RICHMOND, B.C. - A large crowd, including media, dignitaries and VANOC officials is gathered for a ceremony marking the completion of the roof of the Olympic skating oval in Richmond.

Premier Gordon Campbell is on hand as the last section of the 2.6-hectare roof is lifted into place.

When the building is completed for the speed-skating events of the 2010 Olympics, it will seat 8,000 people, host a total of 12 events and see 36 medals awarded.

Speeches by Campbell, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and others involved in the construction will follow the ceremonial placement of the final section of the roof.

Budgeted cost of the Richmond skating oval is $178 million dollars.