March 17, 2008
Manitoba To Participate In 2010 Olympic, Paralympic Winter Games
Vancouver, B.C.—Manitoba talent will take to the world stage at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games as part of a contributing province agreement between the Province of Manitoba and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).
Premier Gary Doer signed the agreement here today with John Furlong, Vancouver 2010 CEO, at the VANOC offices.
“The 2010 Winter Games are an opportunity for provinces like Manitoba, as well as Canada, to showcase their local talent to the world,” Doer said. “While our athletes take to the rink, the slopes and the oval, Manitoba’s entertainers and artists will also have the chance to perform to an international audience. It’s an excellent opportunity to show the world what Manitoba has to offer.”
“Manitoba is celebrating the exciting possibilities presented by the 2010 Winter Games by participating in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase their unique culture and personality to a global audience of three billion,” said Furlong. “We thank the Manitoba government for its generous contribution and look forward to working together to showcase Canada and Manitoba to the world.”
Highlights of Manitoba’s Olympic plans include:
· establishing a Manitoba House in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Games to showcase local cultural performers and athletes;
· organizing a Manitoba Day at the Games to promote the province;
· developing the Manitoba portion of the torch relay, which will come to the province prior to the Games;
· ensuring Aboriginal participation in the Games and preceding events;
· showcasing Manitoba artists and arts organizations;
· developing initiatives that promote tourism, immigration, trade and investment, as well as promote Manitoba’s green-energy sector; and
· promoting educational and volunteer opportunities relating to sport and culture, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Under the Contributing Province/Territory Program, signatory provinces and territories receive a package of benefits that create a close association with the Games in return for a financial contribution based on population size. Manitoba will contribute $750,000 toward the success of Canadian athletes through the Own the Podium 2010 program, which is providing additional support to Canadian athletes in the run-up preparations for the 2010 Games.
Manitoba will also provide $750,000 to support the Games and showcase Manitoba culture and arts, via the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, and ensure that local artists are centre stage at the Games, which are expected to be watched by more than three billion viewers. The Games will feature more than 5,500 Olympic athletes and officials from 80 different countries, and
1,350 Paralympic athletes and officials from 40 countries.
1,350 Paralympic athletes and officials from 40 countries.
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from Feb. 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com for more information.
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