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More than 18 different communities across British Columbia have felt the Olympic spirit - and benefitted economically - by playing host to pre-Games training camps with help from Hosting BC, a partnership of 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of B.C.
Originally launched in Torino in 2006, Hosting BC offers Team and Event Services to assist sport-event organizers and sport teams in finding training facilities in B.C. Hosting BC coordinates and works with identified BC communities to develop hosting packages, which include accommodation, transportation, medical services, and cultural and recreational activities.
"Leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games more than 1,000 athletes from over 20 countries will have trained in all regions of the province," said Bruce Dewar, CEO of 2010 Legacies Now. "Because of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, B.C. communities such as Kelowna, Kimberley and Abbotsford have had the opportunity to showcase their sport facilities and make connections with international athletes and coaches."
"Communities in British Columbia have been very successful in attracting Olympic teams to train pre-Games and we are pleased to help them bring these athletes to our province," said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. "By hosting international athletes, our communities realize a lasting legacy of economic benefits and increased community spirit."
The Okanagan community of Kelowna has successfully played host to the Swedish women's ice hockey team, the Swedish men's and women's curling teams and the German women's curling team, as well as sledge hockey teams from the USA, Germany, Norway and Canada. The Kimberley Alpine Resort in the East Kootenay region has a dedicated Paralympic training run which has seen teams from Canada, the UK, New Zealand and Australia. Abbotsford, a community located 70 km southeast of Vancouver, opened their doors to the Japanese short-track speed skating team and is currently home to the Russian figure skaters.
"The Russian Figure Skating Federation contacted Hosting BC looking for an international size ice rink close to Vancouver and a community partner willing to embrace the team," said Allison Longshore, sales and marketing manager for Tourism Abbotsford. "Abbotsford jumped on the opportunity and created an all inclusive training camp package that was customized to their needs within days of the inquiry."
To assist teams looking for sport-hosting and training venues HostingBC.ca (www.hostingbc.ca), a comprehensive online database of B.C. winter and summer sport facilities, is available. HostingBC.ca offers a wide array of facility information including technical venue information, local support services and photo galleries which will serve British Columbia communities well beyond 2010.
