Vancouver wins 'ultimate sports city' award
VANCOUVER -- A prestigious sports industry magazine has named Vancouver the top-ranked city in the Americas and the fifth in the world among "Ultimate Sports Cities," the B.C. government announced today.
In 2006, the magazine ranked Vancouver at number 11 in the world.
Sport Business International selected cities based on several criteria, including; the numbers of high-level sporting events previously hosted or set to be hosted; government support; weather; facilities; transportation, accommodations and quality of life.
The province's quality of life and 2010 legacy plans were noted as key reasons for British Columbia's high ranking. As well, 50 sports industry individuals were surveyed to gather opinions about which cities excel at hosting major sporting events.
"I was delighted -- but not surprised -- to learn that Vancouver has received this kind of international recognition," said B.C. Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen. "While Vancouver has been singled out, we recognize the work that the entire province puts
forward in sport hosting.
"British Columbia has become world-renowned as a premiere destination for major sporting events such as the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the 2009 World Police and Fire Games, the 2008 North American Indigenous Games and the 2008 Ford World Women's Curling Championship, to name just a few."
Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan said volunteers and staff at local community organizations deserve a lot of credit for this achievement.
The top five ranked cities on the "Ultimate Sports City" list were Melbourne, Berlin, Sydney, London and Vancouver
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