Today, the Royal Canadian Mint issued the final coin in its Vancouver 2010 circulation coin program, the 25-cent coin featuring the sport of ice sledge hockey. The coin was launched in the concourse of the Vancouver Public Library, where the Mint is displaying the Vancouver 2010 athlete medals for the duration of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

"Three years ago, the Mint launched the most extensive circulation coin program ever developed for the Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "We were the first mint in the world to celebrate the Paralympic Games on circulation coins, therefore we could not be more proud to complete our program with the ice sledge hockey coin."

Ice sledge hockey is the Paralympic version of ice hockey. Since its Paralympic debut at the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympic Winter Games, it has quickly become one of the largest attractions for spectators. It is fast-paced, highly physical and played by athletes with a physical disability in the lower part of the body. Instead of skates, players use two-blade sledges that allow the puck to pass beneath. Players use two sticks, which have a spike-end for pushing and a blade-end for shooting. Since the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympic Winter Games, Canada has won three medals: gold (2006), silver (1998) and bronze (1994).

Designed by Canadian artist Glenn Green of Vancouver, BC, the ice sledge hockey circulation coin features an ice sledge hockey athlete 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.

In addition to the circulation coin, the Mint is offering the following related keepsakes, located at www.mint.ca/2010: the first day ice sledge hockey coin ($15.95) and the ice sledge hockey circulation coin roll ($16.95). These products are also available for purchase by calling 1-800-267-7000 or visiting the Royal Canadian Mint boutiques in Winnipeg and Ottawa.

Since launching its Vancouver 2010 program in 2007, the Mint has issued 17 different coins in Canada featuring designs related to the 2010 Winter Games, as well as 79 collector coins and 53 gift products. The Mint is also the proud producer of the Vancouver 2010 athlete medals.

Alas, after 11 wins over Team Japan, Canada's sledge hockey team fell to Japan, 2-1 in today's semifinal.

Newsletter #196,
UBC Bearty Museum of Biodiversity

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