PHELPS' EVENT SWIMS UPHILL

Michael Phelps' speaking engagement in Calgary is treading water, with
the Olympic swimming superstar awash in drug-use allegations.

The U.S. athlete, who swam to a record eight gold medals at the 2008
Summer Olympics in Beijing, has been tapped for a speech March 3 at
the Telus Convention Centre.

The company organizing his Calgary appearance said the event is still
slated to proceed, but is under review amid reports the swimmer could
face charges after a published photo showed him inhaling from a
marijuana pipe.

"We haven't received any negative feedback from our clients but we're
going to have a discussion with his office to see where his head is
at," said Salim Khoja, president of Toronto-based firm Power Within
Inc.

"We're certainly not going to throw anybody under the bus over that,
but at the same time, we're going to do what our customers want and we
don't know what that is yet."

The photo was taken at a November house party while Phelps was
visiting the University of South Carolina, said News of the World, the
British newspaper which first published the image. The Associated
Press yesterday reported South Carolina authorities are mulling a
charge against Phelps. Khoja said the controversy doesn't detract from
Phelps' routine trips to the winner's podium.

"Part of it is he's 23 years old and was caught in a moment of having
some fun," he said. "We're not condoning or endorsing that behaviour
- -- at the same time, he's a celebrity and professional role model and
held to a slightly higher standard."

Tickets for the Phelps' event cost $229 at advance rates and can be
bought online at www.powerwithin.com or by calling 1-866-994-2555.