To help develop athletes and world-class sports facilities, Alberta is investing $10 million in the upgrade and modernization of the WinSport sliding track at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. The funding is part of the Government of Alberta’s Capital Plan.
The sliding track at WinSport is one of the original facilities that was used at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. In almost 30 years, it has provided general recreation and entertainment, athletic development and training for thousands of athletes over the years. Its presence has allowed Canada Olympic Park to become the home of Canada’s national bobsleigh, skeleton and luge teams, and has given the province the ability to host various national and international sporting events since the 1988 games, including World Cups and National Championships.
“As we celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, we recall the incredible pride of all Canadians in the historic successes of our nation’s athletes on the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton tracks, many of whom trained on this very sliding track,” said Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta, in a press release. “This investment in WinSport also means new tourism and business opportunities supporting a diversified economy for a more secure future and a better life for Albertans.”
“The modernization of the sliding track will solidify Canada Olympic Park as a premier venue for national and international competition, attracting athletes and fans from around the world,” added Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism. “With WinSport already generating $120 million in annual economic impact and providing 1,200 full-time equivalent jobs, this is an investment in not only sport, but in the growth of the local and provincial economy.”
The project is currently in the pre-engineering design phase. The refurbishment of the sliding track will take place in two parts: an upgrade of the refrigeration system to an indirect cooling system and track alteration to bring it in line with current Olympic standards.
“The refurbishment of our track helps us support our purpose of inspiring and activating human potential through the spirit of sport, while maintaining our standing as a world-class facility,” said Barry M. Heck, president and CEO of WinSport. “WinSport continues to be a living legacy of the 1988 Olympics and we look forward to providing a place for Canadians to discover, develop and excel at sport for generations to come.”
Photo: Premier Notley inspects a bobsleigh at WinSport in Calgary.
