For athletes around the world, the Olympic and Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of achievement. The allure of these Games, however, goes well beyond the field of competition and the honour of winning gold, silver or bronze.

Sport may be the most visible event of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but it is not the only one.  The Games are a massive international cultural festival that unites people from over 100 countries together.  They:

• promote harmony, peace and understanding
• bridge cultural and ethnic gaps
• celebrate diversity
• foster social and economic development
• forge the relations and understanding needed to create a better, more peaceful world.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games honour human endeavour and remind all of us - from athletes with a disability to champions on the podium and the spectators who observe - that passion and dedication can put our dreams and aspirations within our grasp.

It was a proud moment for all Canadians when Vancouver was named Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.  More than 6,000 Olympic and 1,000 Paralympic athletes, coaches and mission staff converged on Vancouver and the Host Mountain Resort of Whistler to test their strength, speed, agility and endurance in some of the most spectacular competition ever to be held on ice or snow. 

Canada’s geography, culture and diversity was showcased to the three billion people watching and visiting from around the globe.  Our talented artists were featured in 600 performances and exhibits during the 2010 Cultural Olympiad.  Vancouver’s neighbours, the indigenous territories of Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, known as the Four Host First Nations, were recognized by the International Olympic Committee as official Games partners – a first in Olympic and Paralympic history. 

The 106-day, 43,000 kilometre, Olympic Torch Relay also made history; as the longest relay ever to occur within the boundaries of a single country. 

The cauldron of ‘Canada’s Games’ was extinguished and the Olympic Flame returned to Athens, but the pride of our people, places and achievements will forever remain in our hearts.