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The 2008 Canadian Single Distance Speed Skating Championships received $7,500 from Hosting BC. Held at the Richmond Olympic Oval, the event drew 73 athletes, aged 19-32, who came from six provinces to compete in front of 7,000 spectators. There were 140 volunteers supporting the event.
The event allowed organizers to evaluate and modify the venue leading up to the 2010 Winter Games and local and regional coaches had a chance to be mentored by national team coaches. Direct economic and tourism benefits included increased revenue for tourism and hospitality businesses in the area. Facility staff, officials and volunteers upgraded skills to international levels to form an experienced resource pool for future events. Seen as a preview of the 2010 Winter Games, organizers say the event had a major impact on the motivation and involvement of the community.
