Premier, Province to Participate in 2010 Olympics

Premier Darrell Dexter, today, Dec. 22, announced his participation in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Premier Dexter will join premiers from across the country at the opening ceremonies on Feb. 12.

"I look forward to attending the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games to show Nova Scotia's support for Canada, our athletes and, most importantly, our province," said Premier Dexter.

Nova Scotia, like most other jurisdictions in Canada, signed on to the Contributing Provinces and Territories Program. The program allows participating jurisdictions to be involved in events and activities associated with the Games, including:

• sending six Nova Scotian Aboriginal youth to participate in the Indigenous Youth Gathering in Vancouver;
• celebrating and promoting the province through a recognized Nova Scotia Day during the Games on Feb. 16;
• showcasing a variety of Nova Scotia artists on Olympic stages, through participation in the Cultural Olympiad; and
• supporting the Own the Podium 2010 program, which assists elite Canadian athletes in preparation for the Games and their quest for Olympic gold.

Nova Scotia is also pleased to join New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency in sponsoring the Atlantic Canada House Olympic Pavilion. The pavilion, which will be housed on Granville Island, Vancouver, will promote the cuisine and culture of each participating jurisdiction, as well as business and tourism opportunities.

"I'm pleased that during the Games, Nova Scotia has the opportunity to introduce the world to all the province has to offer in tourism, hospitality, culture and heritage, and business innovation," said Premier Dexter.

Nova Scotia is spending $1.5 million to participate in the Contributing Provinces and Territories Program, and another $500,000 has been invested in the Atlantic Canada House Olympic Pavilion. In total, Nova Scotia has a $2.8-million budget for the province's Olympic participation, a commitment by the previous government from early this year.

Nova Scotia welcomed the Olympic flame in November. More than 500 Nova Scotians carried the torch throughout the province, and were greeted by thousands of people along the route, showing their support, enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming Vancouver Olympic Winter Games.