At Canada Olympic Park, just west of the city, Winsport Canada has almost completed construction of its new high-performance, state-of-the-art Athletic and Ice complex (AIC). Canada Olympic Park, an aging facility build for use in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games was and is in need of major renovations to keep the facility current and to draw winter games athletes to Calgary to train and live. Winsport is the organization that operates COP and the Olympic Oval(found on the University of Calgary campus) formerly known as CODA/Calgary Olympic Development Association.
Three North American-sized ice rinks have been completed as part of the 500 000 square foot Athletic and Ice Complex. Hockey is hugely popular in Calgary and people, boys and girls and men and women, of all ages enjoy the sport. Ice time is not easy to come by, and four new rinks in the city's west end will help somewhat. More importantly, national and international-calibre athletes can use the new facility once it is open. The facility will also include a 3 000 seat international-sized ice rink, still under construction, and a high performance training facility for hockey players and other athletes.
On January 15, the public can head on down to COP and enjoy a free skate on one of the brand new ice surfaces. The facilities are state of the art and provide tremendous opportunity for the hockey players in our city, young and old alike. The opening ceremonies start at 11 am at Canada Olympic Park on Saturday, January 15. The event will be hosted by famous illusionist Derek Selinger. Winsport Canada has provided a list of events including hay rides in horse drawn wagons, live music, free food and more. Check out the schedule on their website.
Comments