German cross-country skiing star to run in Québec City during the Vancouver
2010 Olympic Torch Relay

QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Olympic silver medallist and five-time German cross-country champion Peter Schlickenrieder is undoubtedly one of the most fit people in Germany . This Nordic sports elite athlete and fitness buff is now part of a different sort of cross-country trek as he runs with the Olympic Flame in beautiful Québec City on Dec. 3

Schlickenrieder is an international torchbearer with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC and supported by the Government of Canada . Along with his 2002 Olympic silver medal and the dominance of his sport in Germany , Schlickenrieder is a three-time World Cup champion. Today he is a sports commentator, columnist, author and active randonée (alpine touring) skier.

"Peter Schlickenrieder is an amazing, world-class athlete," says Michele McKenzie, CTC president and CEO. "We're very excited his fans in Germany will see the gorgeous streets of Québec City when he runs through the heart of Old Québec."

Before his torch run, Schlickenrieder will experience some of the stunning sites of this UNESCO World Heritage City, including the walls of only remaining fortified city in North American, and the Plains of Abraham.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), in collaboration with the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), has selected international torchbearers to participate in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay International Media Program to maximize international media coverage of the relay and spread the excitement and Olympic spirit around the world.

The international torchbearers are from CTC's global markets and include former Olympic athletes as well as entertainers and media celebrities. Their journeys through Canada will be broadcast and shared in their home countries during both the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and the 2010 Winter Games, all to inspire the world to travel to Canada .

About the CTC

The CTC is Canada's national tourism marketing organization. Our vision is inspiring the world to explore Canada . With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada , the provinces and the territories, we advertise and market Canada in 12 countries around the world, conduct industry research and studies, and promote product and industry development. For daily updates on CTC initiatives, subscribe to CTC News, available through RSS feeds and by e-mail.

Resources

Torchbearer profile

For further information: Meaghan Benmore, Hill & Knowlton Vancouver, Tel: [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]; Jitka Licenik, Corporate Communications Advisor, Canadian Tourism Commission, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], [email protected], www.mediacentre.canada.travel