Opening of Richmond Olympic Oval

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Built by the City of Richmond, the $178-million project [$60-million of which was funded by the federal and provincial government partners via the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC)] will host the long track speed skating competition for the Games on its 400-meter track. It will also house the anti-doping laboratory for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

"We want to congratulate the City of Richmond, VANOC'S venue team and all of the workers for a job well done. This world-class facility showcases the ingenuity of British Columbian workers and the natural beauty of the province both now and when Canada and the world comes to visit us in 2010," said Jack Poole, chairman of VANOC's board of directors. "It is exciting to think that later this month Canadian skaters will already be competing here at the Canadian Single Distance Championships, helping to set the stage for the thrilling competitions that will take place during the 2010 Winter Games."

The massive structure, a venue showpiece under construction since late 2005, has soaring arches made from salvaged beetle-kill wood from BC forests and huge windows with uninterrupted views from sea to sky on the shores of the Fraser River. The facility is so large it could hold four airliners on its main activity floor and seat about 8,000 spectators. It is the second to last venue to be completed for the Games.

"When spectators and athletes look up in this stunning building and see its unique `wood wave' roof, they will be astonished by its beauty and apparent simplicity. It is a marvel of Canadian engineering and design and a wonderful tribute to the City of Richmond's vision of what is possible," said John Furlong, VANOC's chief executive officer. "What a wonderful Olympic Venue for the world and a true legacy for the people of Richmond," Furlong continued, "and yes, the athletes will soar in it."

This December, the Richmond Olympic Oval will host the Canadian Single Distance Championships from December 27 to 31, 2008. In March 2009, the Richmond Olympic Oval will host the ISU World Single Distances Speed Skating Championships 2009, its coming-out party on the international stage. The world's best speed skaters will have the chance to test the ice from March 12 to 15 and the public is invited to attend. Four-day packages are currently available and cost $100 (plus applicable charges). Single day tickets will be available after December 15 and cost $32.25 (plus applicable charges).

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 www.vancouver2010.com

Contact
VANOC Communications

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