Minister Owen Marks the Five-year Countdown to 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
OTTAWA, February 18, 2005 -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), will unveil an ice sculpture tomorrow to mark the start of the five-year countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler. The unveiling will take place on the Rideau Canal as part of Winterlude. The Minister will also take this opportunity to highlight the United Nations International Year of Sport and Physical Education."In less than five years, the eyes of the world will turn towards Canada on the occasion of the 2010 Winter Games," said Minister Owen. "As we prepare to host these Games, this is a perfect time to re-affirm our Government's commitment to sport and to encourage Canadians to get involved in physical activity."
As part of this event, a sledge hockey match will be held featuring the Ottawa-Carleton Barbarians, a junior and intermediate team, and members of the media in the Nation's Capital. In addition, the Gatineau Olympiques, a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team, will give a drill demonstration.
The 2010 Winter Games will have positive long-term economic, social, and cultural effects, across the country and for all Canadians. More than 200 000 jobs will be created, and Canadian businesses will have opportunities to showcase their expertise. The international attention on Canada will also give a tremendous boost to the tourism industry. Social benefits will include work experience and training, youth participation and the promotion of volunteerism, with more than 20 000 volunteers from across the country contributing to the success of the Games.
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $120 million is being provided in 2004-2005 to support initiatives for high-performance athletes and to increase Canadians' participation in sport. The Government of Canada is also a proud and active partner in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and will contribute $310 million towards their success.
Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games from February 12 to 28 and from March 12 to 21, 2010, respectively.
For more information about the Government of Canada's participation in the 2010 Winter Games, please visit the Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/special/2010.
Information:
Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western
Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)
(613) 954-1110
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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