The 21st Winter Olympics will begin this weekend and Okanagan’s role in these games cannot be ignored. See how Okanagan impacts Vancouver Olympic Games:

1. Kelowna International Airport is one of four 2010 portals along with Calgary, Victoria and Abbotsford.

2. Kelowna RCMP have deployed 18 officers as part of emergency response teams at Whistler and Vancouver. These officers will also take part in red Serge duties at the opening cermonies and medal presentations.

3. Four local firefighters will also take up shifts at Olympic park in Whistler.

4. Do you know who is the official supplier of wine for Olympics 2010? Sumac Ridge Estate winery, one of the leading BC wineries in Summerland is the official supplier of wine to all venues where accredited media will be allowed. Other participating BC wineries include: Jackson Triggs of Oliver, See-Ya-Later Ranch in Okanagan falls, Inniskillin from Oliver and N’Kimp Cellars in Osoyoos.

5. S.W. Audio Visual of Kelowna is providing big screens, stages, lighting and sound equipment to two Olympic fan venues, Canada Hockey Place and the UBC arena.

6. Last but not the least, ASPENWARE of Lumby which is the only manufacturer of wooden cutlery in North America will be featured at media centers and Vancouver Convention center during upcoming Winter Olympics 2010.

Related Vancouver Olympics 2010 posts:

Transportation during Vancouver Olympics 2010

Opening Ceremony Vancouver 2010