Vancouver, BC — The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) wishes to congratulate the Honourable Mary McNeil on being named as the new Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC.

 “I would like to extend congratulations on behalf of our board of directors and entire team at VANOC to Mary McNeil on her appointment to this exciting portfolio,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “With her experience in hosting large international events she brings a strong depth of knowledge to the project. As the MLA for the new riding of Vancouver-False Creek, she lives in and represents the heart of the Games region and Host City, a riding that will host ice hockey, ceremonies, the Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver and many other key Games activity areas.  

Added Furlong, “The Province of British Columbia is a key partner in staging outstanding Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010 and we’re delighted Minister McNeil is assuming responsibility of this partnership in the home stretch before British Columbia hosts one of the world’s premier sporting events.”

“We extend our thanks to Finance Minister Colin Hansen for his outstanding work and unwavering support while handling the Olympic portfolio for the last four years,” continued Furlong. “We offer him our best wishes in his additional responsibilities as deputy premier.”

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. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Contact
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