SASKATCHEWAN JOINS VANCOUVER 2010 TEAM AS A CONTRIBUTING PROVINCE

Saskatchewan's rich culture and talented artists will be highlighted on the international stage as a result of an agreement between the Province of Saskatchewan and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

Saskatchewan Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell and Renée Smith-Valade, Vice President, Communications for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games announced today that Saskatchewan has joined VANOC's Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP). As part of the agreement, Saskatchewan will contribute $1.5 million toward Canadian athletes and the staging of the 2010 Winter Games in return for a number of benefits for the province.

The highlight of the province's involvement will be a dedicated Saskatchewan Day held during the 2010 Winter Games. The day will feature several activities including a warm-up to that evening's Victory Ceremony in Vancouver's BC Place Stadium, a networking event and arts performances.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to be a partner in the 2010 Winter Games, and we look forward to contributing our rich cultural Saskatchewan roots to this international experience," Tell said. "With three billion television viewers watching the 2010 Winter Games, our presence in Vancouver will enable Saskatchewan to showcase our culture, heritage and artistic excellence, pursue opportunities for sport development, tourism marketing and develop business contacts on a global level."

"We thank Saskatchewan for its generous commitment to the Games and Canadian athletes, and look forward to showcasing the prairie way of life with its endless skies, diverse cultures, welcoming people and strong culture of winter sport," VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong said. "Saskatchewan Day will be an exciting celebration in 2010 as the province shares its original and lively regional culture with the world."

Of the $1.5 million investment from Saskatchewan, $750,000 will go toward the Own the Podium 2010 program, which supports Canadian athletes in their preparation for the Games, and $750,000 will be dedicated to ensuring the province takes full advantage of a wide range of benefits associated with the VANOC partnership.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: janet.peters@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-4909

Jason Macnaughton
VANOC Media Relations
Vancouver
Phone: 778-328-6734