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The Games Experience
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are about more than sport competitions. In fact, some of the most memorable moments come from the cultural side of past Games experiences.
To ensure that Canada’s Games, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, make lasting memories for spectators and participants alike, the Government of Canada has made substantial investments in strengthening the 2010 Games experience, including in the following areas:
The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays will travel across hundreds of Canadian communities and, stopping in every province and territory, it will generate a long lasting pride in the nation. The Olympic and Paralympic Flames will both conclude their journeys at BC Place Stadium to start the Opening Ceremony for each of the Games.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony held indoors for the first time in Olympic history, will take place on February 12, 2010, at BC Place Stadium. The Opening Ceremony will be a spectacular living representation of Canada’s diversity and should be one of the most memorable moments of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Celebration Sites will be established in both Vancouver and Whistler to extend first-hand Games-time experiences to as many people as possible. They will offer, free of charge, events such as live concerts, performances, festivities, and the broadcasting of Games-time events on giant screens.
The Cultural Olympiad is a range of cultural programs that focus on the culture and traditions of the host country and involve international artistic participation. The Cultural Olympiad provides Canada with an opportunity to showcase its cultural diversity and artistic talents to a worldwide audience.
