Calgary, Alberta – WorldSkills Calgary 2009 has released details on a Pre-event Economic Impact Study commissioned by the Calgary Host Committee. Based on current operating budgets, the city could see up to $82.5 million injected into the economy as a direct result of hosting the WorldSkills Calgary 2009 Competition. Projections include $15.8 million in visitor expenditures and $55 million in operating expenditures.

WorldSkills is an international competition where participants challenge their skills in the trades and technology. Over 900 competitors from 49 countries will be participating in Calgary in 2009.

"The results of this study are significant," explains Kerry Moynihan, Vice President External. "In addition to promoting the importance of skilled trades and technology-based careers, this event will have a significant economic impact on the city of Calgary and the Province of Alberta."

Asked to comment, Marco De Iaco, Director of Sport & Major Events for Tourism Calgary, says, "When Calgary won the bid to host the games, we were confident it would have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism. This study helps to confirm it."

"We will continue working to attract and support international events that provide significant branding and promotional opportunities, community legacies, and benefits to the Tourism industry," De Iaco adds.

The potential total direct, indirect and induced economic impacts in Calgary relating to the $82.5 million in initial expenditures is estimated to be $ 59.2 million in GDP (or "net economic impact"). Potentially, over 930 jobs could be created (direct, indirect and induced) – with wages and salaries estimated at $42.5 million. Tax support revenue to all levels of government could reach $ 23.3 million ($12.9 million Federal, $6.5 million Provincial and $3.9 million Municipal).

The study was conducted by an independent consultant, utilizing the Tourism Economic Assessment Model created by The Conference Board of Canada.

• WorldSkills Calgary 2009 Ltd. is a not-for-profit organization that was established to plan and host the 40th WorldSkills Competition in September 2009.
• The competition will take place from September 1 - 6, 2009, to be held at Calgary Stampede Park.
• 900 competitors from 49 member countries (representing 20 languages) will be participating.
• The organization's mission is to engage the passion of Canada’s young people to pursue the trades and technology as viable and rewarding career options.
• Nearly 150,000 spectators and 5,000 experts, delegates and judges from around the world will attend the competition.
• It will require 800,000 square feet of space at Stampede Park.
• The competitors will be housed and fed at the first ever WorldSkills Village located at SAIT Polytechnic.
• Operating budget is $55 million.

• The WorldSkills Competition is the biggest skills competition in the world.
• The first competition was held in 1950 in Madrid, Spain. Canada last hosted the WorldSkills Competition in Montréal in 1999 at the Olympic Stadium.
• Every two years, over 900 competitors from 49 member countries gather to compete in over 40 skill categories ranging from welding, cooking, autobody repair and landscape gardening to beauty care and web design.
• The competition attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors including public policy makers, government representatives, employers, teachers, trainers and experts from around the world.

NOTE: The detailed Economic Impact Study is available on request from Kerry Moynihan:

• 403-969-5963 or by
• e mail at kerry.moynihan@worldskills2009.com