Canadian Pacific Spirit Train — Connecting Canadians to Vancouver 2010

Sep 19, 2008

There are only 18 months left before the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. To celebrate, Canadian Pacific (CP) is inaugurating its Spirit Train on September 21, 2008 in Port Moody, British Columbia. Over the next four weeks, the train will stop in 10 communities in six provinces to provide Canadians with the opportunity of experiencing a part of the 2010 Winter Games. At each stop, the CP Spirit Train will offer a full day of free outdoor activities.

Activities such as the Spirit Train Village marquee tent will feature exhibitions on Canadian history, previous Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and celebrated Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Winter sports simulation activities will be available; there will be a kid’s zone, and the exhibition on sledge hockey will provide visitors with an opportunity to try this sport. There will be many other family activities, as well as the chance to win prizes.

Canadians will not only be able to participate in the Olympic dream through the CP Spirit Train experience; they will also be able to enjoy Canadian arts and culture. Local, national and First Nations musicians will showcase performances live from the CP Spirit Train stage, including six-time Juno award winner Colin James and fiddle/violin virtuoso Sierra Noble.

Paul Rosen, Ambassador

Paul Rosen, the national sledge hockey team’s goalie and motivational speaker, will accompany the CP Spirit Train team as an athlete ambassador. He will share his personal story and his journey as a Paralympic athlete. “I am honoured to be in this role. I’m able to do what I love the most — speaking to Canadians about the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games — and teaching Canadians about ice sledge hockey,” said Rosen.

VANOC’s Involvement

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has been involved in the development of the CP Spirit Train from the beginning. Vancouver 2010 mascots — Miga, Quatchi and Sumi — will be present at each daily event. Members of the community relations team will be available to answer questions from the public.

The CP Spirit Train is modelled on another popular CP tour — the Holiday Train, which journey’s across Canada and the United States every December, providing food and raising funds for local food banks in both countries.

Spirit Train First Stop: Sunday, September 21, 2008 from 14:00 to 20:00 at the West Coast Express Station in Port Moody, British Columbia.

For the detailed stops and events schedule, please visit cpspirittrain.com.