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The Richmond Spirit of BC Committee hosted the kick-off to Spirit of BC Week 2006 with a Family Skate Day and numerous dignitaries including Premier Gordon Campbell, Hon. Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Olympic Games, and John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
"As we watched the excitement of the Winter Games in Italy and mark just four years to go until 2010, it's exciting to see the phenomenal growth of Spirit of BC Week as a reflection of the growing excitement in communities across the province," said Premier Gordon Campbell. "Spirit of BC Week has become a platform for communities to direct their enthusiasm and optimism into a program of events that celebrate their local community spirit."
The second annual Spirit of BC Week saw more than 230 events in over 70 communities across the province. Events included arts celebrations, winter festivals, literacy days, ice carving competitions, ski races, volunteer recognition nights, family skate and swim days and a photo competition. This year's festivities saw community participation increase by 70 percent from 2005.
"On behalf of Vancouver 2010, I was thrilled to take part in the kick-off of the second Spirit of BC Week and to acknowledge the work of the more than 90 Spirit of BC committees in organizing an incredible number of events across the province," said John Furlong.
