MEDIA RELEASE
Winnipeg, January 20, 2003

Winnipeg Airports Authority and the Winnipeg World Curling Society feature the "World's" Largest Curling Rock in Snow

The snow sculpture features the key components of curling - the rock in the curler's hand. The rock or stone measures approx-imately 30 ft. wide by 25 ft. high. The hand is in modern form, accentuating the lines of the hand. The four stars highlighted on the band represent the 4 players that are part of a curling team.

(Click image for larger view)

Today, Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) and the Host Committee for the 2003 Ford World Curling Championships featured Winnipeg International Airport's 2003 annual snow sculpture located at the airport front entrance. This year the airport is profiling the April 5-13, 2003 Ford World Curling Championships here in Winnipeg. The sculpture is the world's largest curling rock in snow.

The snow sculpture was created by Miguel Joyal, one of Manitoba's leading sculptors. Miguel works in bronze, wood, stone and snow. He has represented the Province of Manitoba sculpturing in snow at the Quebec Winter Carnival, Winter Cities Festival in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Le Festival Du Voyageur in Winnipeg.

Zivan Saper, Host Committee President said, "We are honoured to have been given the opportunity to have this snow sculpture created especially for this important International Event. We expect between 2000 to 3000 visitors to our city from all over the World and many of them will be arriving here at the Airport".

Barry Rempel, President & CEO, WAA said, "Winnipeg Airports Authority is proud to support the 2003 Ford World Curling Championships in our Community. This international event is an opportunity to showcase Winnipeg and, more importantly, to celebrate the people hosting the championships that by their participation make us so proud. This sculpture will help to promote Winnipeg as host city to the over 8,000 airport customers and employees who pass by daily."

The Winnipeg Airports Authority goal is to serve our region by providing an experience of value to customers and community. A source of pride for our community, we strive to be a leader in its growth and development.

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