The province’s top youth cross country skiers will be racing on Devon trails. Due to lack of snow, the Alberta Winter Games organizers decided to change venue for cross country ski events from Chickakoo Lake to the Devon Golf and Conference Centre.

 “We worked really hard with hosts in Stony Plain, Spruce Grove and Parkland County to keep as many venues as possible in their jurisdiction, but the organizing committee has made the decision to move the cross country ski venue to Devon,” said Mike Neary, general manager for Cross Country Alberta. “There is a micro climate that creates an oasis in the river valley, and right now Devon has better snow than anyone in the region.”

The Games focus on youth achievements and offer upcoming elite athletes a taste of provincial level competition.  Some 2,800 athletes, coaches and participants are expected to take part in a variety of sports during the Games, which take place February 9-12, 2012 throughout the tri-municipal region. The events schedule for Devon includes the following:

Friday, February 10 - 300 m and 600 m sprint events

Saturday, February 11 – 2.5 km, 3.5 km and 5 km classic

 Sunday, February 12 – 2.5 km relay

 The Devon Nordic Ski Club, the Town of Devon and the Devon Golf and Conference Centre will be working with event organizers to groom trails and meet setup requirements.  “We want to ensure that we provide a safe and appropriate competition,” Neary said. “We are grateful to Devon for embracing the Games and welcoming athletes.”