Whitehorse The Whitehorse 2007 Canada Winter Games Host Society is happy to announce the signing of a venue use agreement and community contributor agreement with Yukon College.

Representatives at Tuesday's signing ceremony also unveiled the first of many official Games' venue signs.

'This is an exciting day for us,' said President Piers McDonald. 'This agreement officially acknowledges the substantial commitment that Yukon College is making in support of the 2007 Games. I'm confident that Yukon College will exceed the expectations of the 3,600 athletes, coaches and managers using these facilities during the two weeks of the Games.'

By signing as a Community Contributor with the Games, the College will be given the variety of sponsor benefits including the right to the non-commercial use of the Games logo. They will also join the growing list of Games supporters.

The Venue Use agreement outlines how the facilities will be used during the two weeks of the Games. The College is offering a considerable amount of space to the Games from February 21st to March 11th, 2007.

The College facilities will be used to house the provincial and territorial mission offices, medical facilities, athlete lounges and offices for National organizations and future host cities.

'As owner of the college facility the Government of Yukon is pleased to authorize its use as a central venue for the 2007 Whitehorse Jeux du Canada Games,' Yukon Government Premier, Dennis Fentie said.

'The Government will ensure Yukon College is ready and well maintained, with all its systems and major equipment working and prepared to host the largest sporting event in Yukon history.'

The President of Yukon College, Sally Webber, had this to say about the ceremony:

'The signing of these agreements with the Canada Winter Games marks the culmination of many years of planning.

'From the beginning, when the Bid Committee first shopped for community partners, Yukon College enthusiastically embraced the idea of playing a significant role.

'Since then, we have worked with the Games staff to create the best and most hospitable venue that athletes and officials will ever experience. It is a pleasure to formalize this work today.'