News Release

Canada Games Oval Officially Opens

(December 20, 2010) Mayor Peter Kelly declared the Canada Games Oval on the North Common officially open this evening (Dec. 20). The Grand Opening program included a ceremonial first lap by Canada Games speed skaters Elisabeth-Anne Roy, Jillian MacDonald, Lindsay Devison, Noah Losier and Evan Taras, followed by the first public skate on the Oval ice surface.

The Oval is the largest artificial ice surface east of Quebec City and will be featured as HRM’s marquee outdoor venue for the Halifax 2011 Canada Games from February 11th to 27th. From now until the Games begin, the Oval will be open daily for public skating, free public recreation programs, special events and other activities.

Mayor Peter Kelly said he anticipated the long-track Oval will be a big hit with residents and visitors alike.

“This is an opportunity to treat people from near and far to something truly unique, here in the centre of the city,” he said. “We hope this will be just one of the exciting memories taken away from HRM’s Canada Games experience.”

“The Oval is a real touchstone for the Games,” said Jean-Paul (JP) Deveau, chair of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games board of directors. “It represents some of our core values - promoting sport and physical activity, engaging the community, and making the Games accessible for all.”

For information on free programs offered on the Oval, condition updates, free helmet and skate lending programs, and to view an activity calendar of Oval programs visit skatehrm.ca, or call the Oval Information Line at 490-2347 for schedule changes due to weather or other conditions.

For safety reasons, children 12 and under are required to wear CSA approved helmets and adults are encouraged.

-30-

Contact:

Katherine VanBuskirk
HRM Corporate Communications
vanbusk@halifax.ca
490-6697

Melissa MacKinnon
Halifax 2011 Canada Games
mackinme@canadagames2011.ca
476-5677