Games are as much as part of world history as our oceans or even breathing. Ancient Egyptians are rumored to have participated in a variety of competitive games, and in the 8th century BC, the Greeks began competing in sporting events during the Olympic Games.
The games held in Olympia, Greece were stopped during the 5th century AD, after a span of over a millennium, and they were once again revised in the 19th century by Baron Pierre do Coubertin. Today's Olympic Games take place every two years - winter and summer games - and bring the entire world together to compete for medals.
2010's Winter Olympics will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and this will mark the third time Canada has hosted the event as a country, but only the first that British Columbia has had the honor.
The Vancouver Winter Olympics will feature 20 of the most popular winter-time events. Unlike the Beijing Olympics in 2008, however, the venues at Vancouver are going to be spread apart, some in excess of 140 kilometers.
This hasn't dampened any spirits, however, nor has it slowed down ticket sales. Hundreds of thousands are expected to visit the games, and with Canada's 8% unemployment rate and struggling economy, the Winter Games will deliver some much needed revenue. The games will take place over a period of 17 days from 12 to 21 February. Soon to follow in March - from 12 to 21 - will be the Paralympic Winter Olympic Games.
Although still some months away, early weather forecasts predict weather to be around average for the area: 46 degrees Fahrenheit high to 34 low. Any heavy snowfall will make traveling back and forth a nightmare, but the city is expected to release the big guns in terms of public transport during the event.
One of the Winter Games' most popular events, skiing, will not take place in Vancouver. Instead, a better location has been picked out. Over 100 kilometers north of Vancouver, the town of Whistler will play host to the skiing events.
Altogether, there are three other areas outside of Vancouver that will be hosting games: the aforementioned Whistler plus Richmond and West Vancouver (which is technically not West Vancouver and is located over 20 kilometers north). The Vancouver venues will be used for many of the fans' favorite events, including figure skating, speed skating and, Canada's most-loved sport, ice-hockey.
The Vancouver Canucks' arena, General Motors Place, will be renamed as the Canada Hockey Place during the games. The arena is the main stage for the final, and prelim matches will take place at the University of British Columbia's Thunderbird Arena. Because Vancouver is hosting, a standard North American rink will be used, instead of the larger European rinks.
Figure skating and speed skating will be taking place in the Pacific Coliseum, which is home to the junior hockey team, the Giants. Due to Canada's many hockey teams, no special stadiums had to be built. The only new arena built was the curling venue at Nat Bailey Stadium Park. Lastly, Whistler will host the most events, and the ski resort and road to the town have both been beautifully transformed to accommodate the games.
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