Canada celebrates 100-day countdown to 2010 Winter Olympics

Canada celebrates 100-day countdown to 2010 Winter Olympics

OTTAWA, Nov. 4 -- Canada Wednesday celebrated the 100-day countdown to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

Gary Lunn (4th R), Canada's Minister of State (Sport), James Moore (3rd R), Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and other officials pose with the mascots at the 100-day countdown celebrations to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in Ottawa, capital of Canada, Nov. 4, 2009. The games will be held in the country's western coast cities of Vancouver and Whistler Feb. 12-28, 2010.
The celebrations took place in front of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Countdown Clock at the National Capital Infocentre in downtown Ottawa Wednesday morning.

"Just 100 days from today, Canada will welcome the world for the XXI Winter Olympic Games. Let's cheer on our Canadian athletes and share in their dreams of winning Olympic gold," Gary Lunn, Canada's Minister of State (Sport), said at a simple, cheerful ceremony making the milestone day.

A girl poses with the mascots at the 100-day countdown celebrations to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in Ottawa, capital of Canada, Nov. 4, 2009.

"We can feel the anticipation and Games spirit now more than ever all across Canada," Lunn said.

James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, said that hosting the 2010 Winter Games will give Canada "a unique opportunity to promote our country's two official languages and our diverse cultures to the world."

Lunn also expressed his warm welcome to Chinese athletes in an interview with Xinhua at the event.

Gary Lunn (2nd R), Canada's Minister of State (Sport), addresses at the 100-day countdown celebrations to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in Ottawa, capital of Canada, Nov. 4, 2009.

"We know China will have an amazing team as will the countries around the world," he said. "I get to tell you that we're thrilled with our Canadian team. They are at the top of their games. So these are going to be a fantastic game we are looking forward to seeing Chinese here to share the pride and experience of the 21st Olympic (winter) Games."

Meanwhile, the Olympic Village was officially delivered to the organizers Wednesday for its final preparations.

Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson handed over the keys to John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, in a ceremony also marking 100 days to go before the games begin.

The games will be held in the country's western coast cities of Vancouver and Whistler Feb. 12-28, 2010.
(Xinhua)