Canada starts 100-day countdown to 2010 Games

• Source: Global Times
• [22:14 November 05 2009]
• Comments

Canada Thursday celebrated the 100-day countdown to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

The celebrations took place in front of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Countdown Clock at the National Capital Infocenter in downtown Ottawa.

"Just 100 days from today, Canada will welcome the world for the XXI Winter Olympic Games. Let's cheer on our Canadian athletes and share in their dreams of winning Olympic gold," Gary Lunn, Canada's Minister of State Sport, said at a simple but cheerful ceremony marking the milestone day.

"We can feel the anticipation and Games spirit now more than ever all across Canada," Lunn added.

James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, said that hosting the 2010 Winter Games will give Canada "a unique opportunity to promote our country's two official languages and our diverse cultures to the world."

Meanwhile, the Olympic Village was officially delivered to the organizers Thursday for its final preparations.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson handed over the keys to John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, in the ceremony.

The Games will be held in the country's western coast cities of Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28.

Agencies