LONDON, England ● Canadian athletes and their families involved in the Olympic Games this summer will be able turn to a historic building in this city’s Trafalgar Square as a gathering place.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that Canada House — the building that once drew Canadian soldiers during the Second World War and more recently has been used to promote Canadian culture — will be designated Canada Olympic House during the Games.
The Olympics, which begin in late July in London, are expected to draw thousands of athletes and their families from around the world.
For Canadians, said Harper, the situation will be different from 2010, when Vancouver played host to the winter Olympics.
“This time, Canada won’t be the home team. But our athletes can come here to Canada Olympic house and enjoy a little bit of home field advantage.”
The prime minister said the building will also be a base for the athletes’ families, relating the personal experiences of he and his wife, Laureen, when their son is in a volleyball tournament.
“Sometimes Laureen and I are more nervous than he is. So I can just imagine how anxious the parents of our Olympic athletes are going to be.” “But the families can also come to Canada Olympic House and find support, moral support and also help in other details of the visit, including how to get around London at a hectic time.”