City of Richmond
The City of Richmond is an official Venue City for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Richmond will be home to the long track speed skating competition during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
In addition to hosting speed skating, Richmond is planning a number of other programs to mark the 2010 Games and to ensure the community enjoys the maximum benefits of this once in a lifetime experience.
The programs are a part of Richmond’s new 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games Strategic Operational Plan which will help the City prepare for its role as an official Venue City.
The centre piece of the plan is the creation of a major Celebration Site during the Games. The Celebration Site would be a free nightly family festival in Richmond’s City Centre for the duration of the Games. It could feature live broadcasts of 2010 Games competition on giant screens, live music and other performances, athlete and celebrity appearances, an outdoor ice rink, river-based entertainment, local artist showcases, retail marketplaces, special effects showsand children’s and adult educational programs.
Other key elements of the plan include:
- 2010 Arts and Cultural Program, which will provide opportunities for local artists and arts groups to participate in the Cultural Olympiad and Celebration Site programs and encourage the development of the local arts community through new funding programs, special events and other activities
- Olympic Youth Awareness Program, which will link local youth with Olympic athletes and provide opportunities to learn about and attend events within the Richmond Oval
- 2010 Information and Volunteer Centre, which will provide information on Games-related activities in Richmond and help recruit, train and manage volunteers for the various Richmond 2010-related programs;
- Home Stay Program, which will provide opportunities for local residents to host families of coaches and athletes from the Canadian National speed skating team
- Main Street Shopping Program, which will encourage Games-times visitors to patronize local businesses
For more information, please visit www.richmond.ca.
