Vancouver 2010 looking forward to working with new federal sport minister

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is ready to work with Minister Peter Van Loan
(MP York-Simcoe), appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday as Canada’s new Minister for Sport.

"The Government of Canada is a key partner in our efforts to stage outstanding Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2010,” said VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong. “From investments to build the venues to support for our athletes to help them achieve podium success in 2010, the federal government is with us at every step of the way as we create Games that will touch the soul of the nation and inspire the world.”

Furlong thanked former Minister for Sport Michael Chong for supporting the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and Canadian athletes since his appointment in February 2006.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.