Whistler British Columbia Canada

The City of Surrey and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced today that Surrey, BC has become the newest Venue City for the 2010 Winter Games.

Surrey will be home to the Games Preparation Centre from February 2009 until the end of the Games; it will then become a multi-purpose recreational facility for Surrey residents. Leading up to the Games, the Centre will service a variety of Vancouver 2010 workforce needs including:

• the recruitment and casting of Ceremonies participants
• general recruitment and training for volunteers from the Fraser Valley and potentially other targeted regions within British Columbia
• the processing and recruitment of short-term temporary Games staff
• functioning as a Volunteer Drop-In Centre providing information and resources

The Games Preparation Centre will be a new facility, built and outfitted by Surrey. In addition Surrey is making a $2 million contribution towards the successful staging of the 2010 Winter Games.

As a Venue City, Surrey will receive a host of benefits including use of the Vancouver 2010 Venue City logo. BC’s second-largest city will also play a key role in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay celebrations, in addition to hosting several significant cultural events through the Cultural Olympiad with a specific focus on engaging youth and reflecting Surrey’s diversity and creativity.

“By becoming a Venue City, the 2010 Winter Games will leave a lasting legacy in Surrey,” said Mayor Dianne Watts. “To be a part of the Games in such a significant manner is very exciting for our city. I am sure our residents will be amongst the volunteer leaders in helping make this event a great success.”

“Surrey has eagerly anticipated the Olympic Games since they were announced,” said Councillor Linda Hepner, Chair of the Surrey Spirit of BC Committee. “Through efforts like our ‘Ahead of the Game’ strategy, we have been doing everything we can to be ready for the Games’ arrival. Becoming a Venue City will provide us with new opportunities for us to be even more involved than we already are.”

“A true community of communities, Surrey is a tremendously valuable addition to the Vancouver 2010 family and will help us welcome the world in 2010,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “As host of the Games Preparation Centre, Surrey will play a key role in recruiting many Games volunteers. Beyond the Games, Surrey residents will benefit enormously as the centre is transformed into a recreational facility.”

The Games Preparation Centre will be strategically located at the corner of West Whalley Ring Road and 107 Avenue, just one block from the Gateway SkyTrain station. Surrey, BC is located in close proximity to Vancouver, BC and other 2010 Winter Games venues.

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