The 2009 World Police and Fire Games came to an end yesterday with the closing ceremonies at Swangard Stadium. For those of us who live in the downtown area and were able to watch the teams from all over the world enjoy our great city, we were glad that they chose Vancouver. Especially when the Finnish Hockey team also stepped in to help protect our city.
With venues across the city, lower mainland and Whistler the 10,000 plus athletes gave residents a glimpse at what being in town during the Olympics will be like; and while some of our friends and neighbors are choosing the ‘run and hide’ option for February 2010 we plan to stay and be as much a part of the action as we can. The WPFG Games Village and Entertainment Stage was held at the newly completed Vancouver Convention Center. The venue, complete with beer garden and BBQ, (both at a reasonable price) was well staffed and featured a musical line up from 4pm to 10pm daily. We visited the village on three of the nights and each time the grounds were filled with both athletes having a great time and local residents enjoying something unique. With the largest patio with the best view in the city we hope that other events will use this new public space in similar ways. We also hope that the plans for the LiveCity Vancouver sites during the Games will bring together tourists, residents and athletes in both fun and friendly celebration venues like this one but on a larger scale.
For more information on Live City visit 2010 Host City – Overview. Go Canada!
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