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Our Olympic story: A unique legacy for future generations

By Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Published 12:52 PST, Tue February 25, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

It was July 2003, when we cheered loudly as the President of the International Olympic Committee announced that the 2010 Olympic Winter Games would be awarded to the City of Vancouver. This, we knew, was the start of a very exciting journey.

Richmond had been the only City to financially support the Olympic Bid. We expected to play a modest role with plans to build the International

Broadcast Centre on the Garden City Lands. But an opportunity arose to become the Venue City for long track speed skating. We were confident that an iconic building would draw the world’s attention and showcase our City to the world. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games would ultimately prove to be far more than a once-in-a-lifetime sports event, but an opportunity to create a unique legacy for future generations.

The Richmond Olympic Oval is an active–and growing–legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Situated on the banks of the Fraser River and opposite the airport, the award-winning Oval stands as one of our most prominent and identifiable landmarks as well as an Olympic success story. During the Games, we saw the awarding of many Canadian speed skating medals, several of them Gold.

Richmond’s success during the Games was enhanced by our wish to be a true Venue City and not merely a City with a venue. Before the Games, over 100,000 people skated on the ice, while over 300,000 walked through its doors. Thousands of residents signed the last roof panel for the building. Excitement in the days leading up to the start of the Games was unlike anything our City had ever experienced. The colour red was displayed everywhere. Hundreds of media came to Richmond before opening day when the “NBC Today Show” called the Oval “The crown jewel of these Olympic Games”. Richmond was recognized as being an exciting, vibrant and culturally diverse community building for the future.

Do you remember the Torch Relay when we welcomed the final torch-bearer, Rick Hansen, to the celebration in Minoru Park? The O Zone, anchored by the legendary Holland Heineken House, spread from City Hall to Minoru Park. With nightly concerts, an innovative outdoor skating rink, ice sculptures, BC Streets and more, the O Zone entertained over 500,000 people during 17 days of celebration.

Hundreds and hundreds of committed Richmond volunteers played an immeasurable role throughout the Games. Along with our partner, Volunteer Richmond, the City recruited, trained and organized an army of volunteers who gave tens of thousands of hours for events ranging from countdown celebrations to Richmond’s memorable O Zone.

Now as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Games, we recognize some of the lasting impacts on our City. The Canada Line, a TransLink success story, would not have been built without the Games and the support of the City along with dozens of regional non-profit groups. Growth and development in our City Centre has been enhanced by that transit vision.

Today, the Richmond Olympic Oval continues to serve as a focus by providing a wide spectrum of sport and recreational programs for all, from novice to elite levels. It hosts dozens of provincial, national and international events annually, along with training for several national athletic teams. The spirit of the Olympics is vividly displayed in the Olympic Experience Museum. It all demonstrates how an Olympic venue can provide a lasting legacy which adds immeasurably to the fabric of a City.

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games will long be remembered for the excitement, drama and celebration generated by the events. For us, we are proud the legacy continues–a symbol of our community spirit and the commitment of our volunteers–for our future generations.

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