Guest countries
Every year, the Gatineau Loppet associates with a country of the Worldloppet circuit.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary in style and to highlight its international nature, the Gatineau Loppet has sent out a call to the 14 embassies of the Worldloppet member countries, inviting them to take part in various ways, including joint projects, gifts to participants and various special activities.
To date, 10 of the member countries have responded to the call. The following is a brief overview and some comments provided by their embassies regarding their involvement:
Canada
Thanks to the National Capital Commission, the traditional Worldloppet Cocktail will become the 30th Anniversary Cocktail. In addition to the Worldloppet passport holders, event partners and embassy representatives are invited to a very special Cocktail at the Relais plein air in Gatineau Park on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. This will be a wonderful opportunity to mark the event’s rich history.
Website :
www.ccn-ncc.ca
Germany
The German Embassy is glad to participate in this year’s Gatineau Loppet. For this event, the Embassy will provide a Sling Mono Pack with water bottle pocket to all children participating at the Mini Gazifère. We are glad to give the start to this race and hope the children will have a lot of fun to participate at this great event. The German Embassy also sponsors the Gatineau Loppet with German Wine for the Cocktail reception. Besides this a team of members and family of the German Embassy’s staff will compete in the Giant Ski Competition.
Website :
www.ottawa.diplo.de/
Austria
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"The Austrian Embassy will contribute with Austrian wine to the Cocktail to mark the 30th anniversary and with some small gifts such as souvenirs for the European football championship which will be held from 7 to 29 of June in Austria and Switzerland. The Embassy will also take part with an Embassy team in the Giant Ski Competition. His Excellency Mr. Otto Ditz is very glad about this collaboration: There are many things Canada and Austria have in common. The love for winter sport is part of it. The Gatineau Loppet is therefore an excellent opportunity to work together in an area which plays such an important role in our countries and cultures".
Website :
www.aussenministerium.at/ottawa
Finland
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"It is a great pleasure for the Embassy of Finland to be a part of the Gatineau Loppet, on this its 30th anniversary year. I would like to commend the organizers and volunteers for their hard work in making this event such a success. Finns and Canadians love winter sports. Cross country skiing in particular is a wonderful fitness sport suitable for all, from preschoolers to seniors. The Embassy of Finland welcomes you to our booth where you can get a feel for Finnish sports, culture and way of life. There you will also find out what Nordic walking, equally suitable for people of all ages, is all about. Have a great time at the Gatineau Loppet!" indicated His Excellency Pasi Patokallio, Ambassador of Finland.
Website :
www.finland.ca/fr
Japan
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The Embassy of Japan is honoured to have an opportunity to be involved in the 30th Anniversary of the Gatineau Loppet. This is, no doubt, an important event not only for Canadian cross-country skiers, but also for all cross-country ski lovers in the world. We would also like to mention that 2008 is the year of celebration for Japan and Canada, as we mark our 80th Anniversary of diplomatic ties. This year, we expect that various events will be organized to celebrate this important milestone and the Japanese involvement in Gatineau Loppet will be one to remember for years to come. We would like to wish all participants a great race!
Website :
www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/canada_f/
Norway
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As so often before, the Embassy of Norway will take part in organizing the highly popular Giant Ski Competition. Who will win this year among the many embassies and the other participating teams?
Website :
www.amb-norvege.ca/info/embassy.htm
Czech Republic
The Embassy of the Czech Republic will provide Czech sculpted glass trophies to the top three winners of the men’s and women’s 53 km Classics. They will also have a kiosk at the Ski show, where everyone can find out more about the Czech Republic.
Website :
http://www.mzv.cz/wwwo/default.asp?ParentIDO=172&ido=20797&amb=58&idj=18
Switzerland
The Embassy of Switzerland will not only provide some typical Swiss gifts to the winners of the 5 km Rossignol, but also some excellent Swiss chocolates for each and every participant of this race.
Website :
www.eda.admin.ch/canada
Details have yet to be finalized, but France and Sweden will also be part of the celebrations.