The Royal Canadian Mint launches 25-cent paralympic wheelchair curling coin

    First Mint to commemorate the Paralympic Games through the issuing of a
    circulation coin

    TORONTO, July 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today
officially released the third of 17 circulation coins to celebrate the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Wheelchair curling is
depicted on the 25-cent coin. The RCM is proud to be the first ever Mint to
commemorate the Paralympic Games through the issuing of a circulation coin.
    Speaking at the coin launch at Variety Village, Mr. Ian E. Bennett,
President and CEO of the RCM, said: "The Royal Canadian Mint has endeavoured
to create the most extensive Olympic and Paralympic circulation coin program
in the world and we are honoured to include wheelchair curling in this
collection."
    "The Paralympic movement uses sport to empower people with physical
disabilities at all levels," said Carla Qualtrough, President of the Canadian
Paralympic Committee. "We are confident that this world first from the Royal
Canadian Mint will bring a heightened awareness to this movement in Canada."
    Up to 22 million 25-cent wheelchair curling coins will enter into
circulation on July 11, 2007 and will be available exclusively at RBC Royal
Bank and participating Petro-Canada outlets. RBC Royal Bank 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 gas stations will also sell
wheelchair curling sports cards, containing a uniquely painted version of the
coin. The sports cards will sell for $7.95 and will also be available as of
July 11th.
    Wheelchair curling is a relatively new sport, making its Paralympic debut
at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, with Canada winning the gold medal
in this event.
    Wheelchair curling is the first of two Paralympic circulation coins to be
featured in the RCM's extensive Olympic and Paralympic coin program. The ice
sledge hockey 25-cent circulation coin will be launched in June, 2009.
    The origin of the Paralympic Games dates back to 1948 when Sir Ludwig
Guttman staged the International Wheelchair Games to coincide with the 1948
London Olympic Games. The first Olympic-style games for athletes with a
disability - now called the Paralympic Games - were held after the 1960
Olympic Summer Games in Rome, Italy. The first Paralympic Winter Games took
place in Vrnskvldsvik, Sweden, in 1976. During the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic
Winter Games, approximately 600 athletes will compete in five sports and 64
separate medal events.
    Designed by Canadian artist Glenn Green of Vancouver, BC, the wheelchair
curling coin features a curler 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.
    Additionally, the RCM is offering the first day 25-cent wheelchair
curling coin ($15.95) and the 25-cent wheelchair curling circulation coin roll
($16.95). Canadians can purchase these items and other coins through the RCM's
website at www.mint.ca by calling 1-800-267-1871 or through authorized
dealers.

    Background

    In June, 2006, the RCM became an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010
Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with the signing of an agreement with the
Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games (VANOC). The RCM has undertaken to produce the most extensive
circulation coin program in relation to the Olympic Games ever conceived by
any Mint worldwide.
    The RCM has exclusive rights for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games in the Minting of circulation, Precious Metal and Base Metal Numismatic
and Bullion Coins product and service category and will also be responsible
for minting the athlete medals.
    Over the next three years, the RCM will put into circulation 17 coins in
Canada featuring designs related to the 2010 Winter Games. Thirty-six limited
mintage collector coins and sets will also be offered. Canadians from coast to
coast can share in the pride and touch the Games by collecting and saving
these special Canadian coins.

    About the Royal Canadian Mint

    The RCM, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown corporation
responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. In
operation since 1908, the RCM is recognized as one of the largest and most
versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high
quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For
more information on the RCM, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.

    Images and product details of the RCM's newest collection are available
by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.

For further information: Christine Aquino, Senior Manager, Corporate
Communications, Royal Canadian Mint, (613) 993-9999, (613) 991-5342,
aquino@mint.ca; Jennifer Field, Account Director, Hill & Knowlton Ottawa,
(613) 786-9956, Cellular: (613) 327-0012, jennifer.field@hillandknowlton.ca