Kudos to the Terasen Gas Environmental Mind Grind champions

Annual competition promotes environmental stewardship

SURREY, BC, May 11 /CNW/ - Playoff competition was fast and furious for students from Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops and Nanaimo at the 2010 Terasen Gas Environmental Mind Grind finale held May 7 in Lake Country.

"Everyone put forth great enthusiasm and we're pleased to be part of such a great event; one that reflects Terasen Gas' commitment to delivering a sustainable future and giving back to the communities in which we operate," said Elvia Picco, Community Relations Manager, Terasen Gas. "Learning about different environmental topics in a fun and engaging way is a great opportunity for students to embrace this knowledge and to share this information with each other, family and friends."

This year, 90 school teams comprised of approximately 400 students, competed in regional competitions; the regional event winners squared off at this past weekend's championships. Elementary, middle and high school students came out to display their environmental wits and compete for the championship, scholarships and prizes.

    
    The following teams won first place in their overall categories:
    -   Frank J. Ney Elementary of Nanaimo
    -   École KLO Middle School of Kelowna
    -   Okanagan Mission Secondary School of Kelowna
    

As the title sponsor, Terasen Gas awards each member of the winning high school team with $1,000 towards post secondary education. Members of the runner-up high school team receive a $300 bursary. First place elementary and middle school teams receive a cash prize of $1,000 for their school.

Organized by the City of Kelowna, Regional Waste Reduction Office, Regional Parks and Recreation Services, the Council of Forest Industries and Water Smart, the Mind Grind brings together students in an academic challenge designed to promote environmental stewardship in honour of Earth Day on April 22.

"It is a great way for the students participating, and in most cases the whole class, to learn about our environment and the importance of taking care of this earth," said Emma Hallas, Environmental Mind Grind Regional Playoff Coordinator. "I am always amazed by how much information even the youngest competitors learn and how well they answer difficult questions under pressure. Over the years this event has helped so many participants and observers understand the importance of our environment in a fun and fast-paced way."

Teams of students from Grades 4 to 12 sign up in January and work with their teachers - learning from specially prepared study packages, covering many topics, including energy conservation, waste reduction, climate change, transportation and air quality, forestry and watershed health.

Terasen Gas is mainly composed of the operations of Terasen Gas Inc. and Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc., both indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, serves approximately 2,100,000 gas and electric customers and has total assets exceeding $12 billion. Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.

For further information: Media contacts, Kirsten Walker, Corporate Communications Manager, Terasen Gas, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected], Follow us at: www.twitter.com/terasengas