The Games in Richmond
Official Venue City for the2010 Olympic Winter Games
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| The Olympic Flame is Coming to Richmond |
The speed skating competition will be held at the new Richmond Olympic Oval, which officially opened on December 12, 2008. Twelve medal events will be held at the Oval over a 14-day period from February 13 to 27, 2010 with 36 medals to be awarded.
In addition to hosting speed skating, Richmond is planning a number of other programs to mark the 2010 Games and to ensure the community devices maximum benefit from this once in a lifetime experience.
As an official Venue City, Richmond is committed to thriving with the spirit of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Every measure will be taken to ensure all residents have a positive and memorable Olympic Games experience, the local economy is stimulated, and Richmond’s profile as a city worthy of international standing is elevated. The Games will represent the beginning of a new era in health, wellness and recognition for the City of Richmond.
During the Games, the City will be transformed into an amalgamation of Olympic spirit, community pride, art, excitement and fun. Every inch of the City will be alive with activity, as international visitors join the citizens and volunteers in celebrating the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
The Richmond Olympic Oval will become a permanent new dimension, drawing visitors, residents and passers-by with its stunning aesthetic appeal. It will be a centre of excellence blending sport, fitness, art and culture, while dramatically enhancing the calibre of health and wellness in Richmond.
The City’s Official 2010 Celebration Site, known as the O Zone, will be the home of 17 nights of festivities in the heart of Richmond’s city centre, a few minutes walk from the new Canada Line rapid transit system (Richmond-Brighouse station).
The programs are part of a the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games Strategic Operational Plan which will help the City prepare for its role as an official Venue City for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Programs
- Richmond O Zone
- 2010 Arts and Cultural Program
- 2010 Information and Volunteer Program
- Olympic Youth Awareness Program
- Paint the Town Red
- Look of the Games, Look of the City
- Hosting Site Program
- Host Family Program
- Olympic Torch Relay
- Richmond Business 2010 Opportunities Guide
The City is currently developing transportation plans for 2010. A draft strategy was presented to Council in July. To view the proposed transportation plan, please click on the following link:
Proposed transportation plan for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and
the O Zone
2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be the 21st Winter Olympics and will take place in Vancouver, Whistler, Richmond and West Vancouver from February 12 to 28, 2010. Since the establishment of the Olympic Movement in 1896, the Olympic Games have grown to become an international event unifying the global community through sports excellence, friendship, solidarity, democracy and fair play.
The International Paralympic Committee was established in 1989 and is one of the world’s largest sport organizations. Its goal is to promote developmental and elite level sport for people with disabilities across the globe. The 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver will run from March 12 to 21, 2010.
FAQs
- Who will take part in the Games?
- How will I get around in 2010?
- How can I volunteer for 2010?
- How do I buy tickets for 2010?
2010 Home Rentals
The City of Richmond is not involved in any programs involving the private rental of homes during the 2010 Games. People interested in renting their homes can visit VANOC's website, which assists spectators in finding a range of accomodation.
The City is working on the non-profit Host Family Program for family members of Speed Skating Canada athletes.
Olympic Business Office
The Olympic Business Office oversees all aspects of the City of Richmond's involvement in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including:
- coordination and support for the Richmond Oval project
- liaison to the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Games (VANOC) and other Olympic stakeholder groups
- policy development
- communications
- other management duties related to the City’s planning for 2010 as well as management of business aspects related to the Richmond Oval
The City of Richmond has also established the Richmond Spirit of BC Committee, made up of community representatives from a broad range of stakeholder interests, to ensure that Richmond capitalizes on the opportunities rising from the Games.
The City of Richmond was a proud community sponsor of the Vancouver 2010 Bid. Richmond contributed direct financial support to the Bid, providing $500,000, as well as additional support through staff resources.
To learn more about Richmond's plans for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, please contact:
Ted Townsend
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Office: 604-276-4399
Fax: 604-276-4222
Email: Ted Townsend
For more information on the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games visit: www.vancouver2010.com