Memories of the 2010Ā Vancouver Olympic Winter Games will just never get old.Ā The games took place over 17 days of edge-of-your-seat action, and you didn’t even have to be a sports fan to feel the sense of national pride (or wear those iconic mittens).
We sang the national anthem during rides on the Canada Line and SeaBus, we travelled to Whistler to be a part of the magic in the Village, and we marvelled at the openingĀ and closing ceremonies. That’s not forgetting all of the free downtown events and concerts we attended with our friends.
The flame of Canadian pride we ignited a decade ago has been burning with passion ever since. And to celebrate this and mark the 10-year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, a key venue, the Richmond Olympic Oval, is having a free three-day festival from Friday, February 21 to Sunday, February 23.
Building exterior/Richmond Olympic Oval
If you remember how the Olympic Games went down, you’ll know the Oval hosted 12 medal events in long track speed skating. Since then, it has been converted into a sport and fitness destination for Metro Vancouverites.
With a 20,000 sq. ft. fitness centre, boutique fitness classes, basketball courts, two Olympic-size ice rinks, volleyball courts, a 200m track, a climbing wall, and the country’s first Olympic museum, the Oval has everything for aspiring athletes and those who love fitness.
This month, you’re invited to experience it all as you live the legacy of the Olympic Games over the course of three days. There are set programs for each day of the festival ā and admission is free for all events, so round up your friends and family!
Athletes/Richmond Olympic Oval
Channel your inner Olympian as you skate on the ice (bring your own skates or get rentals for $3), check out dazzling figure skating shows led by the pros of The Connaught Figure Skating Club, experience interactive sports simulators at the Richmond Olympic Experience,Ā and challenge yourself during speed skating demonstrations.
The puck is set to drop for rival matches between Canada and the USA during three Women’s Para Ice Hockey Exhibition games so you’ve got a chance to wear your maple leaf as you proudly cheer on your team.
Meet some of Canada’s Olympian heroes and get their autographs during the festival (everyone loves a #fanmoment) and take a selfie holding the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Torch on the Olympic Podium.
Short track speed skating/Richmond Olympic Oval
Bringing the kids along? Take them to the CARHA Hockey activity area where they can try their hand at air hockey and meet with theĀ Canadian Olympic Committee mascot, Komak, and Vancouver Canucks’ mascot, Fin.
But the entertainment doesn’t end there ā CircusWest is bringing live stilt walkers, jugglers, and more to the Oval. In short, there’s nowhere else you’ll want to be from February 21 to 23.
For more information and to see the full event schedules before you visit, check outĀ richmondoval.ca/10years.
10 Year Olympic Anniversary Celebration
When:
- Friday, February 21: 10 am to 6 pm
- Saturday, February 22: 10 am to 4 pm
- Sunday, February 23: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Richmond Olympic Oval āĀ 6111 River Road, Richmond
Price: FREE admission (Skate rental $3 and helmet rental is $2.50)
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