MEDIA RELEASE

www.banffcentre.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2001

Making a clean break from the IOC’s murky motives, this year’s inaugural Banff Centre Housekeeping Olympics promise to be squeaky clean.

On August 17^th from 2 - 4 p.m., six teams of professional scrubbers, dusters, and polishers will don their aprons for an afternoon of competitive housekeeping and custodial events. Norbert Meier, general manager of Hospitality Operations and Bill Hedberg, front desk manager will judge the teams on the plumpness of their pillows and the gleam of their glass.

Among the tidy trials in these Olympics are a modified frisbee toss (contestants will be judged on their accuracy in throwing floor-polishing buffer pads) and a relay race with a different kind of baton: runners will balance shampoo, soap, and lotions on a scrubbing tool while negotiating the racetrack. The highlight of the Housekeeping Olympics, however, would challenge even Mr. Clean: pairs of competitors will make a cot while blindfolded, oven-mitted, and tied together at the leg.

Executive housekeeper Brenda-Lee Upstone explains the origin of the Housekeeping Olympics: "Each year, The International Housekeepers Association recognizes housekeepers all over the world. This year, The Banff Centre has decided to recognize the hard work and dedication of its housekeeping and custodial staff in a fun way. Our Housekeeping and Custodial Appreciation Week will be August 12 - 18.

The inaugural Housekeeping Olympics will take place on the outdoor concourse behind Lloyd Hall or, in the case of inclement weather, in the Sally Borden Building’s gym.

The Banff Centre is Canada's only post-secondary institution dedicated to the arts, leadership development, and mountain culture. Programs are designed to enrich professional practice beyond the realm of traditional education. The Centre's unique mountain environment and multidisciplinary setting reflect a commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.

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