Existing comment:
The Olympics:
The Embassy's location on Pennsylvania Avenue gave Canada the opportunity to be part of the Atlanta Summer Olympic Torch Relay. On Thursday, June 20, 1996, the torch was brought to the Embassy's rotunda, which had been designated as an official relay site. Representing Washington DC torch bearer, Timothy Abele, and the relay team were greeted by a cheering crowd and Ambassador Raymond Chretien.
The lead up to the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Vancouver was not only cause for celebration in Canada but also here in Washington. The Embassy hosted a 100-day countdown party featuring Canadian recording artist Fefe Dobson, the Omega countdown clock, and the Vancouver Olympic mascots: Sumi, Quatchi and Miga.
Fast forward 99 days and once again the Embassy opened its doors to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver with a spectacular reception. Over 1,500 guests were in attendance and, with the celebratory fever of the Olympics running high, the Embassy was truly the next best place to be aside from Vancouver.
The event was as much of a spectacle as it was a celebration. Guests were provided with on-site skiing and snowboarding aerial demonstrations, the opportunity to partake in Inuksuk-making workshops, and with the presence of a Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch and torch bearer. |