Team Canada strikes gold in Calgary


A young visitor to WorldSkills Calgary 2009 receives painting tips from a pro. —Photo by Earl Hjelter

WorldSkills Calgary 2009

Team Canada took the podium September 6 at WorldSkills Calgary 2009 to receive ­recognition for its outstanding performance.

Team Canada took home 8 gold medals and 12 medallions of excellence. The team of 31 male and 7 female competitors ranges in age from 18–22.

 Team Canada members from Alberta who received recognition in their respective categories were Matthew Chadder, ­Millarville, medallion of excellence in IT/PC/network support, and Craig Spady, Red Deer, medallion of excellence in electrical ­installations.

According to Skills/Compétences Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades, this was Canada’s best overall result from any WorldSkills Competition. At the last WorldSkills Competition held in Japan in 2007, Canada won six medals and eight international competency certificates.

“Preparing for WorldSkills ­Calgary 2009 has been an ­intensive two-year training process for the 38 young competitors who make up Team Canada,” said Shaun Thorson, executive director, Skills/Compétences Canada. “We are exceptionally grateful for their enthusiasm, hard work and excellent overall performance.”

WorldSkills Calgary 2009 brought together more than 900 competitors from 50 WorldSkills International Member countries/regions who participated in team and individual competitions. The event ran September 1–7, at Calgary’s Stampede Park.

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