Government of Yukon
Government
FOR RELEASE #07-170
August 16, 2007
World Gold Panning Championships Set To Begin In Dawson City
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government is pleased to support the 2007 World Gold Panning Championships scheduled to begin in Dawson City August 20, announced Minister of Tourism and Culture Elaine Taylor.
More than $100,000 in funding has been provided through the Departments of Tourism and Culture, Energy, Mines and Resources and Economic Development.
"The upcoming week of activities will give contestants, families and friends the opportunity to experience life as a 'Klondyke' pioneer and to enjoy the hospitality of Yukoners," Taylor said. "Congratulations to the Klondyke Gold Panning Association and the Klondike Visitors Association for their commitment to making the 2007 Championships happen."
The Klondyke Gold Panning Association and the Klondike Visitors Association have worked with the Yukon government to bring the world-class event to the Klondike.
"The Community Development Fund is proud to be a supporter of this event," Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. "We continue to provide assistance to organizations and events that enhance economic growth and benefit our communities."
Dawson City is the only Canadian city to have hosted the international event, beginning in 1984 and again in 1990 and 1996. This year between 400 and 450 competitors from around the world are expected to attend the week-long championships, spending time in Yukon and Canada before and after the competition.
"The organizing committee is excited about Dawson again hosting this gold panning competition," Klondyke Gold Panning Committee Chair Brenda Caley said. "What is normally a slow period in our summer tourist season should be extremely busy with the addition of competitors and their families. We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new as they arrive to register."
Last August, members of the Klondyke Gold Panning Association traveled to Tankavaara, Finland to participate in the 2006 event. At that time, Lapland Governor Hannele Pokka accepted a formal invitation extended to her by the Yukon government and City of Dawson to attend the Championships in Dawson City from August 20 - 26, 2007.
The Klondyke Gold Panning Association is the Canadian member in the World Gold Panning Association created to promote the sport of gold panning worldwide.
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| Contact: Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Karen Keeley Communications, Tourism and Culture (867) 667-8589 karen.keeley@gov.yk.ca |