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2010 Olympic & Paralympic Salute

Alberta's athletes, coaches and technical staff pose for a group picture. Far right: Minister Ady holds Paralympic Nordic Guide Robin McKeever's gold medal. Robin guides for his brother, Brian, in Nordic events. Brian and Robin won three gold medals in the 2010 Paralympic Games.

Albertans joined in on a special celebration at Calgary Olympic Plaza to recognize the accomplishments of Alberta’s Olympians and Paralympians at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. April 5, 2010. Emcees three-time Olympic medalist Catriona Le May Doan and CTV’s Lisa Bowes acknowledged the dedication and excellence demonstrated by Alberta’s athletes, coaches and officials to our province and Canada.

Starting at 11 a.m., interactive displays along with live entertainment were featured at the Plaza for all ages to enjoy.  The flame at the Calgary Tower was lit during the Salute, in recognition of Alberta’s Olympians and Paralympians.

After signing autographs for the crowd, the athletes were escorted by the Calgary Round Up Band in a parade down 8th Avenue to a reception at Flames Central. At the reception, representatives from Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation and WinSport Canada spoke.There was also a moment of silence for Paralympic Sledge Hockey hopeful Matt Cook, who lost his battle with bone cancer on April 2. 

More than half of Canada’s athletes who competed or are competing in the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games were either born, or are living and training in Alberta.

The Government of Alberta, the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, The City of Calgary and Canadian Sport Centre Calgary joined together to host this special celebration.