City of Richmond Welcomes Speed Skating Canada
10 December 2009
For 14 days in February, the Richmond Olympic Oval will host the speed skating competition for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. With a strong Canadian speed skating team poised to own the podium, Richmond will be abuzz with speed skating fans, athletes and their families. During their downtime, Canada’s speed skating team will gather at the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, their official team house for the Games.
“We are proud to welcome Canada’s Speed Skating team to Richmond,” says Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Richmond has truly embraced the athletes – cheering them on in competitions at the Richmond Olympic Oval and making them feel welcomed in our diverse community.”
Over the last few years, the City of Richmond has worked closely with Speed Skating Canada to find accommodations for athletes as well as develop a homestay program for athletes’ families during the Games. Speed skating athletes have also given back to the Richmond community by touring elementary schools speaking to children about their Olympic dreams.
As visitors walk along the Middle Arm Waterfront Greenway from Aberdeen Station, a five-metre tall inuksuk, located in front Speed Skating Canada’s team house at UBC Boathouse, will direct people to the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Admittance to Speed Skating Canada’s team house will be by invitation only. However, speed skating fans will be able to meet team members at public events during the Games. The UBC Boathouse is located at 7277 River Road, just steps away from the Richmond Olympic Oval.
