From the U.S. Ski Team:

As the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver draw near, the U.S. Nordic Combined Ski Team has taken to the venue where it will reach for the gold just over a year from now, competing in two World Cup events this weekend.

"These Olympic test competitions are going to be a great chance for our nordic combined team to be tested on the ski jumps just 13 months before the first 2010 events kick off," U.S. Nordic Program Director John Farra said. "We are excited to see our top three contenders go to battle at the venue"

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From organizers of the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Spokane:

One year from today the 2010 AT U.S. Figure Skating Championships will transform the Spokane Arena into the nation's liveliest and most exciting sporting venue as America's best skaters vie for a national title, and the ultimate prize, as the 2010 Championships are the final event before the selection of the figure skating team that will compete 18 days later in Vancouver. Today, as part of the "One Year Out" Celebration, Mayor Verner joined Star USA to challenge the local business community, as well as every single citizen to embrace the true spirit of the Championships.

Strong leadership from local government agencies and the business community, the warm community welcome essential for all visitors, and support of all of the athletes who will be competing were key elements on the Top Ten List shared by Mayor Verner to ensure a successful and an unforgettable U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 2010.

"The 2010 AT U.S. Figure Skating Championships will be the biggest sporting event ever staged in Spokane and will require the support, collaboration and contribution of all businesses as well as every citizen if we are to have extraordinary success for Spokane, the Inland Northwest, and the State of Washington," said Mayor Verner. "If these Championships are to live up to their full promise, then the selfless spirit of contribution Spokane is so famous for, must shine through.

As part of the celebration today a special countdown clock was unveiled at River Park Square, which will countdown the days to the Championships. "Today we are officially On the Clock," said Toby Steward President of Star USA, and the Chairman of the 2010 AT U.S. Figure Skating Championships. "Just one year from today, the attentions of our entire nation will be focused on Spokane and the hopes and dreams of hundreds of athletes will pivot on their performance here. We and they have the opportunity to shine in the national spotlight."

The following "TOP TEN LIST FOR SPOKANE" was announced today by Star USA to encourage everyone throughout the Inland Northwest to play an active part in the success of the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

1. Be "On the Clock!" Be aware of how many days it is until the Championships. Keep the Championships in mind as you plan for the coming year. Help to remind others of the time remaining for planning and preparing by dedicating your company reader board to the "Figure Skating Friday" campaign. Every Friday utilize your reader board to show the days remaining until the Championships. 2. Welcome your friends and family...We have designed postcards and emails to make it easy. Click here to download the email invitation. Invite 5 of your out of town friends or family members to attend the Championships. Add a short message to the bottom of all of your outgoing email messages inviting those you correspond with to visit the event website.

3. Join the party...Make a commitment to be part of the fun. Get together with friends and family, purchase a package of tickets, and nominate one family member to keep everyone updated on the Championships. Pick a few athletes to cheer for all year long.

4. Be leaders... Appoint a company 'Championships expert'; a person or team of people to generate ideas, stay informed on Championships news. Get groups of co-workers to partner and coordinate all company activities and initiatives.

5. Use STA...Spokane Transit will be providing shuttle service that will take you everywhere you need to go during the Championships. Purchase the "Ten Day Event Pass" for only $12. The pass is good for unlimited rides on any of Spokane Transit's 39 routes as well as both shuttle routes for the duration of the Championships. Click here to purchase your Official Event Shuttle pass.

6. Consider "flex time"... recreate your work day to better allow more employees to take advantage of the Championships.

7. Support your local Heroes... Hundreds of local citizens volunteer to work the Championships - they are and will be the heart and soul of the Championships. Generously support them by giving them the necessary time off to volunteer.

8. Be the Perfect Host...During the Championships show off your Spokane hospitality by helping visitors with directions, recommendations on our great local restaurants, or the best place to view our beautiful river.

9. Take part in FanFest...Even if you don't have tickets to events, come downtown and take part in all of the free activities such as FanFest and the free fireworks displays downtown. FanFest will be at River Park Square. It will be the best place to collect autographs from the skaters as well as participate in numerous free activities and events.

10. Spread the joy... Fundraise within your organization to help ensure that those with extremely limited financial means will get a chance to experience the Championships.