June 10, 2004 – A provincial government contribution of $250,000 will enable
the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club to bring the Canadian World Cup Nordic Ski
Festival to Sovereign Lake near Vernon in December 2005. The ski festival is
one of several national and international events to be held in the province
in the years leading up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“B.C. is fast emerging as a global sports giant,” said Tom Christensen,
Minister of Education and MLA for Okanagan-Vernon. “The province is home to
strong, young athletes who are good prospects to do well in 2010. Hosting
World Cup cross-country ski racing provides an unparalleled opportunity for
our athletes and race officials to gain world level experience. This
festival will also spotlight the region and give us another tool to open up
jobs and opportunities in the Okanagan.”

More than 100 of the world’s top nordic skiers will participate in the
festival, attracting thousands of spectators and extensive international
media coverage. Organizers estimate the event will generate more than $5.5
million in economic activity.

“We are proud to support the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club in bringing this
event to British Columbia,” said John Les, Minister of Small Business and
Economic Development and minister responsible for sport. “Major sporting
events such as the World Cup Nordic Festival and the 2010 Winter Olympic and
Paralympic Games generate new economic opportunities, strengthen our sport
system and create legacies for our young athletes.”

“This funding enables our club to commit to this event and make world cup
racing in Canada a reality,” said Rob Bernhardt, President of the Sovereign
Lake Nordic Club. “The festival will promote participation in cross-country
skiing at all levels and create lasting sport legacies that will improve the
lives of generations of young athletes, recreational skiers, and visitors to
the Vernon area.”

In October 2003, the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and the Foothills Nordic
Club in Calgary were selected as hosts for the Canadian World Cup Nordic Ski
Festival. Three races will be held in each community. Athletes will compete
in mass-start distance races and short sprints. Operated by the Sovereign
Lake Nordic Club, the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre maintains 52 kilometres
of trails.