VANOC congratulates new BC mayors and municipal council members on their new responsibilities

Vancouver, BC – John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), today congratulated the mayors and municipal council members elected across British Columbia over the past weekend.

“On behalf of the whole VANOC team, congratulations to all of the mayors and council members elected. It is indeed an exciting time to be leading as we all prepare to celebrate the 2010 Games with all British Columbians. In particular, we look forward to working closely with the elected officials in our 2010 Games venue and facility communities: Vancouver, Whistler, Richmond, West Vancouver, Squamish and Surrey," Furlong said.

He continued, “Together with you, we will be getting ready to welcome the world. Your leadership and vision will be critical to the success of the Games and the legacy they create for years to come. There have been few chapters in BC’s history that have presented more challenges and opportunities for civic leadership than the staging of the 2010 Winter Games. We wish all of you the best possible term ahead and one that you will look back on with great pride.”

"Finally, we congratulate and thank outgoing Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan for his dedication, his enthusiasm and unwavering support for the Vancouver 2010 Games during his term. He created one of the most memorable moments in the lead-up to the 2010 Games when he proudly accepted the Olympic flag in Torino. He now hands the significant Host City responsibility over to Mayor-Elect Gregor Robertson and his Council and we look forward to a close partnership with them."

About VANOC
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. Visit vancouver2010.com for further details on programs and schedules. For more information, please visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Contact
VANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com