and short sleeved shirts, hoodies, jackets, touques, stainless water bottles, vests, mugs, and baby wear.
Blais’ first public appearance as Sports Ambassador will take place this week, when he greets members of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee who provide leadership to the biennial Games, as well as the Chef’s de Mission – the people responsible for the overall selection, preparation and supervision of their team. The 20 international delegates will be visiting our city from as far away as Greenland and Russia.
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The Arctic Winter Games is a high profile sport competition and cultural event for northern athletes and performers. Since their inception in 1970, the Games now include participants from Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, northern Alberta, northern Quebec (Nunavik), the Russian province of Yamal, Greenland, and the Sami people of Norway and Finland. Grande Prairie will be the southern-most city to host the Games, to be held from March 6-13, 2010.
For more information contact:
Debbie Reid, President
2010 Arctic Winter Games
Cell: 780-512-6346
