From 21 to 28 February 2010, a group of 70 enthusiastic residents of the province of Drenthe in the Netherlands will travel to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. This trip is the result of efforts made by the Stichting Coevorden 2010 (Coevorden Foundation), which has worked hard to maximise the opportunity presented by the Winter Olympics in Vancouver to promote the Dutch city of Coevorden and the province of Drenthe. A special part of these efforts is the fact that the replica of the Coevorden Castle in Richmond will once again be used on 25 February 2010.

The delegation from Drenthe consists of the board of the Stichting Coevorden 2010, their sponsors from the business community in Coevorden, and other business associates. The administrative representatives from the Municipality of Coevorden and the Province of Drenthe include the Queen’s Commissioner Jacques Tichelaar, the Drenthe Deputy of Sports Anneke Haarsma, Mayor Bert Bouwmeester and sports alderman Jetty Remmelts-Van Royen of the Municipality of Coevorden.

Coevorden-Vancouver: the historical connection
Vancouver owes its name to Captain George Vancouver, the man who named the city and a descendant of one of the Lords of Coevorden, Reint Wolter van Coevorden. For generations, the Van Coevorden family ruled over the area that is now known as the Province of Drenthe from the Castle. See for more information: http://coevordenvancouver.drenthehouse.nl/

Broad mission in Canada
The Stichting Coevorden 2010, the municipality and the province have a common, broad mission in Canada. Over the coming years, Drenthe aims to become a province where sports and exercise play an important role. With the ‘Drenthe 2028’ Drenthe Olympic Plan, the province is setting a comprehensive campaign in motion. The dedication to sports will strengthen the economic structure in Drenthe, and contribute to a good living and working climate. Drenthe wants to be able to offer ample sport and exercise opportunities for young and old, for top athletes, up-and-coming talents and amateurs alike. During the Winter Olympics, we will promote the Drenthe Olympic Plan to national and international sports representatives, the general public and the press.

‘Drenthevent’ at Richmond Castle
In addition to several official receptions and attendance at NOC*NSF (Dutch Olympic Committee/Dutch Sports Federation) meetings, a special event is planned for Thursday, 25 February. On this date, the Drenthevent’ will be held at the replica of the Coevorden Castle, located at Fantasy Garden in Richmond. During this festive event, the Drenthe Olympic Plan will be presented. A special focus will also be placed on the  connection between the Castle in Richmond and Coevorden. Built in 1986 in Vancouver, the replica has not been in use for years after it’s relocation. The Stichting Coevorden 2010 has established contact with the Dutch Ms Harma Hill in Richmond whose primarily focus has been to preserve the Castle for the community as an important landmark. Her negotiations have resulted  in the use  of the Castle  for this event. On behalf of the Stichting Coevorden 2010, she will oversee the planning for this evening and  the temporary redesign of the Castle especially for the ‘Drenthevent’.