Nova Scotia will contribute $1.5 million to the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, for which the province will receive some perks, such as logo use and hotel rooms set aside and VIP tickets.

The sponsorship also bought the province the right to send local artists to the cultural Olympiad, events consisting of artistic performances and exhibitions. As well, a "Nova Scotia Day" will be held during the Games.

The province now has the right to use the Olympic logo in promotional materials.

Toby Koffman, spokesman with the Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection Department, said the $1.5 million is money well spent.

"We get all kinds of benefits to promote investment in business, in tourism, and all avenues of the Nova Scotia economy," Koffman said.

The sponsorship means hotel rooms have been set aside for the provincial government's delegations, and 200 Olympic event tickets and four VIP tickets for Nova Scotia's premier, Rodney MacDonald, have also been reserved.

The cost of airfare and the hotel rooms is not included.

Much of Nova Scotia's $1.5-million contribution to the Games is earmarked for the Own the Podium program to train athletes.

The $110-million program, designed to help Canada become the No. 1 nation in terms of medals won at the 2010 Olympics, and to place Top 3 at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games,

In a separate deal, Atlantic premiers have also agreed to cost share an Atlantic pavilion at the Games to promote the tourism, culture and business interests in the region.