FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, ONTARIO - JAN 06, 2007

Skate race organizers facing unseasonably warm weather with confidence - Changing weather patterns challenge Portland Outdoors volunteers

Portland Outdoors, organizers of the International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon that will be held on January 27, has decided to face the extraordinary warm weather with confidence.

"When we founded our organization in 2003, we decided to hold the speed skating race on the historic Rideau Canal on the last weekend of January, traditionally one of the coldest periods of the Ontario winter, so we would be sure to have ice," said Portland Outdoors President Marco Smits. "Now, only four years later, we know we can not count on that anymore. So, we have to be innovative, confident and optimistic, which is something that comes natural to our great group of volunteers."

Many tourist attractions throughout the country that count on winter weather have been struggling. Ski resorts are suffering, ice sculptors are out of luck, and the world famous Rideau Canal in Ottawa might not open for skating. The annual skating event on the shallow bay of Big Rideau Lake is no exception.

"Last year we hosted the official North American Championships. The weather leading up to it was terrible, and we still managed to complete four out of the five races. That showed what a flexible organization with incredible volunteers is capable of pulling it off. We are facing the weather with confidence and have several alternatives in the works, but also realize the weather will make the final decision," Smits said.

Regardless of Mother Nature's intentions, the fireworks and party at the Portland Community Centre on Water Street will continue. Fireworks start at 7 p.m. and the party immediately after.

Organizers of the International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon are proud to be part of the Rideau Canal's 175th anniversary celebrations. The event is based in Portland, Ontario, one of the key settlements throughout the history of the important waterway. Boat makers, loggers, tanners, hoteliers, yacht harbours, stores and banks have made this town, once called Old Landing, well known for its entrepreneurial spirit.

Portland Outdoors will make its next announcement with regards to the weather forecast and the event on January 18.

About Portland Outdoors and the International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon.
Portland Outdoors is a non-profit organization formed in 2003 by local residents who are dedicated to offering the best in outdoors activities in Portland, Ontario during all four seasons of the year. Since the first event in 2004, the International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon, also known as Skate the Lake, has been attracting thousands of skaters and spectators to enjoy a unique skating opportunity on the largest lake in Eastern Ontario.

For more information
contact media coordinator Chris Allan
media@portlandoutdoors.com
call 613-349-7223
visit www.portlandoutdoors.com

Sponsors for 2007 include: Len's Cove Marina, The Westport & Rideau Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Bayview Yacht Harbour, RBC Financial Group ,The Township of Rideau Lakes, Kott Lumber, Smith Petrie Carr and Scott Insurance Brokers Ltd, Phoenix Performance Products, Court Holdings Limited, Dimon Sports, Rideau Realty, Olympia Ice Resurfacing, Laurysen Kitchens Ltd, Leeds Transit , Rideau Insurance, Foley Mountain Mechanical, The Review-Mirror, Hershey Chocolate Shoppe Smiths Falls and Coldwell Banker. Fireworks sponsored by Go Power Sports.

Additional contributors and friends of Skate the Lake include: Alan Baker's Tires and Batteries, Parade of Paints, Cohen & Cohen (Ottawa), Bonhomme Design Studio, Hartin's Automotive, Kris Sheldon sand blasting, Dave's Autobody, Howard Chant and Chantland Farms, Rob Dunfield's Plowing Services, Barry Baker Carpentry, Penny Nelson's Stillpond Massage, Fusion, Isaac Wesley database design, Ron Campbell and family, Steve Magee and Cooligan Carpentry, Waenick Electric, Falls Iron and metal, Rick Southam, The Rae Family, Centre for Sustainable Watersheds (CSW), Dan Gray and Bell Canada, Portland Firefighters Association.

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