It’s now less than 365 days until the Vancouver 2010 Olympics start. Yesterday, we produced the official One Year Countdown Celebration at the new Richmond Olympic Oval. There really was a sense of excitement as we counted down the last hour to 365. Highlights included a unique version of O Canada featuring a special apprearance from Cindy Klassen (another chance to work with Canada’s fabulous Speed Skating Team) and President Rogge officially inviting the world to Vancouver. The 2010 Torch was also unveiled and I had the opportunity to carry it backstage. I hope to actually carry it when it’s lit later this year.

Unity of the Paralympic Games Ceremonies

I am absolutely ecstatic that we have been named Producer of the 2010 Paralympic Games Opening & Closing Ceremonies!

Having previously been involved in Multisport Games Ceremonies, at both the provincial and national level with the Manitoba Games, Western Canadian Events and Canada Games, it is extraordinary to now be producing this event on an international level.

As a Canadian, it gives me goose bumps to tell Canada’s story on a world stage. We will make Canadians proud, as we honour our culture, our people and our country.

To quote Nelson Mandela, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way that little does.”   Not only do I believe this…I am excited to be part of it.

It is going to be a fun year of planning and next March is going to be an experience of a lifetime.

This afternoon, the Global BC Morning News team stopped by PRP’s office to tape an upcoming segment for their “Whistler @ 365” feature - a weeklong celebration as they countdown 1 year to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.  Co-Anchor, Lynn Colliar sat down with Patrick to regale his past Olympic experience as Stage Manager for the Opening & Closing Ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, as well as discuss the recent naming of PRP as producer of the Opening & Closing ceremonies for the 2010 Paralympic Games.  True to the PRP motto of “fun in the process,” it was a good time had by all.  Be sure to tune into the Global BC Morning News next Wednesday (Feb 11) to see Patrick in all his glory.