Don Richmond, a full-time Hockey Ministries International staff member who coordinates ministry in the Canadian province of British Columbia, has been selected as a chaplain at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Richmond will serve as one of a dozen chaplains who will be available to the hundreds of athletes at the Winter Olympics. It is a three-week venture, and Richmond is looking forward to this fabulous opportunity with much anticipation.

HMI CHAPLAIN DON RICHMOND		ROBSON SQUARE IN VANCOUVER

  "There are many stresses that the olympic athletes will go through during this event that will be be closely followed around the globe," says Richmond. "Many times they will look fine on the outside, but feeling very different on the inside. I believe that God has opened up this door for me for hopefully many divine appointments where I will be able to encourage people. I am happy with having access to the athletes, coaches and Olympic officials from all over the world"

Richmond resides in Kelowna, British Columbia, and will head to downtown Vancouver to the Olympic Village on February 4 for a week of site orientation. His role as an olympic chaplain will last three weeks starting at the beginning of the games on February 12 until their conclusion on February 28.

Don will also take his turn manning the Christian booth at the Olympics "Interfaith Center" which will be open 24/7 during the games. Richmond has been fully accredited to enjoy full access at the Vancouver Olympic Village.

How did Don get selected as an Olympic chaplain? "It all started a year ago when I filled out my initial olympic chaplains' application online," stated Richmond. "Then I had to provide several additional pieces of information during the past year before I was offically notified by the Vancouver Olympic Committee that I had been selected. It is an absolute thrill and privilege to be chosen as one of the chaplains for the Olympic Games."

Richmond has been on staff full-time with Hockey Ministries for three years. He coordinates HMI's ministry in British Columbia, and serves as chaplain for the Westside Warriors of the British Columbia Hockey League, and also for the Okanagan College Crusaders hockey team. Pray for Don as he serves as chaplain for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and for many "divine appointments."