Edmonton 2001 Celebrates 100 Days To Go.

Business Editors

EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2001

Before an enthusiastic crowd at Edmonton's City Hall the Local Organizing Committee of the Edmonton 2001 World Championships in Athletics celebrated 100 Days To Go to the start of The World's(TM), August 3rd through 12th 2001.

"Today's events mark another significant milestone for The World's(TM)," noted Jack Agrios, Chairman of Edmonton 2001. "The planning for what will be the biggest show in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2001 began more than two years ago, and here we are a mere 100 days away from the Opening Ceremony. It is incredible to think that it has arrived so quickly."

Edmontonians will be able to keep a watchful eye on how close Aug. 3 is getting as the SEIKO-sponsored Countdown Clock was unveiled at today's lunchtime event. The clock, on a structure situated between the two centre pillars at the south entrance to City Hall, will count down the days prior to the opening, print Championships' messages, and display the time of day. Weighing approximately one metric ton, or 2,200 pounds, the clock takes its time of day reference, as well as calculating the number of days remaining from satellites.

As well, a song honouring the Edmonton 2001 Championships was debuted during the celebrations. Written and performed by local artists Anna Beaumont and Pierre Sabourin, "Go For The World's(TM)" expresses the sentiments of the athletes during 10 days of competition, of the more than 6,000 volunteers helping to make the Championships a success, and of Canadians who will watch the best athletes from around the world compete in 24 men's and 22 women's events. "Go For The World's(TM)" was engineered and produced by local recording industry expert and keyboard player Rob Hewes.

Other local musicians featured in the song include Senator Tommy Banks on piano, Juno Award winner P.J. Perry on saxophone, Mike Lent on bass, Louis Sedmak on guitar, Matthew Atkins on drums and Raj Nigam on percussion. Rhonda Withnell, Shelley Jones and Mark Puffer provided the background vocals.

The World's(TM) chorus includes locals Malaika Barisse, Tony Beaumont, Nathalie Clarke, Heather Dawn, Lisa Hewitt, Dawn Ferguson, Gordie Mathews, Maureen O'Shaughnessy, Julie Robertson, Janice Ryan, Cindy Scott, Brian Shewchuck and Mark Sterling.

"To see and hear Anna and Pierre perform 'Go For The World's(TM)' for the very first time today is absolutely exciting," exclaimed Agrios. "Edmonton is so wonderful at acknowledging the numerous, multi-talented people who live and work in our city. All of the musicians who worked on our song, the back up singers and the members of the chorus deserve our acknowledgments and our thanks."

Those interested in purchasing single tickets were reminded that they went on sale today at all Ticketmaster locations, [phone], or toll-free 1-877-240-2001, at the World's Markets and online at www.2001.edmonton.com.

Three, six and all-event 10-day ticket packages can also still be purchased by calling Ticketmaster and online at www.2001.edmonton.com.

Organizers are urging those who don't want to miss this once in a lifetime event to buy now. Order information, seating maps of Commonwealth Stadium and the competition schedule are on the Edmonton 2001 Web site as well as at the World's Markets, in the lobby of 10044 108th Street, and the main floor of Eaton's Centre in Edmonton.

The action-packed competition schedule is designed to captivate the audience with each day's sessions featuring a balance of phenomenal track and field events. The world's elite athletes will compete for World Championship gold in finals every day. Sessions during the week will, for the most part, take place in the late afternoon and early evening, when fans can come out and cheer the best in the world.

The 8th IAAF World Championships in Athletics is expected to bring more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials from more than 200 countries, to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to compete in 24 men's and 22 women's athletic events. More than 2,500 media are expected to attend and provide coverage around the world.

The IAAF World Championships in Athletics is the third-largest sporting event in the world, based on a world-wide television audience of four billion viewers expected to tune in during the 10 days of competition. The IAAF World Championships in Athletics is third in scope only to the Summer Olympics and World Cup Soccer.

Edmonton 2001 World Championships in Athletics is pleased to acknowledge the following partners: IAAF Partners TDK, Adidas, Coca-Cola, EPSON, SEIKO, Eurovision and TBS. Government Partners: Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton; Sport Partners: Athletics Canada and Athletics Alberta; National Partners: TELUS, Royal Bank Financial Group, Labatt, EPCOR, IKON Office Solutions, Sony of Canada Ltd. and the Edmonton General Motors Dealers. For more information, visit the Edmonton 2001 Web site at www.2001.edmonton.com.