Let the Games Begin
08 February 2006
The City of Richmond is encouraging residents to celebrate the Torino 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and begin the countdown to 2010.
In just four years, Richmond will be host to the speed skating competition in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and to celebrate that important milestone the City has planned a number of local activities to coincide with the 2006 Games in Torino, Italy from February 10-26, 2006.
Countdown Celebration 2006 will be held on Sunday, February 26th, 2006 between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in Richmond City Hall and the City Hall Plaza.
A large projection TV screen will provide live coverage of the closing ceremonies in Turin, including the handover of the Olympic flag, while live entertainment on the plaza stage will feature popular local performers including Rumba Calzada, the Higgins Family, Norman Foote and Cherelle Jardine.
There will be fun for the whole family with interactive entertainment, arts activities, street hockey, exhibits and refreshments, including free cake.
Additional performers will be announced in the near future. The plaza will be covered so the event will take place rain or shine, but remember to dress warmly.
Countdown Celebration 2006 is presented by the BC Lottery Corporation. Funding for the arts and cultural component of Countdown Celebration 2006 is provided by 2010 Legacies Now. Media sponsor is The Review.
Throughout the Games drop by local civic facilities to check out their Games-themed displays and watch Olympic action on television.
Richmond residents are also invited to sign a large congratulatory banner to Canadian Olympic athletes, which will be presented at a special welcome home event at Vancouver International Airport after the Games. You can sign the banner at the following locations:
In addition, colorful new Olympic street banners will be going up in select areas of Richmond City Centre in the coming weeks as part of the ongoing countdown to 2010.
Date
Location
Feb. 10-12 WaterMania Feb. 13-14 Cambie Community Centre Feb. 15-16 West Richmond Community Centre Feb. 17-18 South Arm Community Centre Feb. 19-20 Steveston Community Centre Feb. 21-22 Thompson Community Centre Feb. 23-24 City Hall Feb. 25 Cultural Centre Feb. 26 City Hall - Closing Ceremonies Event
