Welcome to the World!

VANCOUVER, Feb. 13 /CNW/ - The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is a proud supporter of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Last night, the world's eyes were on Canada as we welcomed the world during the 2010 Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies.

"Last night's Opening Ceremony was truly inspirational, culturally rich, and spoke so eloquently about our country," says Michele McKenzie, President and CEO of the CTC. "What a great way to say to the world 'Come and experience Canada!'"

CTC is delighted that Shane Koyczan performed a special version of his poem for Canada "We are More" commissioned by the CTC in 2007.

"When the Canadian Tourism Commission first contacted me about composing a tribute poem to Canada, they sought something that truly captured the heart of our experience here," Shane Koyczan explains. "I tried to do that as well as I could. Performing poetry at the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games is a breathtaking honour. I hope it made Canadians happy."

For more information about Shane Koyczan and the original full length version of "We are More" please visit the link below.

About the CTC

The CTC is Canada's national tourism marketing organization. Our vision is inspiring the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories, we advertise and market Canada in twelve countries around the world, conduct industry research and studies, and promote product and industry development. For regular updates on CTC initiatives, subscribe to CTC News, available through RSS feeds and by e-mail.

    
    Background:

    Read the original, full length version of "We are More" here:
    http://mediacentre.canada.travel/system/files/we_are_more.pdf
    To listen to the poem: http://www.facebook.com/keepexploring
    Koyczan's website: http://houseofparlance.com/
    

For further information: Catherine Beauchamp, Executive Director Corporate Communications, Canadian Tourism Commission, [email protected], Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]