After much anticipation and years of preparation, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games have begun. Canadians across the nation will be rooting for our athletes proudly competing on behalf of our country. Team Canada will know that Newmarket and Aurora are behind them says MP Lois Brown. 

To show Team Canada local support, MP Brown has sent a message of encouragement via the Canadian Olympic Committee on behalf of her constituents.
 
"The Olympics are a very exciting time and I wanted our Team Canada athletes to know that Newmarket and Aurora will be cheering for them," said Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown. "Anyone who saw the incredible enthusiasm and sea of red and white in our streets, the day the Olympic Torch came through, will know we are a very patriotic community."
 
Of special interest locally will be Olympic athlete Vanessa Crone from Aurora. She and her partner Paul Poirier, also from York Region, stand an excellent chance of earning a medal in the figure skating competitions.
 
Twenty-two years since last being Olympic host, Canada welcomes the world's top athletes to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games from Feb. 12 to 28. More than 2,500 athletes representing over 80 countries will compete for 549 medals awarded in 15 Olympic sports.
 
The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will also be an historic event as they are the first ever to be held in Canada. From March 12 - 21, Whistler and Vancouver will host 1,350 athletes and teams officials, from 44 countries. Paralympic Team Canada will be approximately 55 athletes strong.
 
Residents may send a message of support to Vanessa Crone at www.olympic.ca/en/athletes/vanessa-crone.
 
For more information, please visit www.canada2010.gc.ca or www.olympic.ca.