Saskatchewan Pavilion at Olympic Winter Games Seeks Performers

August 17, 2009 -- Thousands of visitors from around the world will soon get to experience Saskatchewan hospitality at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The pavilion will consist of two structures. One will house a business centre, the other an entertainment venue featuring Saskatchewan entertainment and food. There will also be a pavilion at Whistler during the Paralympics.

Through these venues, people from Canada, and around the world, will be able to learn about Saskatchewan business opportunities, vacation destinations, immigration and quality of life.

The pavilion will be located on the shore of False Creek opposite the Olympic Village on what will be a major pedestrian and rapid transit thoroughfare during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

"This will be a world-class venue that matches the stature of the Games and the scope of the opportunity," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "At the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games we will show the world what we in Saskatchewan already know -- that this province is the best place in the world to live."

The team managing the project includes: University of Regina Professor Emeritus Dr. Don Clark, who will manage the planning and operation of the Saskatchewan Pavilion. Dr. Clark will also work with Sask Sport Inc. to manage funding for the project. Joining Dr. Clark is Trent Fraser, president of Regina-based Fraser Strategy, who will manage the communications, sponsorship, programming and event production.

Olympic Gold Medalist Joan McCusker will work on activities for the pavilion, and she will coordinate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay celebrations across Saskatchewan.

"We are honoured to accept this challenge," Dr. Clark said. "The pavilion at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is an opportunity for us to continue the proud Saskatchewan tradition of presenting a world-class product and to showcase Saskatchewan's industry, hospitality, investment and education opportunities."

The entertainment centre will also feature Saskatchewan artists. Artists who would like to perform at the Saskatchewan Pavilion should visit here. (Deadline for submissions is September 15, 2009.)

The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport allocated $3.6 million over two years to Sask Sport Inc. to help deliver and administer the Saskatchewan Pavilion project.

The Saskatchewan Pavilion project will support the Sask Sport 2010 Legacy Fund which will be used to benefit Saskatchewan amateur sport, culture and recreation within the province.