Media Releases
SPIRIT OF BC ROUNDTABLE IN KOOTENAYS TO FOCUS ON REGIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR 2010, PLANS FOR 2008
Vancouver, B.C. (July 13, 2007): 2010 Legacies Now™ and the Rossland Spirit of BC Community Committee are hosting a roundtable for Spirit of BC community committees in the Kootenays.
"Spirit of BC is an expression of pride in our province, and pride in one’s community," said Allen Langdon, director of the Spirit of BC program for 2010 Legacies Now. "This roundtable will give the Kootenay Boundary committees a chance to discuss their regional objectives for 2010 and begin coordinating plans for community celebrations as part of BC2008 – the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia."
The roundtable is taking place July 9 at the Prestige Mountain Resort and Conference Centre in Rossland. Attendees will include representatives from the following Spirit of BC committees: Boundary (Grand Forks), Castlegar, Cranbrook, Creston, Fruitvale, Kimberley, Montrose, Rossland and Trail.
"The communities in the Kootenay Boundary region, including Rossland and Trail, are excited to celebrate B.C.’s 150th anniversary – it’s a chance to show residents and visitors alike what makes our communities unique," said Maritza Reilly, chair of the Rossland Spirit of BC Community Committee. "We also want to ensure the entire region benefits from B.C. hosting the 2010 Winter Games. This roundtable will help our Spirit of BC committees work together as we make plans for 2008, 2010 and beyond."
Last month, the provincial government announced $1 million in funding to help communities stage local BC2008 celebrations. B.C. communities can apply for these funds, once they have developed a celebration plan in partnership with their Spirit of BC community committee.
"BC2008 celebrates the people and events that have shaped our province into the Best Place on Earth, ranging from a proud First Nations heritage to the pioneering spirit that helped B.C. evolve from a fur-trading outpost to a world-class destination to work, live and play," said Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. "Spirit of BC community committees are a focal point for community pride. As we make plans to celebrate BC2008, they will bring members of the community together to showcase local achievements and B.C.’s cultural diversity."
Supported by 2010 Legacies Now™ and the Province of B.C., Spirit of BC is a province-wide program that promotes community innovation, pride and excellence, and involves British Columbians in the opportunities arising from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. There are more than 95 Spirit of BC committees representing more than 200 communities across the province. For more information, please visit www.SpiritofBC.com.
2010 Legacies Now™ is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport and recreation, arts, literacy and volunteerism. 2010 Legacies Now™ actively assists communities to discover and create unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information, please visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.
-30-
Media Contacts:
Karen McDonald
Director, Communications
2010 Legacies Now™
Ph: 778.327.5180
Cell: 778.840.8779
Natasha Vander Wal
Manager, Communications
2010 Legacies Now™
Ph: 778.327.5189
Cell: 778.840.5189
