Olympians chosen for Calgary Stampede parade

The Calgary Stampede has chosen two Olympic stars as parade marshals — Bjornar Hakensmoen and Sara Renner.

Norwegien cross-country ski coach Hakensmoen became the unsung hero of last February's Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, when he handed a ski pole to Canadian skier Renner after she broke hers during a sprint relay race. Renner won a silver medal.

More than 40 Canadians will serve as honorary parade marshals on July 7, including world steer wrestling champion Lee Graves and Olympic and Paralympic Turin medallists from across Canada.

Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado will be one of the featured performers at the Stampede grounds outdoor stage. Country music stars Alan Jackson and Kenny Chesney will perform in the Saddledome during the Stampede.

The 94th Calgary Stampede runs July 7 to 16.