Representatives of Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsors from across Canada and around the world gathered in Vancouver last week for the second annual Vancouver 2010 Sponsor Workshop, hosted by the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee for Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

The Workshop provided sponsors with important information on VANOC's progress and milestones across all areas of the organization. During the meetings VANOC also presented research, which shows that the Paralympic Games provide the potential for a positive brand image transfer for Games sponsors.

The organizers highlighted its goal to align the planning for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, promote accessibility and increase the awareness of the Paralympic Movement. For the first time the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) also had the opportunity to present on the organization and Paralympic values as well as show highlights from the Torino 2006 Winter Paralympics to a Games Sponsor conference. The strong Paralympic presence was well received by the participants and the sponsors are looking forward to helping raise the profile of the athletes and Games in the years leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

The Sponsor Workshop was also designed to assist the sponsors in developing their pre-Games marketing and activation strategies while preparing for hospitality and operations during the 2010 Winter Games. A Vancouver and Whistler venue tour rounded off the two-day meetings.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be staged from 12 to 21 March 2010, with 650 athletes from 45 countries expected to compete in five sports.