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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8th, 2005
OTTAWA'S RIDEAU CANAL SKATEWAY IN GUINNESS BOOK
OF RECORDS
The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced in Ottawa
Thursday that the Rideau Canal Skateway has officially been designated
the Guinness World Record holder for the largest naturally frozen ice
rink.
On hand to celebrate were Marcel Beaudry, chairman of the NCC, along
with Stewart Newport of Guinness World Records and the Honourable Mauril
Bélanger, Minister of Internal Trade and Deputy Leader of the Government
in the House of Commons.
The Rideau Canal Skateway, which is maintained by the NCC, received
the Guinness World Record for its size, equal to 90 Olympic-sized rinks
or 165,621 square metres.
"The confirmation by Guinness World Records that the Rideau Canal
Skateway is the largest in the world is an important achievement for the
NCC," said Beaudry. "For the past 35 seasons, the NCC has maintained
with great pride a spectacular ice surface, for skaters from Canada and
around the world to enjoy in the heart of Canada's Capital."
"I am very pleased to announce that the Rideau Canal Skateway now
holds the Guinness World Record for the largest naturally frozen ice rink,"
said Stewart Newport, Keeper of the Records and Head of Research, Guinness
World Records, based in London, England.
"The announcement of this honour to be bestowed upon the National
Capital Region is a momentous occasion," said Mr. Bélanger.
"It is an opportunity to celebrate our Canadian heritage and showcase
our nation's capital to the world."
The NCC and its partners celebrated winter in the middle of summer by
recreating a small section of the Rideau Canal Skateway, which featured
a 3 by 5 metre ice rink surrounded by snow and Christmas trees along the
banks of the Rideau Canal waterway.
The NCC also unveiled large banners on its headquarters as well as on
downtown bridges to announce the Guinness World Record. The Ottawa Gatineau
Hotel Association and Outaouais Tourism confirmed special accommodation
packages will be available for the 2005-2006 winter season for visitors
who want to skate on the world's largest skating rink.
The 7.8-km Rideau Canal Skateway usually opens at the end of December
and closes in early March. Each year, there are over one million visits
to the Skateway. It also becomes one of the official sites for North America's
unique winter celebration, Winterlude, which will take place from Feb.
3 to 19, 2006.
More information on the Rideau Canal Skateway can be found on the NCC's
website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca./skateway.
Author: Jantine Van Kregten
Organization: Ottawa Tourism
Contact: media@ottawatourism.ca
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