VIA Rail offers unique opportunities at its Vancouver Station

Cross-Canada Display Train and Canadian Athlete Event Signing

Enter to win a cross-Canada trip on board VIA's flagship Canadian

VANCOUVER, Feb. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada is pleased to announce that between February 17th and 24th its Pacific Central Station will be the hub of several exciting activities including a display train, athlete autograph signing and a draw for a first-class sleeper touring trip for two between Vancouver and Toronto.

The Display Train:

    
    A variety of rail cars from VIA Rail's flagship, Vancouver to Toronto,
    Canadian service - a sleeping, dining, skyline, Park (360 degrees dome)
    and Panorama viewing car.
    

Athlete Signing:

    
    In partnership with Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund), a unique
    opportunity to meet a CAN Fund recipient and Olympian. Autograph Signings
    take place from 2-4p.m.

    February 17 - Annamay Pierse, Swimming - 2008 Olympian and 200 m short
    course breaststroke world record holder
    February 19 - Katie Weatherston, Ice Hockey - 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist
    February 20 - Brian Price, Rowing - Men's Eight, 2008 Olympic Gold
    Medalist
    February 22 - Sami Jo Small, Ice Hockey - 3-time Olympian and 2-time
    member of Olympic gold medal winning team (2002 and 2006)
    February 23 - Alexandra Orlando, Rhythmic Gymnastics, 2008 Olympian, 3
    Pan American Gold Medals
    February 24 - Ben Rutledge, Rowing - Men's Eight, 2008 Olympic Gold
    Medalist
    

VIA Rail is proud to support our athletes through the Canadian Athletes Now Fund (CAN Fund). More information about CAN Fund can be found at canadianathletesnow.ca.

The Draw

After visiting the display train, members of the public can fill in a ballot for a chance to win one of two first-class sleeper touring trips for two. The Vancouver to Toronto trip is a four-day, four-night trip that includes fine dining featuring regional cuisine, comfortable sleeping accommodations, exceptional customer service and spectacular scenery. The draw is open to individuals eighteen years of age and older.

VANOC Volunteers

Acknowledging the value of the thousands of Canadian volunteers who are helping to make the games a success, a second trip will be drawn for the volunteers (official identification required).

About Can Fund

Canadian Athletes Now Fund is a not-for-profit organization devoted solely to raising funds and support for Canadian athletes. The CAN Fund has created a vehicle that connects Canadians directly to an athlete's journey and success. The Fund is the only organization in Canada that with each donation, you find out the name of the athlete supported and receive a tax receipt. The direct funding is allocated by our athletes for nutrition, coaching, equipment, team fees, travel and basic living expenses. CAN Fund is allowing athletes to pursue their dreams.

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada provides efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation, in both of Canada's official languages. Year round, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains per week linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network.

For further information: Media Contacts: Catherine Kaloutsky, VIA Rail Corporate Communications, [phone] (Cell); Dana Shaw, CAN Fund, 1-866-937-2008