Postcards from the Northern Tour: Whitehorse – Olympic News : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics
Arriving in Whitehorse was a strong reminder our team was far from Vancouver. Even the locals had to admit it was colder weather than normal at -43 degrees Celsius.
The team attended a breakfast with their colleagues working and volunteering for the 2007 Canada Winter Games (CWG) being held in Whitehorse from February 23-March 10. These Games are a stepping stone for our young athletes hoping to one day represent team Canada at the Olympic Winter Games. John Furlong and Donna Wilson inspired the CWG team and encouraged them to stay focused on the delivery of a great event.
Later that morning the team visited an artist co-op just outside Whitehorse. They toured the facility and met with local artists, some of whose works have been commissioned to provide artwork for the CWG, demonstrating the economic benefits and cultural showcasing opportunities these major events can bring to a community.
The Kwanlin Dun First Nation greeted the team with a welcome dance performed by local children drumming in traditional dress. After, they enjoyed a lunch featuring caribou, bison and bannock.
The team then visited a school and took in traditional sport demonstrations, participated in the game of stick-handling and John had a chance to talk to some of the students about how to set goals and work hard to achieve their dreams. VANOC was very honoured to receive the gift of a beautiful button blanket.
After a welcome song performed by Linda Harvey of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, the team assembled with others at the Transportation Museum in Whitehorse to discuss tourism initiatives in the North.
The team is now on its way to Yellowknife for the next stop on their Northern Canada adventure.
Check back soon for more reports from the next stop.