Canadian Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan visited Haines Junction, Yukon. She was in the rural Yukon community to speak to local students about athletic development and diversity in small Canadian towns.

With the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse fast approaching, the former Canadian Speed Skater and Canada Games alumnus brought an air of excitement and anticipation to the North.

"It is incredibly exciting to have an athlete of Catriona's caliber come to our community," said Kate Moylan, Champagne and Aishihik Recreation Coordinator. "She is a fantastic role model for young athletes and the youth of Haines Junction are very excited to have had this chance to meet a Canadian hero."

After lunch at the Haines Junction Convention Centre, Le May Doan showed off her Olympic medals and gave two different sets of students at St. Elias Community School a motivational and inspirational presentation before returning to Whitehorse. There, Le May Doan met with members of the Whitehorse Rapids Speed Skating Clubs.

Haines Junction has joined the Canada Games Community Partner program. This initiative offers rural communities the opportunity to get involved in the Canada Games while not hosting Games time competitions. Community Partners are encouraged to host accomplished Canadian athletes and to join in the variety of Catch the Spirit programs offered through the Canada Games Host Society.

The visit marked the second time Le May Doan has visited the Territory in the lead up to the 2007 Canada Winter Games. She also visited Whitehorse during a Games test event, the Canadian Short Track Speed Skating Nationals held at the Canada Games Centre in March 2006.