The 2007 Canada Winter Games Host Society is pleased to announce that Holland America Line has joined the Canada Games sponsorship team.

Holland America Line, known in the Yukon for their tour services and Westmark Hotels, is the newest Major Sponsor of the Games. Their contribution will amount to over $350,000 in cash and value-in-kind.

'The Yukon has been a very important destination for Holland America Line CruiseTour guests for more the 50 years,' said John Shively, vice-president of government and community relations.

'The people in the Yukon have been very supportive of Holland America Line and we want to give back to the community by supporting their efforts in making the 2007 Canada Winter Games a great success.'

As part of their contribution, Holland America Line has agreed to open the Westmark Klondike Inn for accommodations during the two weeks of the Games.

The Klondike Inn will be used by the major sport officials. The Westmark Whitehorse will serve as the host hotel for all VIP's attending the Games.

Holland America Line will also be providing five buses, 10 hours a day, for 17 days to offset and assist with transportation needs throughout the Games.

'Holland America Line has long been an integral part of the Canadian and Yukon tourism industries,' said Paul Flaherty, vice-president of the host society's sponsorship division.

'We are confident that they can provide the services that are required to ensure that our Games-time visitors will be appropriately cared for throughout their visit.'

Holland America Line will also be the presenting sponsor of the long track speed skating competition during Week 1 of the 2007 Games.

Long track speed skating starts on February 25 and concludes on March 1, 2007. The lower bowl at F.H. Collins Secondary School has been upgraded to include a skating oval.

Holland America Line has had a long-standing commitment to the visitor industry in the Yukon and is a significant contributor to the Yukon's economy in jobs, services, supplies and more.

Their contribution was celebrated Monday evening, at TIA Yukon's 2006 Fall Round-Up reception, held at Nahanni River Adventures/CRE.