As the anticipation for the 2007 Canada Winter Games continues to grow both in the Yukon and across the country, one of the final steps in preparation for all 13 provinces and territories was taken this week.

The Chefs de Mission for each of the provinces and territories, along with some assistant Chefs, made their second and final trip to Whitehorse prior to the Games next February.

The chefs are responsible for ensuring that the Games athletes are well cared for and have the best possible opportunity to compete.

'It's exciting to host my fellow chefs in my home town,' said Trevor Twardochleb, Chef de Mission for Team Yukon.

'We are all getting excited to welcome the athletes, coaches, managers and dignitaries that will be arriving in Whitehorse next February. We are so used to traveling to other places to compete, it's a whole different situation when you are the host.'

While in Whitehorse, the chefs visited competition venues to see first hand the improvements that have been made. They checked out the latest work on the new ski lodge and freestyle area at Mount Sima, toured the Yukon Arts Centre and the long-track speed skating oval at F.H. Collins.

They also got a glimpse of the large tent being construction at Shipyards Park, where the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the arts and cultural festival, will be held during the Games.

Most importantly for many of them, they toured the athletes' village, including two new residence buildings that will be used to house athletes during the Games. Now they can report back to their athletes about what to expect.

'You've got to make it feel like home for the athletes as much as possible,' said B.C.'s Ajay Patel. Certainly, privacy and ammeneties, such as the bathrooms, are important, but also the overall experience of the athletes village.

'You need to provide an opportunity for the athletes to chill out, play video games and socialize.'

After two days of careful inspection, they've all agreed the City of Whitehorse is ready and able to host the 2007 Games.

'I don't think there's any concern as far as Whitehorse,' stated Charly Kelly, the co-chair of mission services for the Games.

Francois Caron is the Chef de Mission for Team P.E.I. and also the central region coordinator for recreation and sport in the small maritime province.

Caron is taking a special interest in the planning of preparation of the Whitehorse Games, making notes to take home with him. P.E.I. will host the Canada Summer Games in 2009.

The 2009 Games have now created a host society and are lining up their vice-presidents for each area.

Caron said the beauty of the Yukon certainly impressed all the visitors this week and will also be a pleasant surprise for the athletes once they arrive.

'It's the type of geography we don't have in P.E.I.,' he pointed out. 'Also, the proximity of all the venues is great. It's the closest of any set of Games I've ever been to.'

Both Patel and Ontario's Blair McIntosh agreed, calling the Whitehorse Games 'athlete-centred'.

'The venues are wonderful,' stated Patel. 'We're just down into the logistics now.'

Patel said the excitement is certainly building in B.C., with all the sports now finalizing their athletes lists and mission staff finishing up their necessary training.

Of course, 2007 will provide the final multi-sport Games before the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, so 'all eyes will be on Whitehorse,' he added.

The 2007 Games and the Yukon have joined forces with Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. They will work together in a pan-northern partnership, to share a true picture of Canada's North with visitors and spectators from across the country. The Games will host cultural ambassadors from each of the three territories and will feature Arctic and Dene sport competitions.

'I think that the athletes, parents and coaches coming to Whitehorse are going to be very surprised,' said Ted Bigelow, Chef de Mission for Team Manitoba. 'Having all three territories involved shows total community involvement. It's important that the host community is having fun.'

The Games will run from Feb. 23 to March 10, 2007.

This will mark the 40th anniversary of the Games and will also be the first Games held north of the 60th parallel. During the two weeks of the Games over 3,600 athletes, coaches and managers will compete in 22 sports.

For the first time, snowboarding will be an official demonstration sport where medals are awarded.