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A piece of the 2010 Winter Games to be in Canadians’ Pockets: Vancouver 2010 congratulates the Royal Canadian Mint on 2010 program of circulation and collector coins


WEBWIRE

January 26, 2007 - Canadians can soon look for a little piece of the 2010 Winter Games in their pocket change and coin collectors can add a sporty new treasure to their collections. The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) joined the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today as they unveiled their circulation and collector coins program leading up to 2010. The coin designs, inspired by the 2010 Winter Games, Canada and the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship, will be available to Canadians from coast to coast. Full details of the collection can be found at www.mint.ca.

“The 2010 Winter Games team is proud to be partnering with the Royal Canadian Mint to provide the most extensive collector coin program in Olympic and Paralympic Games history. We congratulate them on a coin program that has something for everyone - from everyday pocket change to treasured collection pieces,” said David Guscott, Vancouver 2010 executive vice president, corporate strategy and government relations. “These will be Canada’s Games and through this innovative coin program, every Canadian will have a unique chance to touch the Games.”

Over the next three years, up to 350 million coins will be put in circulation. These include a total of 17 different coins, including fifteen 25-cent coins and two one-dollar Lucky Loonie coins. The collection includes, for the first time in the history of numismatics, two coins celebrating Paralympic sports.

“What an amazing honour to have my sport, freestyle skiing, featured on Canadian currency”, said Jennifer Heil, 2006 Olympic freestyle ski champion. “As an Olympic champion aiming to be on the podium in 2010, this program is an inspiration to me and my teammates. It also serves as a great opportunity for all Canadians to share with us in the Olympic and Paralympic experience.”

“This is the first time in the history of the Paralympic Games where Paralympic sport images appear on circulation coins. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to promoting the Paralympic movement in Canada. On behalf of Paralympic athletes, CPC thanks the RCM and VANOC for continuing to raise awareness of the Paralympic movement with all Canadians”, added Brian MacPherson, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Today’s coin collection unveiling demonstrates yet again, the Royal Canadian Mint’s commitment as Official Supporter with sponsorship rights for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic Team for the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games. The seven-year agreement, valued at $15 million, which includes $2 million towards in-kind goods and services, was originally announced in June 2006. In addition to the circulation and numismatic coins announced today, the Mint will also produce the athlete medals for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as well as other related products to help promote the spirit of Canada’s Games.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

About the RCM
In June 2006, the Royal Canadian Mint became an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with the signing of an agreement with VANOC.

The seven-year agreement provides the RCM with rights for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in the Minting of Circulation, Precious Metal and Base Metal Numismatic and Bullion Coins product and service category, and includes rights for the Canadian Olympic Team for the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games. RCM’s commitment is valued at $15 million, which includes $2 million towards goods and services and is expected to generate $100 million in revenues as well as provide all Canadians access to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games through this extensive program.



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