Canada to host this year’s Winter Olympics

It’s only the third time that Canada has been lucky enough to host the Olympics and the host cities of Vancouver and Whistler are gearing up for what is promising to be an electrifying games.

The Western Canadian cities are expecting an influx of nearly a million visitors, athletes and journalists from around the world during the 17 days of competition.

Hundreds of millions of people are expected to tune in on televisions around the world for the event, which begins at 6 p.m. local time (9 p.m. ET). There will be no worries about the weather; these are the first ceremonies to be held in a domed stadium. The opening ceremonies will be on Friday night.

Canada hopes to make a good impression on viewers of the games, which will take place over 17 days.

“Hosting these games is an achievement on the world stage that all British Columbians and all Canadians can be proud of,” British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said. “Together, we have welcomed the world with open arms to see and experience our nation, our province and our communities.”

Singers Bryan Adams and Sarah McLachlan will be among the acts at the opening ceremonies, and one of the highlights will be a ski jumper leaping through the Olympic rings, according to the Ottawa Sun.

The Olympics are a point of national pride for this nation, which failed to win a gold medal at the Calgary Games in 1988. Canada has poured a reported $117 million into its Own the Podium program, designed to create a team that leads the total medal count at these games. That should take at least 27 medals, three more than 2006 when Canada was third in the medal count.

“I’ll make you two promises,” said Gary Lunn, Canadian minister of state for sport. “We’re going to win gold. We’re going to win gold at home for the first time. Our Canadian team will do better than they ever have before.”

But not every Canadian is excited about the games. Protest organizers have said they hope to launch a large demonstration Friday night outside BC Place, site of the ceremony. They will gather blocks away, then march toward the facility just before the ceremony begins. They will be protesting many things, including the money spent on the games.

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge appeared undaunted, saying that his organization welcomes protests as an outlet of freedom of expression.

While weather is not a concern for the opening ceremonies, the unseasonably warm temperatures have brought little snow to the area. But Olympic officials and athletes have said too much has been made of the conditions and that the courses in Whistler, two hours to the north, and nearby Cypress Mountain will be ready.