MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

First-ever national exhibition on Canada's passion for skating comes to [city of borrowing institution]

The [name of borrowing institution] is proud to bring an exhibition to [city or province or country] that tells the story of one of the oldest and most popular recreational and sporting activities in the country. Lace Up: Canada’s Passion for Skating, a travelling exhibition produced by the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec, will open at [name of borrowing institution] on [date].

Lace Up explores the history and importance of skating in Canada and gives a glimpse of three major ice sports: figure skating, speed skating and hockey. Skating is more than a great Canadian tradition. It is an important part of our national identity. The exhibition puts our love of ice sports into a historical and social context.

Skating is part of our culture. Millions of people lace up each winter to enjoy the unique experience of skating on ponds, rivers, rinks and canals across Canada. We teach our children to skate, join teams and clubs, and hold social parties. We participate in a tradition that is a central part of life in this country.

Lace Up: Canada’s Passion for Skating was presented during the 2010 Winter Olympics at the O Zone in downtown Richmond, British Columbia. More than 15,000 people from across the country and around the world visited every day.

Lace Up: Canada’s Passion for Skating will be on display at the [name of borrowing institution] from [opening and closing dates].

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is the centre for research and public information on the social and human history of the country. Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Museum is Canada’s largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.3 million visitors each year. The Museum of Civilization’s principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the promotion and enhancement of Canadian identity.

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