FAREWELL VANCOUVER

Social events were outstanding; all of them were sold out well in advance. Several special food tours occurred involved the Gastown area and the very famous Grenville lsland market - lots of opportunity to sample cuisine from around the world as well as the specialities of British Columbia.

The Foundation Luncheon was a special occasion when we heard the story of Alexis Guimond, a Canadian paralympic skier. He suffered an accident at 6 months of age, which resulted in hemiparesis [full paralysis] on the right side of his body and a stroke at age 12, which caused partial paralysis on the left side of his body... He spent three days in a coma after the second stroke and didn’t walk for weeks. His journey was an inspiring tale of how he rose to win a bronze medal in the Olympics.

After four wonderful days in the magnificent setting of Vancouver nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains it was time to say “Farewell to ICOMS23”

The sunset dinner cruise had 300 enthusiastic participants enjoy a trip around the outskirts of Vancouver Harbour while they ate, drank and danced. This carried over the next night to the Foundation Reception. Everyone cleaned up very well. Many pictures were taken with Corporal Janes of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the distinctive dress Mountie Red Surge uniform. The pictures supported the funding raising efforts of the Foundation; thank you everyone who participated in this effort. This was followed by the formal Gala Dinner with music and dancing and lots of mingling with new and long-time colleagues and friends.

After four wonderful days in the magnificent setting of Vancouver nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains it was time to say “Farewell to ICOMS23”. Many extended their time with wine tours, travel to more northern BC and cruises to Alaska. While many memories will linger of the knowledge, friendships and fun of Vancouver, it is time to look forward to meeting again at the 26 th ICOMS in Singapore. See you there!!! ■

October 17-19

October 17-19 / 2023