WorldSkills 2009 Showcases Vocational and Technology Skills In Competitions For Gold, Silver and Bronze

A shot of the crowd at the WorldSkills September 2009 Competition in Calgary. Photo, WorldSkills Flickr.

Korea led all nations with 23 medals at 2009 WorldSkills 2009 Competition, which wrapped up earlier this week in Calgary, Alberta.

WorldSkills is an international event with a 59-year history styled after the Olympics but with competitions born not of athletics, but of skills in vocational trades and technology.

Held every two years in different host countries, participants compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in 45 skills categories, ranging from cabinetmaking to web design.

“I am truly in awe at the talent and determination I’ve witnessed this past week,” said Richard Walker, President and CEO of WorldSkills Calgary 2009, in a statement. “I saw firsthand the very best and brightest young tradespeople and technologists hone their skills and pursue excellence in their respective fields this past week. Each competitor should be proud of his or her achievement tonight. They displayed commitment, passion and grace under pressure. They are all champions.”

For this year’s event, Switzerland and Japan tied for second, with 14 medals each. Chinese Taipei was third, with 12. Team Canada took home eight medals, topping its previous record of six medals in 2007 in Shizuoka, Japan.

London is set to host the 41st WorldSkills Competition in 2011.