Tuesday, November 27, 2001

Olympic Spirit Centre to open in Toronto

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The International Olympic Committee has given Toronto something of a consolation prize.

While Toronto's concerted overtures for the 2008 Summer Olympics were rebuffed by the IOC in favour of Beijing, the IOC will open the $34-million Olympic Spirit Centre in downtown Toronto in the fall of 2003.

The IOC announced plans for the Olympic-themed sports exhibition centre along with the Canadian Olympic Association at a press conference on Tuesday.

The centre will be housed at the Dundas Square development, a splashy revitalization project in the commercial heart of Toronto.

The IOC's David Aikman estimated that 500,000 people would visit the centre annually.

Privately funded, the centre will include interactive displays, exhibition halls and theatres devoted to different aspects of Olympic sports. Of course, a gift shop, restaurant and sports bar would also be part of the project.

COA President Michael Chambers said the focus will be on the inspiration and achievements of Canadian Olympic athletes.

"There is no greater icon of Canadian pride than a Canadian Olympic athlete," said Chambers. "It will be an honour to see so many of our heroes recognized in the Toronto Olympic Spirit center, where so many visitors can share the pride of their achievements and relive the inspiration they invoke."

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