You Gotta Be Here

Scene from Campbell River, Nov. 2, 2009 when the Olympic Flame was on Vancouver Island at the beginning of its 106-day journey around Canada.  Nearly 12,000 torchbearers are taking part in the 45,000 km relay.

In exactly one month, the cauldron will be lit at BC Place stadium — welcoming athletes, officials, spectators and the world to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Yes, in one month! Years of training; years of planning.  Now just four weeks away.

The Olympic Winter Games run from Feb. 12-28; the Paralympic Winter Games run March 12-21.

Over 6,700 athletes and officials. More than 80 participating countries.

Here’s a neat number: 10,000 media! 

That’s roughly the same size as the population of these B.C. communities (give or take a thousand or so): Williams Lake,  Summerland, Dawson Creek, Parksville, North Saanich.

Here’s another great number: 25,000 volunteers. Surprised? Many people are, when they see or hear the figure for the first time.  Many volunteers are British Columbians, of course, pleased to lend a hand at whatever they can, just as they do in their own communities all the time.

As the host province, British Columbia is proudly helping stage one of the most compelling events on the planet.  You Gotta Be Here will be sharing B.C. stories with you and passing along your tales to others — from now until the 2010 Games wind up in late March.  You can reach us by email at YouGottaBeHere@gov.bc.ca.

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