As Mayor of the City of Richmond, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Richmond is an official Venue City of the 2010 Games as home to the Richmond Olympic Oval, which will host the long track speed skating competition for the Games. As well, the Richmond O Zone, ourofficial 2010 Games celebration site, will be home to many popular Games-times attractions, including Holland Heineken House. We look forward to welcoming many new Dutch visitors and many old friends and colleagues, to Richmond during the Games.

The Netherlands and Canada have a close international friendship that exemplifies the Olympic spirit. Here, in the home of the 2010 Games, those ties date back all the way back to the 1790s when Capt. George Vancouver was the first European to explore our area. Captain Vancouver’s family originated from Coevorden and over the centuries since there have been many fraternal exchanges between Coevorden and the cities of the Metro Vancouver region, including Richmond.

The 2010 Games will continue and build upon the strong ties between Canada and The Netherlands and between Coevorden and Richmond.

Once again, welcome and enjoy the Games!

Malcolm D. Brodie
Mayor