OTTAWA, March 12, 2008 - The Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, the Honourable David Emerson, today issued the following statement to mark the beginning of the two-year countdown to the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver-Whistler.
"In two years from today, Canada will host the tenth Paralympic Winter Games, the first ever to be held in this country. This represents the perfect opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of Canadian Paralympians and to celebrate their many contributions to the sporting world.
"The Paralympic Games will bring to British Columbia approximately 1350 elite athletes and officials who will compete in five sports and in 64 separate medal events. Whether in ice sledge hockey or in alpine skiing, in wheelchair curling or in nordic skiing, we look forward to seeing these athletes dazzle and excite us with their achievements and their determination to be the best they can be.
"The Government of Canada is proud to be a supporter of the Paralympic movement and of the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver-Whistler."
The Government of Canada is a major and committed partner in the organization of the 2010 Winter Games, with a financial investment of $622 million, including a $20 million contribution for the staging of the Paralympic Winter Games, which will be held March 12-21, 2010.
James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today marked the two-year countdown to the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games with a statement in the House of Commons. His statement is available at: Canadian Heritage.
Information:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613 992-7332
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
