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Vancouver 2010 salutes Montreal on the genesis of an Olympic Legacy
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In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) recognized the citizens of Montreal on the genesis of an Olympic legacy for Canada as a result of successfully hosting the 1976 Olympic Games.
In a message posted to vancouver2010.com and in an address to all staff working on the 2010 Games, Furlong said:
Thirty years ago today, Canadians from coast to coast gathered and watched with nervous excitement and bursting pride as Canada became an Olympic Host Country for the first time. The Opening Ceremony at the Stade Olympique, presided over by Queen Elizabeth II, was a magnificent spectacle that kicked off the most riveting and successful Olympic Games that the world had ever seen. It also signalled unequivocally that Montreal had joined the ranks of the world’s great international cities.
Montreal, already the cosmopolitan and cultural epicentre of Canada, proved to be a spectacular backdrop for the human drama and athletic achievement that ensued in the summer of 1976. The breathtaking and sometimes heroic performances by athletes like Romania’s Nadia Comaneci, who earned an unprecedented seven perfect ten scores on her way winning three gymnastics gold medals at the age of fourteen; or Japan’s Shun Fujimoto, who performed on a broken leg to secure gymnastics gold for his team; provided no shortage of storylines either on or off the field of play.
While the Montreal Olympic Games were not without their share of challenges and critics, we must not forget how those magical moments impacted the spirit and mood of our country, inspired an entire generation of future athletes, musicians and performers, and reinforced the very Canadian values and principles espoused by the Olympic Movement. This should be celebrated.
Today, Montreal will celebrate a remarkable achievement in its civic history, and the people who selflessly and relentlessly pursued the dream of hosting an Olympic Games on Canadian soil. Today’s celebration will be a manifestation of the true Olympic spirit – recognizing the ordinary people who were moved to action, who embraced the challenge of a lifetime because they wanted to do something special for their city, province, and country, and who want to rejoice in the fact that the Olympics changed their lives.
In my work leading the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), I am reminded every day of the extraordinary challenge that lies before our team in upholding and enhancing the Canadian Olympic tradition that began in Montreal. The 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal ignited the passion and the pride of all Canadians, creating a human and emotional legacy that has resonated across generations.
This infusion of the Olympic Spirit paved the way for Calgary and Canada to welcome the world again in 1988, and we are confident that Canadians will once again touch, and be touched by the drama, effort, and excellence that define an Olympic Games, as we welcome the world to Vancouver in 2010.
Congratulations Montreal on the 30th anniversary of the 1976 Olympic Games, and in inspiring a nation to celebrate the possible.
John Furlong
Chief Executive Officer
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. Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.
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