2009 World Police and Fire Games Coming to Vancouver, Canada

This summer, over 10,000 firefighters, police officers, corrections officers and border guards will descend upon Metro Vancouver to compete in the 2009 World Police and Fire Games, taking place July 31 to August 9th. This annual competition brings athletes together from 55 countries around the world, and will feature 63 sports ranging from the traditional, such as track & field, soccer and softball; to the offbeat such as darts, angling and wrist wrestling. There is also the addition of two additional events not seen in previous Games, the Grouse Grind and field lacrosse.

These games are also considered a dry run to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games being held next February. The over 10,000 athletes currently signed up makes these Games the second largest in history, surpassed only by Barcelona which drew 10,576. For this reason, Vancouver's transit system, airport and other facilities will be tested to the max.

Amtrak Ready to Roll

A second daily Amtrak passenger train will begin service between Seattle and Vancouver, starting August 2009. It is estimated that this additional service will carry 50,000 passengers in its first full year of operation, injecting $13 million into the local economy. This expanded service is part of a seven-month trial that is expected to transport American visitors north for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The existing Amtrak Cascades train leaves Seattle early in the morning, and departs Vancouver for the return trip in the evening. It's expected that this second train will run a morning southbound trip, and an evening northbound trip.

And the local economy could get an additional boost down the line as the U.S. government is contemplating establishing high-speed passenger rail service from Portland to Vancouver.
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First Nations People Will Co-Host 2010 Olympic Games

For the first time in history, the International Olympic Committee is allowing indigenous cultures to act as hosts of an Olympic Games. That means the Four Host First Nations will stand side-by-side with the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee and the Federal Government in welcoming visitors to Canada and helping tell the story of the First Nations people.

The four First Nations groups include the Musqueam, Squamish, Lil'Wat and Tsleil-Waututh, and the Games will be played in their traditional lands. They have signed agreements with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis across Canada to promote aboriginal tourism to roughly 350,000 visitors, and an estimated three billion watching from all around the world. The Four Host First Nations will have an 8,000-square-foot pavilion in downtown Vancouver to showcase some 28 Aboriginal Cultural Tourism experiences across Canada.

Vancouver Roller-Coaster Deemed "Landmark" and "Classic"

In 1958, experts bet $100 that Vancouver's wooden roller-coaster wouldn't make it through the first hill. Builder Walker LeRoy not only proved them wrong, but the roller-coaster is still going strong after 50 plus years. Last week, the coaster was given "classic" and "landmark" status by the American Coaster Enthusiasts, the first coaster in North America to be given both designations, and only 20 worldwide.

Playland, the home of the roller-coaster, is open throughout the summer until September 27th.

"Hell's Kitchen" Going to Whistler

Foul-mouthed international superchef Gordon Ramsay has chosen one of Whistler's high-end eateries, Araxi Restaurant, as the grand prize for his reality show kitchen competition. Sixteen chefs will duke it out this coming season, the sixth, for the chance to snag a prime job at Araxi. Besides having a great experience learning about Pacific Northwest cooking and ingredients, the winning contestant will have the added privilege of joining executive chef James Walt in welcoming the world for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The two-hour premier is set to air July 21st on Fox.

2010 Winter Olympics Poster - Newly Released

Two posters, each featuring half of a stylized maple leaf, have recently been released for purchase. Each one contains wavy, wiggly hues of blue and green representing the host cities, and the psychedelic maple leaf design is a modern, youthful and spirited take on Canada's national symbol.

An 18-by-27 inch lithography print is available for CAD$15, and a limited edition 20-by-28 inch Giclee print sells for CAD$150. Posters can be purchased at www.vancouver2010.com/store or at the Olympic Stores located at Vancouver International Airport or in Whistler, BC..