OLYMPIC GOLD AT SASKATCHEWAN PAVILION

Olympic Gold medalist Joan McCusker is at the Saskatchewan Pavilion in Vancouver today to help celebrate Saskatchewan Day.

"It is so exciting to be a part of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and see the Canadian pride on display everywhere," McCusker said. "Our province has a great presence, and I am so proud to say I'm from Saskatchewan."

McCusker was instrumental in co-ordinating the Torch Relay in Saskatchewan and in planning the province's pavilion for the Winter Olympics.

McCusker won a gold medal in curling at the 1998 Winter Olympics with the Sandra Schmirler team.

"That experience, combined with her enthusiasm and passion for both sport and this province, made her an ideal person to have as part of our Olympic team," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "She embodies the Olympic spirit and inspires others to do their best."

February 23 has been designated as Saskatchewan Day as part of VANOC's Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP).

McCusker will be on hand at the Saskatchewan pavilion to emcee.

Meanwhile, the day culminates with a 30-minute live production at the Victory Ceremony in Vancouver's BC Place Stadium, which takes place right before the medal presentations.

Saskatchewan's show will include performances by Kyle Riabko from Saskatoon, the Whitefish Juniors from Big River and Library Voices from Regina. The show will be hosted by the creator and star of the Canadian sitcom Corner Gas, Brent Butt and produced by Emmy award-winning producer Ron Goetz.

For more information on the Saskatchewan Day entertainers and Saskatchewan's pavilion at the Olympics, go to www.saskpavilion.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Johnson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5805