Canada is opening up its arms to the world’s best athletes during the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Vancouver is also welcoming 13 wish children as they share their once-in-a-lifetime Olympic dream with their families.

Children from Canada, the USA and even Australia will soon be travelling to Vancouver with their families to watch their favourite athlete or sports team participate in the Games. Following the cancellation of the chartered cruise ship, the accommodations for these families fell through just days before the Games were set to begin. The support from individuals offering rooms in their homes and corporations offering other accommodation solutions was awe-inspiring. “North America has truly rallied in support of our wish children”, says Jennifer Ritter, CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada. “On behalf of our wish children and their families, thank you for your generosity!”

12-year-old Matthew Vocino is one of the amazing Canadian wish children attending the Olympic Games. “Thank you everyone. We were not surprised by the community’s reaction – we knew that someone would find a way to help make Matthew and the other children’s wishes come true,” said Michael Vocino, Matthew’s father.

Thanks to Jet Set Sports, the families have been provided with accommodations in downtown Vancouver.





The countdown is on . . . the wish children and their families are all set to attend the popular opening ceremonies, meet their beloved athletes or celebrities and root for their favourites at the many sporting events.

Following the theme of this year’s Winter Games...we choose to believe - 13 children and their families will now experience the trip of a lifetime. Stay tuned to see how their Olympic Dreams unfold.


Adam’s Snowboarding Dream Come True!



16-year-old, Adam and his family had the trip of a lifetime! Adam, a huge snowboarding fan, is recovering from a stroke. When he woke up in the hospital he asked his doctor, “Will I ever be able to snowboard again?” Well, the answer was yes – Adam snowboarded the Olympic distance at Whistler and Grouse Mountain! Adam’s dad said, “Adam was so happy – it’s actually quite hard to put into words. It was a dream come true.”

Adam also attended the Opening Ceremonies where he sat just two seats away from Hockey’s “Great One”, Wayne Gretzky.

Adam and his family were able to thank Jet Set Sports in person for their amazing accommodations. “The view from the hotel was spectacular – we could see the bay, mountains and all the downtown buildings,” said Adam’s dad.

Follow Make-A-Wish on Twitter to see Matthew's Olympic Dream unfold!

Here's a taste of Matt's tweets:

• Matt just went over and thanked Jet Set Sports for our incredible hotel suite!
• OMG! OMG! Just spoke to Ross...Military Tour tomorrow on Military boat of waterfront and Helicopter ride.....we are speechless!
• Videocamera, camera and blackberry all charged up for day two!!! It's raining but nothing can put a damper on Canada vs Russia hockey day!!
• We even heard people singing O'Canada in the streets. It was unbelievable!
• We watched the women win gold and then met skeleton gold medalist john montgomery! He even signed Matt's coat!!!!! Matt was beaming!!!!

Rohan's Golden Road to his Olympic Wish

Rohan is good at keeping secrets. For months he was able to keep the huge secret that he was going to the Winter Olympic Games from his brother, Einar. The day before Rohan and his family were set to fly to Vancouver, Einar was told the amazing news – he and his brother were going to watch Team Canada’s hockey team play for gold at the Olympics!

Rohan got an early start to his wish experience last month, when he was presented with the opportunity to participate in the Olympic torch relay in Toronto. This was the beginning of a lasting and memorable journey for Rohan as he proudly represented Canada and Make-A-Wish with his blazing torch in hand!

“It was one of the most amazing experiences. I will treasure it for the rest of my life with the torch and uniform as a physical reminder of the piece of history that I was part of. I was completely taken aback when my parents told me I got offered and I couldn't sleep well that night which is just a testament to how excited I was. Again, from the bottom of my heart I thank you.”

Rohan and Einar sat side-by-side at the Canada versus Russia hockey game this week in Vancouver. They were decked out in red Olympic gear, which was generously donated by the Hudson’s Bay Company. The brothers cheered so loud that they both lost their voices. “Words can’t describe the atmosphere in the stadium – everyone was going crazy,” said Rohan.

If seeing Team Canada beat the Russians wasn’t enough excitement, Rohan, Einar and their parents are also going on a tour of the Electronic Arts Studios, attending the men’s aerial skiing event, skiing at Grouse Mountain and most importantly watching the men’s bronze medal hockey game.

“My family and I are just so amazed at everything Make-A-Wish has arranged. From the limo ride to the airport, to the amazing hotel accommodations (thanks Jet Set Sports!), Olympic gear, and event tickets, we are truly grateful,” said Rohan.



To support our wish children's Olympic dreams, please donate today.