Countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver-Whistler

Rideau Hall, Thursday, February 12, 2009

Hi, kids!

Don’t you all look nice, with your eyes full of sunshine, your cheeks all red and your smiles from ear to ear!

How are you? Are you having fun?

Today, we are marking the countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver-Whistler.

Do you know what a countdown is?

It’s when you count the number of days before something important happens.

Like when you count down the days to your birthday.

Today, we are starting to count down the days to the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver-Whistler.

There are 365 days to go, and what do 365 days equal?

Yes, that’s right, a year! There is one year to go before the Olympics.

Later on, there will be another countdown, this time counting down to the Paralympic Games that will be held one month after the Olympic Games and that will bring together athletes with a disability from around the world.

Have any of you ever been to Vancouver or Whistler? Yes? No?

They are on the other side of Canada, out West, in the province of British Columbia.

Vancouver is a city that sits next to the ocean, the Pacific Ocean. From that city, you can see some very tall mountains. These mountains are called the Coast Mountains, and that is where the city of Whistler is located.

And it is also where thousands of athletes from Canada and around the world will gather to participate in competitions like skating, luge, skiing, hockey and much more!

All across this land, our hearts will be filled with joy, because hosting the Olympics is kind of like having the entire world over for a visit.

It’s like a big celebration of friendship between us and all the peoples of the world.

The athletes taking part in the Olympics have to train for a really long time. Some began when they were your age.

It takes a lot of work, a lot of discipline and a lot of perseverance.

But you know what? When you have a dream, the effort you put in to make it come true is nothing compared to the pride and joy you feel when you reach your goal.

Do any of you have a dream? You do? I knew it!

For the athletes, the thing that represents their dream is the torch, the Olympic torch.

The torch will stay lit throughout the Games.

What do you say we unveil it together? Anyone want to help?