MARCH 2012
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government:
B.C. eliminates aviation fuel tax
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YVR celebrated Special Olympics British Columbia’s Team BC
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air traffic:
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air policy:
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airlines:
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car talk:
Mazda CX-5 crossover
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YVR hosted a very special send-off last month for members of Special Olympics British Columbia’s Team BC, who were heading to the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Alberta. Athletes, coaches, supporters and fans congregated in the airport’s Public Observation Area, where the excitement was palpable as the team of 109 athletes and 34 volunteer coaches prepared to compete at the Games, which ran from February 28 to March 3. As part of the celebratory send-off, supporters signed a banner with their well wishes for the athletes competing in a number of winter sports such as snowshoeing,
cross-country skiing and speed-skating. “The athletes and coaches who have qualified for Team BC are an extremely impressive group,” said Leslie Thornley, Chef de Mission for Team BC 2012. “These athletes performed so well in the provincial championships this year, and I can’t wait to see the personal bests and sportsmanship that they will show as they compete on the national stage. Special Olympics Canada Games offer amazing opportunities for B.C. athletes to enrich their lives as they strive to meet their goals in national competition, meet other athletes from all over the country and expand their horizons through this unique experience.”
Members of Special Olympics British Columbia’s Team BC celebrate at YVR on February 27 before flying to Alberta to compete at the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. The Canada Winter Games are the stepping stone to the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in South Korea in 2013.
To find our more information, including details on Team BC’s results, visit specialolympics.bc.ca.
Canadian tradition marked in Richmond It was all about hockey, all day, at the Richmond Olympic Oval last month, when more than 16,000 fans flocked to the Oval to celebrate as part of the 12th annual Hockey Day in Canada. Vancouver Airport Authority was proud to be an event partner with the City of Richmond for the celebration, which included a celebrity ball-hockey game that squared off teams comprised of ex-Canucks, media personalities, members of Canada’s men’s floorball team and members of Richmond City Council. The game was a shutout with Team Kurtenbach beating Team Linden 2-0. A main attraction was former Vancouver Canucks Captain, Trevor Linden. Fans lined up for hours for a chance to get their picture taken and an autograph with their beloved number 16. Other highlights included the “leg-
((Left) Young hockey fans take to the rink as part of the 12th annual Hockey Day in Canada. (Above) Anne Murray, Vancouver Airport Authority’s vice president of community and environmental affairs (left to right), celebrates all things hockey with Trevor Linden (centre), former Vancouver Canucks Captain, and Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond. ends” exhibit from the Hockey Hall of Fame; a huge Marketplace full of collectibles and memorabilia available for sale; an interactive fun zone for
fans to test their skills; and a Pacific International Junior Hockey League game pitting rival teams, the Richmond Sockeyes and the North Delta Devils.
And, of course, the CBC broadcast games featuring seven Canadian NHL teams on the big screen for fans to enjoy.
YVR welcomes first airport Rogers’ Chocolates
Airport Authority supports Richmond Hospital Emergency Expansion Project
An iconic British Columbian company renowned for its sweets—Rogers’ Chocolates—opened its first airport location at YVR this month. Canada’s first chocolatier, Charles “Candy” Rogers, began making chocolates in 1885 in the back of his grocery shop in Victoria, B.C. Today, Rogers’ Chocolates is a local institution that continues to satisfy the sweet tooth of millions every year through its fine chocolate products—still hand-wrapped. Located after security near Gate 44 in Domestic Departures, the new YVR location features a full chocolate case that allows travellers to design their own chocolate boxes with everything from truffles to coveted Victoria Creams. And, as part of its 125th anniversary
The Airport Authority is pleased to support the Emergency Expansion Project at Richmond Hospital. Earlier this month, Vancouver Airport Authority vice president of community and environmental affairs, Anne Murray (middle), presented a $100,000 cheque to Claude Stang, program manager emergency services, and Natalie Meixner, president and CEO, both of Richmond Hospital Foundation. The funds will go towards equipment purchases and an emergency department redesign.
celebrations, Rogers’ Chocolates also has a larger-than-life historical tribute on display after security in Domestic Departures (across from its new store location). The installation at YVR provides an in-depth look at the history of Canada’s premier chocolatier.
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