An exciting new attraction is coming soon to Richmond when the Richmond Olympic Experience officially opens its doors.
Known as the “ROX” and located at the Olympic Oval, this will be one of North America’s most interactive sports attractions.
It promises to feature innovative sport simulators and many other activities to rekindle the excitement and inspiration embodied in the Olympic Games and sport.
To join the fun and get a sneak preview, Richmond residents are welcome to be part of the ROX Community Days from Nov. 21 to 24. Watch for details coming soon on how you can obtain free tickets to the ROX celebration.
Visitors to the ROX will be the first to experience our state-of-the art sport simulators for bobsleigh, kayak and sit-ski. Imagine the excitement when you thunder down the Olympic bobsleigh track from the 2010 Games, race down a Paralympic sit-ski course in the Canadian Rockies or challenge yourself to kayak in the rapids of the Chilliwack River on an international calibre course.
These three simulators were developed especially for the ROX.
We have worked with top athletes, such as Paralympic gold medallist Josh Dueck, to ensure a realistic experience. In the development of these simulators, we have incorporated Canadian-innovation developed by partners such as D-Box, international leaders in motion seat technology.
If that’s not enough, ROX visitors will also be able to test themselves on the Olympic ski jump and Formula One race car simulators. You can also try out a number of other interactive experiences to test your sports skills — see how you measure up against the world’s best athletes.
There will also be engaging displays of priceless Olympic artifacts gathered from individual athletes and museum collections around the world. Through a wide array of touch-tables and exhibits, visitors will be encouraged to explore the history of the Olympic Games while they relive the 2010 Games, as well as Richmond’s own Olympic and sport history. You will certainly be inspired by Olympic-themed films in the ROX’s motion seat theatre. Outside the Oval, a series of structures will recreate the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, leading to a new commemorative cauldron on the Oval’s waterfront plaza.
The Richmond Olympic Experience is destined to become a significant tourism attraction supporting our city’s tourism and economic development goals, while adding fun to our cultural landscape for residents and visitors alike. We have also developed a comprehensive education program that will make the ROX a great resource for students and teachers.
For more details about the Richmond Olympic Experience, visit therox.ca. I look forward to seeing you at the Olympic Oval this Nov.
Malcolm Brodie is the mayor of Richmond.
