With one year to go before Vancouver welcomes the world for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Royal Canadian Mint has launched the latest coin in its Vancouver 2010 collection. The sport of cross-country skiing is depicted on the 25-cent coin, which was launched today at the FIS World Cup Cross-Country Skiing competition at Whistler Olympic Park, the venue which will host all Olympic and Paralympic cross-country skiing events in 2010.

"As the Mint begins the third year of its extensive Vancouver 2010 circulation and commemorative coin program, we are pleased to kick-off 2009 with a coin that features a sport enjoyed by Canadians of all ages from coast to coast," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "While our athletes continue their training towards Vancouver, we encourage Canadians to save this special coin, along with the other coins in the Vancouver 2010 collection, as a unique way to build momentum and wish them the very best of luck."

"We truly appreciate the opportunity to reach out and showcase our sport to Canadians in every corner of this country through this special initiative by the Royal Canadian Mint," said Al Maddox, executive director, Cross Country Canada. "It is through these unique projects that we are able to instil the Olympic dream in all Canadians, while engaging them in our exciting journey to the podium in 2010."

Up to 22 million 25-cent cross-country skiing coins entered into circulation yesterday and are available exclusively at RBC branches and participating Petro-Canada locations. RBC is a Premier National Partner and Petro-Canada is a National Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Canadians can also look for these special coins in their change. Participating Petro-Canada locations are also currently selling cross-country skiing sport cards, containing a uniquely painted version of the coin, for $7.95.

Cross-country skiers competed at the first Olympic Winter Games in Chamonix, France, in 1924, in 18-kilometre and 50-kilometre races for men. Ladies' cross-country skiing made its debut at the Oslo 1952 Olympic Winter Games. The cross-country skiing technique known as skating or free technique became a separate Olympic competitive discipline at the Calgary 1988 Winter Games. In 2010, there will be twelve Olympic cross-country events (six each of men's and ladies' disciplines) and ten Paralympic cross-country events (five each of men's and ladies' disciplines).

Designed by Canadian artist Glenn Green of Vancouver, BC, the cross-country skiing circulation coin features a cross-country skier in the centre, a stylized maple leaf and the words 'Vancouver 2010'. The obverse features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, rendered by Susanna Blunt.

Canadians can look forward to the following 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games themed circulation coins: three 25-cent coins will feature the sports of speed skating (March 12, 2009), bobsleigh (June 23, 2009) and Paralympics sledge hockey (March 16, 2010), while the 2010 Lucky Loonie will be launched on February 9, 2010, just prior to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Details on three special circulation coins celebrating the top three Canadian Olympic moments will be announced in the very near future.

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