Creating a Lasting Legacy of the 2010 Winter Games in Richmond

News Release

Government of Canada announces support for the Richmond Olympic Experience

December 17, 2014 – Richmond, British Columbia – Department of Canadian Heritage

The City of Richmond will benefit from a contribution of $500,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to support the purchase of specialized equipment for a new museum, known as the Richmond Olympic Experience (ROX), to be housed within the Richmond Olympic Oval.

This funding will allow the City of Richmond to purchase large-scale, custom-designed display units with specific security and environmental controls, as well as professional lighting systems for the museum and the museum’s theatre.

The ROX will act as a permanent legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It will tell the story of the history of sport in Richmond and its role during the Games, while educating visitors about the Olympic and Paralympic movement.

This investment was announced today by the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Delta–Richmond East).

Quick Facts

When the ROX officially opens in the spring of 2015, it will be the only North American member of the Olympic Museums Network.
The museum will have 15,000 square feet of exhibition space over three floors, featuring permanent and temporary displays, interactive media, and hands-on sporting simulations. These will highlight the history of sport in Richmond, the history of the international Olympic and Paralympic movement, and Canada's unique achievements and contributions at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The Richmond Olympic Oval was used for long track speed skating during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and has since been converted to a multi-use fitness and community centre.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, museum collections, and heritage displays.

Quotes

“As a major partner in the 2010 Winter Games, the Government of Canada committed to creating enduring legacies for all Canadians to enjoy—legacies like the Richmond Olympic Oval, which has become an important public gathering place in the Lower Mainland. Our Government is proud to continue enhancing these legacies by investing in the Richmond Olympic Experience.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“The City of Richmond has demonstrated superb vision and leadership in its efforts to bring the Richmond Olympic Experience to residents and visitors. With sport simulators and multimedia galleries, this interactive exhibit is sure to be a treat for the senses. I am looking forward to visiting the exhibit in spring 2015.”

—The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Delta–Richmond East)

“The City of Richmond’s journey from coastal community to Olympic venue city boasts many inspiring stories. Now visitors from across the country and around the world will be able to relive the excitement and passion of the 2010 Winter Games and more through the Richmond Olympic Experience. We are pleased to be a partner in the success of this dynamic and innovative project.”

—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament (Richmond)

“The Richmond Olympic Experience will inform, entertain and inspire visitors as we celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic spirit, rekindle the excitement of hosting the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Canada and showcase Richmond’s proud sport history. From priceless artifacts to fun, state -of-the art sport simulators, the ROX is destined to become a popular attraction for both residents and visitors, creating new legacies of the 2010 Games for Richmond and Canada.”

—His Worship Malcolm Brodie, Mayor, City of Richmond