PARALYMPIC GAMES: VANCOUVER 2010 WINTER PARALYMPICS

VANCOUVER2010.com/paraylympic-games ^ | Updated 2010 | n/a

[Cindy]

http://www.vancouver2010.com/paralympic-games/

"PARALYMPIC GAMES: VANCOUVER 2010 WINTER PARALYMPICS"

"With Glowing Hearts March 12-21, 2010

[Cindy]

ON THE INTERNET:

http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/VancouverOlympicsFactSheet2.pdf

SNIPPET: “FACT SHEET
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

2010 Winter Olympics

The XXIst Olympic Winter Games and the Xth Paralympic Winter Games will take place in and around Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, from February 12-28, 2010, and March 12-21, 2010, respectively. For additional information on the XXIst Olympic Winter Games, including information on hotel accommodations, tickets, transportation, and advice for spectators, please
see the website of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games at http://www.vancouver2010.com. For information on the Xth Paralympic Winter Games, please see its website at http://www.vancouver2010.com/paralympic-games/. American citizens planning to travel to Canada to see or participate in the Games should visit U.S. Consulate General Vancouver’s website at http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/index.asp.

Before You Go:

Travel Documents and Entry Requirements:
American travelers to Canada should not depart the United States without a valid passport or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document (for land and sea border crossings), as these are needed for re-entry into the United States. For information on entering the United States and WHTI compliant documents, including “Special Audiences, please see http://www.dhs.gov/files/crossingborders/ or www.getyouhome.gov. For information on how to obtain or replace a U.S. passport, please see the Department of State’s webpage on Passport Services and Information.”

SNIPPET: “Security Assessment:

The U.S. Government remains concerned about the sustained international terrorists threats directed against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. While there have been no specific, credible terrorist threats to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, in the post-September 11th world, the threat from international terrorist groups at major public events is always a principal concern.

As security increases in and around Olympic venues, terrorists could shift their focus to more unprotected Olympic venues, open public spaces, hotels, railway and other transportation systems, churches, restaurants, and other sites not associated with the Olympics. U.S. citizens planning to attend Olympic events or to participate in any large-scale public gatherings during
the Olympic Games are advised to use caution and to be alert to their surroundings at all times. This includes the periods immediately before and after these events.

Al-Qaida’s demonstrated capability to carry out sophisticated attacks against sizable structures – such as ships, large office buildings, embassies, and hotels – makes it one of the greatest potential threats to the Olympics. Threats could also emanate from extremists who may not be
directly controlled by al-Qaida, as occurred in the Madrid train bombings on March 11, 2004, and the subway and bus bombings in London on July 7 and 21, 2005.

Domestic protest groups, supporting various political causes, may attempt to disrupt the Olympics through demonstrations or other activities. While the Canadian security services are highly skilled at protecting large events and controlling demonstrations, even peaceful events can turn violent, and Americans are therefore advised to avoid any areas of public protest.

One way to make your foreign travel safer and more enjoyable is to inform yourself of what you will find when you arrive overseas. The Department of State publishes a Consular Information Sheet for Canada that includes information on usual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, usual currency and entry regulations, as well as crime and security – including risk of terrorism and drug penalties. Consular Information Sheets include information designed to help you make your own decisions about travel.

For additional information on safety/security in Canada, please see the following:

o Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
o Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Canada
o Department of State’s “A Safe Trip Abroad”
o Department of State’s “Top 10 Tips for Travelers””