GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Museum of Civilization is joining Canada's Olympic action with an exhibition honouring one of our country's most popular winter sports. Lace Up: Canada's Passion for Skating will be presented during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games from February 12 to March 21, 2010 at the O Zone at Richmond City Hall, British Columbia, next to the speed skating oval site for the competitions.

Lace Up explores the history and importance of skating in Canada and gives a glimpse of three major ice sports: figure skating, speed skating and hockey. Skating is more than a great Canadian tradition. It is an important part of our national identity - one the Museum of Civilization is delighted to celebrate as part of the 2010 Winter Games.

"The Vancouver Olympics are a great opportunity to showcase our cultural strengths alongside our athletic talents," said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "Our exhibition puts our love of ice sports within a historical and social context. Canadians do not simply endure winter. We embrace it, lacing up skates and venturing onto the ice wherever we can find it: on ponds, rivers, canals, backyard rinks and large arenas."

Lace Up: Canada's Passion for Skating is a perfect match for the Olympics and for the O Zone in downtown Richmond. More than 15,000 people from across the country and around the world are expected to visit the O Zone every day. In addition to sports, cultural and arts exhibitions, visitors will enjoy live broadcasts of Olympic events, free music concerts, dance performances, ice carving, food, fireworks and other activities. Lace Up will no doubt inspire many visitors to try skating on the O Zone's unique outdoor ice rink.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is the centre for research and public information on the social and human history of the country. Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Museum is Canada's largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.3 million visitors each year. The Museum of Civilization's principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the promotion and enhancement of Canadian identity.