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More than 130 people from a dozen rural communities and three First Nations gathered in Lillooet for the "Raise the Spirit of BC" Opportunities Forum 2005. The group discussed economic, cultural and social opportunities created by the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
A dozen presenters and facilitators shared knowledge and expertise about tourism marketing, regional growth strategies, business opportunities, and how rural BC can participate in and benefit from the 2010 Winter Games. Spirit of BC committee chairs and members from Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Merritt, Lillooet, Lytton, and Pemberton Valley talked about their communities' plans and visions for the future.
"The committees did a fantastic job of reaching out and building bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities," said Katherine Ringrose, manager of community engagement for 2010 Legacies Now. "It was great to see government representatives, Aboriginal communities, businesses, organizations, citizens, and the Spirit of BC committees from throughout the region come together and share information and ideas."
The committees also discussed possible partnerships, linkages and joint planning, to ensure these areas of BC achieve the maximum benefits offered by a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the Games.
