October 7, 2003 For Immediate Release

As part of Prince George's vision for how to capitalize on the 2010 Olympics, a proposal is being developed to establish the Northern Sport Centre at UNBC. The Centre will enhance sport development in the region by serving as a home for top-quality coaching - particularly in the Nordic sports and varsity athletics - and expanding the local facilities required for sport training and development.

To help the community develop the proposal, the President of the Calgary Olympic Development Association will be visiting Prince George. John Mills is also a former President of Sport BC and will be sharing his experiences from this province and from Calgary about how training facilities are critical for sport and community development.

The community is invited to Mr Mills' presentation at the Prince George Civic Centre (Room 103) on Thursday evening, from 7-9pm. There will also be an update on the work that has been done towards creating the Northern Sport Centre.

"Many local political and sport organizations have been involved with helping to bring the Northern Sport Centre to reality," says Tuppy Hoehn a UNBC graduate and former Olympian (1998, Biathlon). "None of us, however, have ever been part of building something like this or operating a high-level training centre. John Mills is the right person to provide some advice and inspiration. "

The Northern Sport Centre is being designed to build on Prince George's unique attributes as a winter city, a transportation hub, and a major centre for post-secondary education. Several local, provincial, and national sport organizations are formally supporting the concept, and Prince George City Council has endorsed the NSC as the City's single Olympic Legacy project.