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For the first time in Canada

Canada hosts the Olympic Winter Games for the first time.

More events

The number of events increased from 39 in Sarajevo to 46 in Calgary - notably in Alpine skiing where the super giant slalom is on the programme for the first time and the Nordic combined returns to the programme (absent since 1948).

The artificial snow

The Alpine events took place on artificial snow.

Demonstration sport

Curling appears on the programme as a demonstration sport.

Demonstration disciplines

Short-track speed skating and freestyle skiing are two demonstration disciplines.

Indoor

The speed skating events are held on a covered rink for the first time.

The athletes and the spectators side by side

The athletes, the real heroes of the Games, could sit in the stands next to the spectators.

No smoking

The first Smoke-Free Games were held.

(Credit: IOC. Click here for further information.)