Recommended Events, Activities and Competitions for Day One, September 2, 2009

The 40th WorldSkills Competition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada is the largest independent event ever hosted on Stampede Park. This international Competition focuses attention on 900 of the best skills, trade and technologies professionals under the age of 23, from 51 Member countries/regions, competing against each other in 45 skill categories.

WHAT: Competition Day One

September 2nd marks the kickoff of the competitive events. Watch as highly-skilled, passionate competitors participate in 45 skill categories.

• Where: Stampede Park
• Time: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Filming / photography welcome in designated areas
• Media requests for competitor interviews must be coordinated through the Team Leader for each country / region. Details available through the media centre.

WHAT: Opening of Shell Launch Pads

A new addition to WorldSkills, the Shell Launch Pads will ensure that visitors get a safe and efficient orientation to WorldSkills Calgary 2009. The 50,000 Alberta high school students who are visiting WorldSkills Calgary will all enter through one of the launch pads.

• Where: located inside each entrance to Stampede Park
• Time: Grey Launch Pad opens at 9:00 a.m. located on SE side of the park, behind the Agriculture Building
• Filming / photography welcome
• Interview availabilities:
  o MP for Calgary East, Deepak Obhrai
  o Manager of Labour Relations, Oil Sands Projects, Shell Canada, Terry Burton
  o WorldSkills Calgary 2009 Chairman, Guy Mallabone

WHAT: Opening of Skill City tent with Try-A-Skill interactive exhibits

In the Skill City tent near the Stampede Grandstand, visitors can Try-A-Skill. Come down to develop an appreciation for professionals working in skills, trades or technologies.

• Where: Stampede Park – Skill City Tent
• Time: 9:30 a.m. opening o Open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Filming / photography welcome
• Interview availabilities:
  o MLA, Calgary-Foothills, Len Webber
  o MP, Calgary Centre, Lee Richardson
  o Calgary Herald VP Marketing and Audience Development, Siobhan Vinis

WHAT: Opening of Global Skills Village

The Village will be used to showcase the wares and skills of 120 exhibitors including industry leaders, educational institutions, WorldSkills International Member organizations and sponsors. Alberta House and Canada House are part of the Global Skills Village.

• Where: Stampede Park
• Time: 10:00 a.m. opening
• Media can access with accreditation
• Interview availabilities:
  o MP for Calgary Northeast, Devinder Shory
  o MLA for Calgary Montrose, Manmeet Bhullar
  o Deputy Mayor, Andre Chabot
  o Executive Director, Canadian Affairs , UA Canadian Piping Trades, John Telford

WHAT: Opening of Canada House

Canada House will profile numerous Canadian skills and technology, learning and working opportunities.

• Where: Stampede Park in the Global Skills Village
• Time: Canada House – 10:30 a.m. opening
• Filming / photography welcome

WHAT: Global Skills Marketplace (GSM)

GSM is a half-day series of workshops addressing important global issues. More than 150 individuals from regional and international organizations will be participating.

• Where: Hyatt Regency
• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• This is a ticketed event. Media can access with accreditation
• Interview availabilities:
  o Minister of Alberta Employment and Immigration, Hector Goudreau, will be participating in the workshop.

WHAT: United Way of Calgary and Area - Photo Opportunity

September 2 is the kick-off day for the annual fundraising campaign of the Calgary and Area United Way. Witness United Way President, Ruth Ramsden-Wood, test her mettle at the Try-A-Skill @ Skill City.

• Where: Stampede Park – Skill City Tent
• Time: 1:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Filming / photography welcome
• Interviews upon request

Media Centre:

The Media Centre located at Stampede Park in the Agriculture Building offers equipment and staff resources to enable accredited media to cover these and other stories effectively and efficiently.

• Daily briefings take place at 9:30 a.m. MST
• Daily competition results by 12:00 a.m. MST

Off-site media are also encouraged to tap into the resources offered either virtually ‘on line’ or by contacting the Media Centre directly at 403-617-4798.

STAY TUNED FOR THE DAILY COMPETITION RESULTS BY 12:00 a.m. MST

For questions about accreditation, please contact:
Karissa Boley
World Skills Media Centre
Phone: 403-988-2888

For all other media requests, please contact:
Laurie Stretch
World Skills Media Centre
Phone: 403-617-4798

 Media Advisory September 1