The 1998 spectacular will be hosted by the Japanese city of Nagano. Six Canadians and 300 other students will be attending the games courtesy of the Snowlets Camp, (the International Olympic Youth Camp), which runs from Feb. 4 to 19, 1998.

"I think somebody from the NWT has a great chance of being one of six students from Canada to attend," said an optimistic Chris Bergman from Sport North.

The camp is looking for six Canadian youth who could benefit from the cultural, artistic and athletic activities planned at the camp.

Just last year, two student athletes from the NWT were fortunate enough to attend the Summer Olympic Games camp in Atlanta.

Because of travel costs, the number of Canadian student athletes who will travel to Japan has been reduced from 24 to six, but Bergman feels the NWT athlete does have a significant advantage over some students across Canada.

"Because of the territory's diversity in land and culture, I think that a student from the NWT has a great chance to make it to Japan," Bergman said.

"A background of varied interests and career expectations is especially important to the delegation as a whole .... we do not wish to send merely good athletes or students, but youth who combine these attributes."

Canadian Olympic selection criteria

• Must be between 15 and 20 (as of Feb. 4, 1998)

• Demonstrate a good knowledge of Canadian history and cultural heritage.

• Demonstrate the potential to develop a good knowledge of the role of the Canadian Olympic Association in Canada, the role and responsibilities of the International Olympic Committee, and the understanding of Olympic ideals.

• An awareness of Japan's geography, people, history, customs and/or the capacity to develop this awareness.

• Must be capable of participating fully in Snowlets Camp program, which includes active sport and cultural activities, living in a camp atmosphere and interacting with Canadian peers and their International colleagues.

• Capable of providing $500 towards participation in the camp.

Applications must be received by the Canadian Olympic Committee no later than July 14. Student athletes can pick up applications at the Sport North office. Anyone with inquires is asked to contact Sport North at 1-800-661-0797.

Return completed application forms to: Canadian Olympic Organization, 1600 Naismith Dr., Ottawa, Ont., K1B 5N4.