Wheels in Motion

December 7, 2009 - We are thrilled to share that today, Rick Hansen was announced as one of eight volunteer Canadian Mayors of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games!

The honorary Mayors— two per village, per Games —  will be the welcoming face of Canada for more than 7,500 athletes and team officials from around the world, to their home away from home at the athletes’ villages in Whistler and Vancouver during the Games.

Rick will fulfill his Olympic Mayoral duties at the Olympic Village in Vancouver for the duration of the Olympic Games in February 2010.  He will be joined by co-Mayor, Tricia Smith, an Olympic silver medallist and seven-time world championship medal winner in rowing.  Tricia is also vice president of the Canadian Olympic Committee and (coincidentally) has also been a long-time friend and supporter of Rick and the Foundation.

The acceptance of this position means Rick will play a prominent role throughout the Games, engaging with athletes, delegates, dignitaries, and members of the community on a daily basis within the Village.  As a former Paralympian and Olympic participant, this will be an exciting opportunity for Rick to connect with competitors from around the world, inspiring them to reach for their full potential and be the best they can be while participating in the Games.

"It's a great honour to be chosen to represent Canada as a village mayor at the 2010 Winter Games," said Hansen. "As a competitor at past Games, I know how important it is for the athletes and officials - our guests - to have a welcoming place to stay while competing. It's our role as village mayors to make sure the thousands of athletes who will be here will indeed feel this is a real home away from home for them where they can be inspired to reach their dreams in 2010."

Visit Vancouver2010.com to read the full press release from VANOC.