Royal Canadian Mint Announces 2010 Olympic Winter Games Collection

Vancouver, Canada - January 26, 2007

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) joined the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today as they unveiled their circulation and collector coins program leading up to 2010.

The coin designs, inspired by the 2010 Winter Games, Canada and the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship, will be available to Canadians from coast to coast.

"The coin program that has something for everyone - from everyday pocket change to treasured collection pieces,” said David Guscott, Vancouver 2010 executive vice president, corporate strategy and government relations. “These will be Canada’s Games and through this innovative coin program, every Canadian will have a unique chance to touch the Games.”

Over the next three years, up to 350 million coins will be put in circulation. These include a total of 17 different coins, including fifteen 25-cent coins and two one-dollar Lucky Loonie coins. The collection includes, for the first time in the history of numismatics, two coins celebrating Paralympic sports.

“What an amazing honour to have my sport, freestyle skiing, featured on Canadian currency”, said Jennifer Heil, 2006 Olympic freestyle ski champion. “As an Olympic champion aiming to be on the podium in 2010, this program is an inspiration to me and my teammates. It also serves as a great opportunity for all Canadians to share with us in the Olympic and Paralympic experience.”

“This is the first time in the history of the Paralympic Games where Paralympic sport images appear on circulation coins. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to promoting the Paralympic movement in Canada. On behalf of Paralympic athletes, CPC thanks the RCM and VANOC for continuing to raise awareness of the Paralympic movement with all Canadians”, added Brian MacPherson, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Today’s coin collection unveiling demonstrates yet again, the Royal Canadian Mint’s commitment as Official Supporter with sponsorship rights for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic Team for the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games. The seven-year agreement, valued at $15 million, which includes $2 million towards in-kind goods and services, was originally announced in June 2006. In addition to the circulation and numismatic coins announced today, the Mint will also produce the athlete medals for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as well as other related products to help promote the spirit of Canada’s Games.

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