The Government of Canada Takes Part in Opening of 2010 Winter Games Volunteer Centre

"Canada has a rich history of volunteerism and our volunteers are the backbone of every successful event," said Secretary of State Moore. "I encourage Canadians to volunteer for this once-in-a-lifetime event and be a part of Canadian history in the making. Help make the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games a success-it will be an experience you will never forget."

The Volunteer Centre will serve as the primary regional hub for recruitment, deployment, and training of volunteers residing in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. The facility will also host many workforce planning activities leading up to the 2010 Winter Games.

More than 5000 volunteers are expected to go through the Sea-to-Sky Volunteer Centre between mid-2008 and 2010. Approximately 10 000 volunteers will be required in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor at the time of the Games to fill hundreds of different roles.

The Sea-to-Sky Volunteer Centre is at the north end of Squamish, only 35 minutes south of Whistler, in the new Spectacle Building at 40437 Tantalus Road.

The Government of Canada, along with its partners, is committed to delivering successful well-managed Winter Games in 2010. This includes commitments to provide essential federal services by more than 14 federal departments.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room. 1-866-569-6155