Media Releases 2005

2010 LEGACIESNOW SUPPORTS OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS BRITISH COLUMBIA TO HOST NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS

Vancouver, B.C. (April 15, 2005): 2010 LegaciesNow Hosting BC™ program announced an investment of $226,000 in 12 communities across the province to assist in hosting 16 major sporting events in 2005 and 2006.

"The events supported by the first round of Hosting BC™ funds have been a tremendous success throughout the province," said Marion Lay, president and CEO, 2010 LegaciesNow. "By continuing to provide this type of funding, we can assist more communities develop their legacies leading up to 2010 and help B.C. become the number one sport tourism destination in Canada."

The Hosting BC™ program is part of 2010 LegaciesNow efforts in maximizing the number of events prior to and post 2010 as well as to build on British Columbia’s reputation as a premier sport event hosting destination.

"The Hosting BC™ grant by 2010 LegaciesNow gives us the ability to host a World Championship in our community which will feature the very best Olympic and Paralympic sailors," said Ron Rubadeau, event coordinator for the World Trapseat 16 Championship. "This event is a unique opportunity to not only feature elite sailors, but will assist in the development of large numbers of volunteers and officials in our community that will positively impact the sailing movement in our community for decades to come."

Hosting BC™ has been designed to provide funding to organizations throughout all British Columbia communities interested in staging single sport, Senior National Championships and World Cup level events with an emphasis on winter Olympic and Paralympic sports.

"This grant will play a significant role in ensuring the success of our World Cup, and will allow our Canadian athletes to compete on home ground at the final event in our qualifying process for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games," said Tom McIllfaterick, CEO, Canadian Snowboard Association. "It will also ensure that we can provide athlete services at the high level required for elite international competitors."

Hosting BC™ is designed to support the hosting of national and international sport events that will provide opportunities to facilitate sport, economic, social and community development within British Columbia. Applications for the next round of funding are available on the 2010 LegaciesNow web site – www.2010LegaciesNow.com

2010 LegaciesNow is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport & recreation, arts, literacy, and volunteerism. 2010 LegaciesNow actively assists communities discover and create unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, during and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.

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Media Contacts:

Daniel Fontaine
Director, Communications
604-659-1379

Ian Buckley
Communications and Event Coordinator
604-659-1394

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