The Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have joined together to host this event, showcasing the frontier spirit, culture and tradition of the people in the North and making the 2007 Canada Winter Games a Pan Northern celebration.

“Holding the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse will be great way to showcase not only the city, but the entire Canadian North," says Hal Kvisle, TransCanada's chief executive officer. “Having been to the Northern Territories many times, I can say that Canadians who haven’t been are missing out on a unique and fascinating part of our country. I believe the games will be a wonderful opportunity to help Canadians understand both the uniqueness of this area and the connection to the rest of Canada. The Games will help draw attention to the people, culture and potential of the Canadian North. We’re proud to support the games and play a major role in bringing the experience to all Canadians.”

The Games will include cultural performances, exhibitions of northern art, and northern culinary delights. They will also stage a special competition of Inuit Games and Dene Games.

The Games will run for two weeks from Feb. 23 to March 10, 2007. These Games will be the largest event ever held north of the 60th parallel. Over 3,600 athletes, coaches and managers will gather in Whitehorse to compete for a total of 1,122 medals in 22 sports.  In fact, there will be more athletes competing in more sports at the Canada Winter Games than will be competing at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Many of these athletes will be competing to advance on to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver-Whistler, British Columbia.

This will be the 40th anniversary of the Canada Games, which were first held in 1967. The Canada games are a multi-sport event held every two years - alternating between summer and winter.

Men’s Curling
Curling originated in 16th century Scotland, where games were played on frozen ponds and marshes. Curling became an official sport for men and women at the Olympics in 1998 and will be included again in 2010. TransCanada will be presenting the gold medal to the men’s curling athletes at the final round on March 9.

Women's hockey
Playing on frozen ponds and rivers, the first documented women’s hockey game was held in 1892 in Barrie, Ontario, two years before the first Stanley Cup championship. Women’s hockey made its debut at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, and the 2002 Gold Medal winning Canadian Women’s Olympic Team has brought the female game considerable attention. TransCanada will be presenting the gold medal to the women’s hockey athletes at the final round on March 10.

For more information on the 2007 Canada Winter Games, visit their website or for more information on TransCanada’s sponsorship of the games contact Cheryl Bishop 403.920.7851.