Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games Coverage

February 27, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
See the Vancouver 2010 mascots on ice at Robson Square and culture highlights from Whistler Village.

Vancouver 2010 Day 16 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

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With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

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Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 26, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
The vancouver2010.com crew goes to the HBC Olympic Superstore and to see the bright lights of Vectorial Elevation.

Vancouver 2010 Day 15 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

Whether you're watching from near or far, Host Videos deliver the fun and excitement of Vancouver 2010. Join us!

Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 25, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
Your VIP access to Molson Canadian Hockey House and Ontario Pavilion.

Vancouver 2010 Day 14 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

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Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 24, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
The vancouver2010.com crew takes you to Canada's Northern House and Saskatchewan Pavilion.

Vancouver 2010 Day 13 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

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Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 23, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
Meet the Omega team and US Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Then sample some local cuisine worthy of Olympic gold.

Vancouver 2010 Day 12 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

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Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 22, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
Get a snapshot of Olympic nightlife at Irish House and CODE Live 1.

Vancouver 2010 Day 11 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

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Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 21, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
The vancouver2010.com crew meet some seasoned reporters at the Main Media Centre. They also discover Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe and customized shirt making programs.

Vancouver 2010 Day 10 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

Whether you're watching from near or far, Host Videos deliver the fun and excitement of Vancouver 2010. Join us!

Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 20, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
The vancouver2010.com crew goes inside the Bell Ice Cube for a celebrity ice carving competition and to Swiss House with the fans of super G.

Vancouver 2010 Day 9 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

Whether you're watching from near or far, Host Videos deliver the fun and excitement of Vancouver 2010. Join us!

Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 19, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
Vancouver2010.com goes to Canada Olympic House for a golden reception, then to The Royal Canadian Mint pavilion for a close-up with the medals.

Vancouver 2010 Day 8 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

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Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 18, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
Vancouver2010.com takes you to CODE Live 3 to make your peace. And make a quick stop in at Alberta House.
Vancouver 2010 Day 7 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

Whether you're watching from near or far, Host Videos deliver the fun and excitement of Vancouver 2010. Join us!

Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 16, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
Discover CODE Live and the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion in Vancouver. Vancouver 2010 Day 5 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/host-videos/)

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Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 15, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Daily Host Video!
Vancouver2010.com takes you to the British Columbia Canada Pavilion and flying high above Vancouver's Robson Square. Vancouver 2010 Day 4 - Watch now >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-videos/daily-host-video--vancouver-2010-day-4_278474g209828-AE.html

Whether you're watching from near or far, Host Videos deliver the fun and excitement of Vancouver 2010. Join us!

Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

------------------------------------------
Stay Informed

Live Results on Vancouver2010.com >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule-results/)

Latest Photos >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-photos/)

Spectator Alerts and Notifications >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/alerts/)

Online Games >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascots-games-and-more/)

Athlete Bios >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-athletes/)

Medal Results >>>
(http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/)

Facebook >>>
( http://www.facebook.com/olympics)

Twitter >>>
(http://twitter.com/2010Tweets)

YouTube >>>
( http://www.youtube.com/vanocwebteam)

February 14, 2010

Check out the latest vancouver2010.com Host Video! Vancouver 2010 Day 3 - Watch now >>>
(http://cpro20.com/Tracking/t.c?9cMp-7asG-3LUnO8)

ancouver2010.com goes to the Richmond O Zone and the Cultural Olympiad youth art exhibit at Zodiac Square in Vancouver's China Town
Whether you're watching from near or far, Host Videos deliver the fun and excitement of Vancouver 2010. Join us!

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Vancouver 2010

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( http://cpro20.com/Tracking/t.c?9cMp-7asN-3LUnO5)

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(http://cpro20.com/Tracking/t.c?9cMp-7asO-3LUnO6)

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( http://cpro20.com/Tracking/t.c?9cMp-7asP-3LUnO7)

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Visit vancouver2010.com everyday for live results and the latest news, photos, videos, online games and more!

With Glowing Hearts,
Vancouver 2010

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( http://cpro20.com/Tracking/t.c?9c3K-7aTI-3LUnO6)

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( http://cpro20.com/Tracking/t.c?9c3K-7aTK-3LUnO8)

Final days for Canadians to buy Phase 2 Olympic tickets Release of official curling schedule means fans can plan to see their favourite teams

Jul 28, 2009

Vancouver, BC – Canadians who have not yet bought their tickets for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games — or who want to buy additional tickets — have just days left to do so during Phase 2 of Olympic ticket sales. The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will close its second phase of Olympic ticket sales at 7:00 pm PT (Pacific Time) on Friday, July 31. The seat allocation process will then commence for those who have purchased tickets.

Select tickets for two much-loved Canadian sports — ice hockey and curling — as well as tickets to the nightly Victory Ceremonies celebrating the day’s achievements and featuring world-class live entertainment, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

With the release of the World Curling Federation’s official curling tournament draw, avid curling fans will be able to see when their favourite teams will be in action, and purchase their tickets accordingly. The Competition Schedule has also been updated to reflect the recently released curling information — Team Canada will appear in 18 of 24 scheduled preliminary curling sessions.

Although Olympic and Paralympic ticket sales will not be open after July 31, customers with an existing account at www.vancouver2010.com will still be able to view their information and summary of ticket purchases. To date, Phase 2 Olympic ticket sales have been highly successful, with more than 155,000 sold since the start of sales on June 6.

A third and final phase of Olympic ticket sales will be available to the public this fall to sell any remaining inventory. Paralympic tickets will also go back on sale near this time. A VANOC ticket re-sale site to facilitate the sale and purchase of legitimate tickets will be launched shortly after Phase 3 of Olympic ticket sales.

With fewer than 200 days until the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games start, the demand for Olympic tickets remains high. Canadians are reminded that the only official sources to purchase tickets to the Games are www.vancouver2010.com (in partnership with VANOC’s official ticketing services supplier tickets.com) and official 2010 Winter Games hospitality partners Jet Set Sports and CoSport. VANOC cannot ensure customers that tickets purchased through any other source are legitimate or will be accepted for entry at Games venues.

City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver join VANOC 2010 Community Contributor Program

Jul 28, 2009

Vancouver, BC — In support of the 2010 Winter Games, two North Shore municipalities are offering parking lots and marshalling areas for Games-time staff and volunteers — cementing their role as the crucial linchpin connecting the mountain venues in Whistler and West Vancouver to venues in downtown Vancouver and Richmond.

Announced today, the partnerships with the District of North Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver fall under the Community Contributor Program created by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). The program is designed to engage communities in the Games and invite their active participation in welcoming the world in 2010. To date, three municipalities (including the two announced today) and seven educational institutions have joined. A full list is included below.

“The City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver are important members of our community contributor team and we’re delighted to have them on board,” said Taleeb Noormohamed, VANOC director, corporate strategy and partner relations. “Given their strategic location at the juncture of bridges, roads and water routes linking the Lower Mainland with our mountain venues, their support is crucial, especially for our Games-time transportation system, and we look forward to working closely with them.”

The City of North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale area will be a convenient and attractive location point between Vancouver, Cypress Mountain and Whistler. In Central Lonsdale, a parking lot near the Centennial Theatre will host motorcoaches used to transport ticketed spectators from departure hubs to the mountain venues. Four community spaces, including the heritage PGE Station, will also be used by the Organizing Committee to host training seminars, or marshal volunteers and staff during the Games. Meanwhile, the facilities will remain open for business to residents and the general public.

“The City of North Vancouver is proud to partner with the 2010 Winter Games and play a key role in helping stage one of the world’s premier sporting events,” said City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto. “As we welcome the world to our vibrant city, we will work to ensure that the athletes, spectators and volunteers have a memorable visit as well as a scenic and smooth journey across the North Shore.”

The District of North Vancouver will provide VANOC with a parking area at Inter-River Park, located at Lillooet Road and Premier Street, host a dinner for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and loan staff to the Organizing Committee during the Games period.

“We’re very pleased to partner with the 2010 Winter Games to help welcome the world to British Columbia and North Vancouver District in 2010,” said District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard Walton. “Our communities have much to offer visitors and we especially look forward to sharing an evening with international environmental experts at the upcoming United Nations’ dinner.”

Jointly, the city and district will also provide VANOC with the use of Centennial Theatre for up to four Games-related events, and provide round-the-clock snow and ice removal if needed on key Games-time transportation routes, parking lots and pedestrian walkways.

In exchange for their support, community contributors receive a wide range of domestic rights and benefits that create a close association with the Games, including various advertising, promotional and workforce opportunities.

More information on the 2010 Winter Games integrated transportation plan outlined by the Olympic and Paralympic Transportation Team, including maps and a fact sheet, is available at www.vancouver2010.com. Detailed transportation information will be made widely available this fall as residents and visitors to the Games Host Region begin to determine their more detailed travel plans.

Other members of the Community Contributor Program include: the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Capilano University, Douglas College, Educacentre College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Simon Fraser University, and the City of Port Moody.

About the District of North Vancouver
North Vancouver District is located on the north shore of Burrard Inlet, minutes from downtown Vancouver. Officially incorporated in 1891, the district has grown and changed since its early days into the dynamic community that it is today. North Vancouver District’s unique characteristics provide residents, business owners and visitors alike the benefits of a dynamic metropolitan region as well as the appealing attributes of a smaller community. With its naturally beautiful surroundings, high quality of life, amenities and services, the district is one of the most desirable places in the Lower Mainland to live, work and play.

About the City of North Vancouver
The City of North Vancouver is the urban core of the beautiful North Shore with convenient access to major regional and global centres. An award-wining sustainable municipality, its proximity to the stunning North Shore Mountains offers countless recreational opportunities. An efficient, accessible transportation system connects people within the city and beyond. The bustling waterfront with its historic pier offers spectacular scenic views, a unique tourism experience, economic potential, and access to some of the most attractive and livable neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver.

Create your own 30-second digital vision of Canada with Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad Best of Canada CODE Remixes to be shown to the world on public screens at Games time

Jul 23, 2009

Vancouver, BC – The photographs of children playing in prairie grass are from a Saskatchewan woman, the words, superimposed on the sweeping blue sky, were written by a Quebec City teen and the music connecting them has an East Coast lilt.

Combine them and you have something wholly new, yet instantly familiar: a 30-second digital collage spliced together by Canadians like you through a brand new remix application making its debut today as part of Canada CODE at www.vancouver2010.com/code. Canada CODE is part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, presented by Bell.

“Canada CODE has broken new ground in the digital realm by giving Canadians an opportunity to creatively share with each other and the world,” explained Burke Taylor, vice-president, culture and celebrations, for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).”Our new remix application takes that potential to a whole new interactive level that’s designed to be as simple and inclusive as possible.”

“Canada CODE has also had the benefit of great support from our signature sponsor Bell and the National Film Board of Canada as we look to find new ways to involve Canadians,” he continued.

These Remixes are the next step in an invitation issued to Canadians earlier this spring by CODE, the Cultural Olympiad’s digital edition, to create an online portrait of the country. Since then, contributors from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador have uploaded photos and text to the website while thousands have viewed the content. By doing so, they have become a part of Canadian and Games history — the ambitious digital project is a first for the Games.

With the launch of the remix application, contributors can now create stories with each other’s content. A collection of these digital collages will be displayed on screens at Celebration Sites and venues during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

With the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) as a major collaborator, award-winning filmmakers Denys Arcand and Mina Shum, and legendary storyteller Roch Carrier are among those who share inspirational and practical tips to feed the creative spirit of Canada CODE contributors. To add to the mix, composer Dennis Burke used material from the NFB sound library to create over 30 musical soundscapes for contributors to use as audio tracks. The NFB tips can be viewed at www.vancouver2010.com/code.

“With Canada CODE, Canadians can come out and show the world what we’re made of — beyond those well-known images of imposing moose and snow-capped mountains,” said Rae Hull, director of CODE and originator of Canada CODE. “The remix application reflects a particular Canadian trait: getting together to make things happen. Through Canada CODE online and the Remixes on the big screens, we can show a little of that collective spirit to the world.”

How to use Canada CODE’s remix application

1.) After clicking through to Canada CODE from www.vancouver2010.com/code, launch the Explore button and you'll find the Remix tab at the top. Use the cursor to select and drag a 30-second soundscape from the audio library into the mix zone.

2.) Select content, either your own or favourites from among the Canada CODE submissions, and drag them into the mix zone. The duration that you want content to appear on screen can be adjusted by pulling at the edges of each individual item.

3.) Text can stand on its own or be superimposed over a photo, Effects can be dragged in to alter the transitions between content and there are other available features to increase the creative possibilities.

4.) Submit your remix — it’s that easy and your digital creation could help welcome the world’s visitors to the Games in 2010. Submissions are welcome through to Games time.

About the Cultural Olympiad
The Cultural Olympiad, presented by Bell, is a series of multidisciplinary festivals and digital programs showcasing the best in Canadian and international arts and popular culture. Launched in 2008, the program culminates in the 60-day Cultural Olympiad 2010 (January 22 to March 21, 2010), which begins before and continues throughout the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. CODE is the Cultural Olympiad’s digital edition, a series of programs developed to creatively engage national and global audiences through the use of digital technology.

Partnerships

Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs, including Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell TV direct-to-home satellite television, Bell Home phone local and long distance, and IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner and the exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For information on Bell's products and services, please visit www.bell.ca. For corporate information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.

Government
The Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad is grateful for the support of the Government of Canada and the governments of all of Canada’s provinces and territories and their respective cultural agencies: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon. In addition to the Cultural Olympiad’s government and corporate partners, CODE is proudly supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the National Film Board of Canada. New Media BC and Wavefront Innovation Society are also both active participants in the project. The National Presentation and Touring Program is generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.

National Film Board of Canada
The world changes, our stories live on—that’s the National Film Board of Canada’s pledge to Canadians as it marks its 70th anniversary in 2009 with a new national online Screening Room and a slate of bold, innovative productions. Canada’s public film producer and distributor, the NFB produces and distributes social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, alternative drama and digital content that provide the world with a unique Canadian perspective. In collaboration with its international partners and co-producers, the NFB is expanding the vocabulary of 21st century cinema and breaking new ground in form and content, through community filmmaking projects, cross-platform media, interactive cinema, stereoscopic animation—and more. Since the NFB's founding in 1939, it has created over 13,000 productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. To watch over 1,000 productions online or for more information, visit www.nfb.ca.

Do you live in a neighbourhood that is home to a 2010 Winter Games venue? Public information meetings starting this month best way to get latest details on what to expect during the Games

Jul 17, 2009

Vancouver, BC– A series of free public information sessions will be held over the next few weeks geared towards people who live, work or play in neighbourhoods where 2010 Winter Games venues are located.

The Game Plan 2009 information sessions will be held throughout the Games region to provide important information to the public in order to help residents and businesses owners plan how to make the most of their Games-time experience and to learn what to expect leading up to, during and after the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in February and March 2010.

Building on similar public information sessions held in 2008, the Game Plan 2009 meetings will offer attendees a snapshot of daily life at and around the venues and provide an opportunity to ask questions.

While targeted to neighbourhoods near Games venues, Game Plan 2009 meeting are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the operations of the 2010 Winter Games. Although Games-time operational plans continue to be developed and many operational plans are still being finalized, these sessions will provide up-to-date and detailed information on transportation, public safety, security, and municipal operations, as well as what legacies will be left behind after the Games.

“Providing the public with this information now is an important part in ensuring the Games are a success,” said Terry Wright, executive vice president of services and Games operations for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “We want the public to ask us questions and use this information to help with their daily planning and to ensure they make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime Games experience in their own neighbourhoods.”

The public meetings are being held by VANOC together with local municipal governments and transportation and security partners at locations near Games venues. Meetings were held at the Richmond Olympic Oval on July 15 and in the Pacific Coliseum neighbourhood on July 16.

Remaining Game Plan 2009 meetings in Vancouver and the Sea to Sky region are set for:

	Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre neighbourhood: July 27 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Riley Park Community Centre
	Squamish: July 28 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre
	Whistler: July 29 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Westin Whistler Hotel
	Pemberton: July 30 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the new Pemberton Community Centre
	Britannia Community Centre neighbourhood: August 26 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Britannia Community Centre

VANOC and its partners are planning additional Game Plan 2009 information sessions for the fall, including downtown Vancouver and the University of British Columbia. For more information, visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC board of directors’ meeting highlights major milestones in challenging economy

Jul 15, 2009

VANOC board of directors’ meeting highlights major milestones in challenging economy

- Funding approval for venue finishing touches; venue program now complete

- Domestic sponsorship revenue target fully met

- Significant progress on major operational contracts

- Continued efforts required to deliver Games with a balanced budget

Vancouver, BC – With a growing number of milestones reached or within sight, and the continuing ramping up of Games-time readiness planning in an extremely challenging economy, the board of directors for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) met today in Vancouver for its fourth meeting of 2009.

The meeting included a management update and look ahead to the coming months from Chief Executive Officer John Furlong, as well as updates and discussions on standing agenda items such as ongoing financial management, Games-time planning and venue construction.

VANOC board chairman Jack Poole, who is recovering from recent surgery, participated in the meeting via Bell teleconferencing while Rusty Goepel was acting chairman.

“The continuing economic challenges call for innovative and creative solutions to maintain a balanced budget as we continue to navigate through the toughest stage yet in Games preparations.” said Goepel. “While the signing of a new domestic sponsor today means that our domestic sponsorship targets are fully met and our venues are complete, challenges still remain and we recognize that tough responsible decisions are still required on an ongoing basis. Following a lengthy discussion on the Games budget, the project’s complexity and the turbulent economy, we’ve directed management to continue to apply the same relentless efforts that yielded these successes to the significant revenue and expenditure programs that remain.”

“As we continue to work our way through a very difficult economic climate, we’ll need to find new and additional resources and solutions to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. We will continue to look for efficiencies and remain fully committed to achieving a balanced budget,” said Furlong. “We’re now in the most exciting and demanding chapter yet with our final planning coming to a close this summer and the inspiration of the Olympic Flame arriving in Victoria, BC, just three and a half months away. Our board continues to provide the valuable oversight and guidance that helps us navigate this phase.”

As VANOC enters the final stages of fine-tuning the world-class competition and non-competition venues in Vancouver and Whistler, the board of directors today approved a venue central contingency draw of $1.02 million. The venue contingency now stands at $310,000. The funds will cover a variety of completion work at the venues, including ongoing methane gas mitigation work at the Whistler Athlete Centre related to the site’s previous use as a landfill, additional snow-making enhancements and ski run-out grading at Cypress Mountain and homologation work at Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre. The venue construction program has been delivered on time and within its $580-million budget.

“With the completion of these final construction details, the venues will soon be handed over to our operations teams to complete a critical component of our preparation,” said Dan Doyle, VANOC’s executive vice-president of construction.

The next stage in preparing the venues for the Games is the complex task of making them Olympic competition-ready by installing such temporary items as additional seating, lighting, banners, cables, timing and scoring equipment, signage and scaffolding for camera positions. Athlete access to training during this phase will be accommodated whenever possible.

The Organizing Committee also reported it is finalizing numerous procurement and service contracts for accommodation in the Sea to Sky region, almost 100 kilometres of fencing for use in the Games region, snow management and food services. Information will be posted at www.vancouver2010.com once contracts are finalized.

The board also received the following updates:

Venue Construction: The City of Vancouver provided an update to the Finance Committee on the positive progress being made on construction of the Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver. Both athlete villages, located in Vancouver and Whistler, are on schedule to be handed over to VANOC this fall. Townhomes are near completion in the Olympic and Paralympic Village Whistler.

The Trout Lake and Killarney training venues are complete and have received building occupancy permits. The rink boards at both arenas have been set up for international-sized ice and test sheets have been successfully installed. Additionally, the mechanical systems and ice plants have been tested and are fully fuctional.

Contributing Province/Territory Program: Nunavut joined the program in July. VANOC is continuing negotiations and discussions with the remaining provinces and expects to make announcements in the near future.

Ticketing: The second phase of Olympic ticket sales started on June 6 and more than 150,000 tickets have since sold in this phase. There is a limited inventory of preliminary ice hockey and curling tickets still available for sale. The next phase of ticket sales is slated for late fall.

Sponsorship: With a new sponsor joining today, VANOC has fully achieved its domestic sponsorship revenue target.

	Workforce:More than 26,000 potential Games-times volunteers have been interviewed and the process for offering Games-time roles will be completed by the end of August.
	Sport: The International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee have approved key creative elements for the Victory Ceremonies. The ice hockey department is also finalizing plans for the final sport event: Hockey Canada Cup – Women’s Hockey at Canada Hockey Place from August 31 to September 6. Tickets are on sale at www.hockeycanada.ca.

Official Languages: In June, the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie announced the observer or grand temoin of official languages at the 2010 Winter Games. Pascal Couchepin, a former president of Switzerland, will make his first visit to VANOC later this summer.

Transportation: The acquisition of buses for the Olympic period is complete and VANOC is now finalizing bus acquisitions for the Paralympic period.

The next VANOC board meeting will be held on September 15, 2009.

VANOC Board of Directors Background
The VANOC board of directors is made up of 20 members nominated by: the Canadian Olympic Committee (seven); the Government of Canada (three); the Province of British Columbia (three); the City of Vancouver (two); the Resort Municipality of Whistler (two); the Canadian Paralympic Committee (one); a joint appointment by the Band Councils of the Lil'wat and Squamish Nations (one); and one member nominated by the other 19 members.

The board is scheduled to meet six times per year, and more often at the call of the chair as required. The meetings are generally held at the VANOC offices in Vancouver, although they are occasionally hosted by our Games partners in other locations. The board’s responsibility is to oversee the conduct of the business of VANOC as it works toward achieving its Mission: to touch the soul of the nation and inspire the world by creating and delivering an extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic experience with lasting legacies.

As part of its commitment to public transparency and accountability, the VANOC board of directors has made today’s agenda, discussion topics and decisions available to the public on www.vancouver2010.com, subject to conditions of confidentiality related to personal information and/or competitively sensitive or privileged information. VANOC is also committed to hosting media briefings following each board meeting with the board chairman, the CEO and other director(s) or members of the VANOC senior management team to elaborate further on matters.

Nunavut joins Vancouver 2010 Team as a contributing Territory

Jul 8, 2009

Iqaluit, Nunavut (July 8, 2009) – With only seven months to go until the start of the 2010 Winter Games, Nunavut has joined in the excitement. The territory’s unique culture will be showcased to a global audience during the Games as part of a partnership agreement signed with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) while also contributing directly to the success of the Canadian Olympic Team.

The spirit of the 2010 Winter Games was alive today as Premier Eva Aariak and Economic Development & Transportation Minister Peter Taptuna joined Taleeb Noormohamed, Director Corporate Strategy and Partner Relations of VANOC to announce that Nunavut has joined VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP).

“I’m pleased that Nunavut will be a contributing partner at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said Premier Eva Aariak. “Our contribution will ensure we will be able to showcase our arts and culture during the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Nunavummiut will support the staging of the Games and will be especially proud when the Olympic torch comes through our territory on November 5, 2009.”

“We are proud that Nunavut will be a participant in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and its historic torch relay,” added Minister Peter Taptuna. “The Olympic Torch will travel 6,630 kilometres by land and water in our territory, involve 90 torchbearers and visit three communities, including Iqaluit, Resolute and my hometown of Kugluktuk. The torch will also be in Canadian Forces Station Alert, the most northern permanent settlement in the world.”

“We want to thank Nunavut for contributing to the success of our Canadian athletes and for showing a commitment to the 2010 Winter Games,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer VANOC. “The territory has a rich geography and unique traditions fostered in local arts and culture - we look forward to using this spectacular celebration to showcase Nunavut to the world.”

Of the $166,667 thousand dollar investment from Nunavut, $83,333 will go toward the Own the Podium 2010 program, which supports Canadian athletes in their preparation for the games, and $83,333 will be dedicated to ensuring the territory takes full advantage of a wide range of benefits associated with the VANOC partnership. A comprehensive background document on the CPTP follows.

Background: Contributing Province/Territory Program

VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory enables Nunavut to participate in the following:

Organize a Nunavut Day at the 2010 Winter Games to promote the territory;

	Participate in the Cultural Olympiad, which will include opportunities for Nunavut’s artists;
	Encourage Aboriginal participation in the Games and preceding events;
	Access VANOC promotional materials;
	Use the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Own the Podium 2010 logos;
	Promote educational and volunteer opportunities relating to sport and culture, and encourage healthy lifestyles; and
	Participate in the historic torch relay for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program offers a structured avenue for all provinces and territories to participate in the 2010 Winter Games. Under the CPTP, signatory provinces and territories receive a package of benefits that create a close association with the games, similar to those of corporate sponsors. In return, participating provinces and territories make a financial contribution towards the success of Canadian athletes in 2010 through the Own the Podium 2010 program; culture and arts, through the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad; and directly, to staging successful Games in 2010. VANOC developed this new program in response to interest demonstrated by Canada’s provinces and territories outside of British Columbia to allow for greater involvement in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

VANOC
VANOC’s government partners provide funding, infrastructure, essential service support and management services to the 2010 Winter Games, which will contribute to the lasting economic, sport, cultural and social legacies for citizens and communities throughout Canada. VANOC’s government partners include the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Nunavut today joins VANOC’s existing Contributing Province/Territory Program partners, including Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, NWT, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island. VANOC’s Venue Cities are Richmond, Surrey and West Vancouver. VANOC has also signed an MOU with each Canadian province and territory.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Nunavut
Nunavut is Canada’s largest territory or province. One of the three territories, it was formed in 1999 when it separated from the Northwest Territories. Nunavut is one-fifth of Canada’s land mass. It is in the northeastern part of the country. It has a southern border with Manitoba. Its western border is with the Norwest Territories. The territory has just over 31,000 inhabitants; the least of any Canadian province or territory.

A majority of Nunavummiut are involved in creating the unique type of art that has come to signify the territory. Inuit carvings, wall hangings, jewelry and prints have become famous around the world. The territory has just announced a brand that will identify Nunavut art from imitations.

The territory is known for its breathtaking scenery. It attracts tourists who want to get off the beaten path. Nunavut has four national parks, eight territorial parks, outfitters, museums, art galleries, regular festivals and events.

The territory is also home to many untapped resources such as gold, diamonds, natural gas, oil, copper, lead, zinc and precious stones. A new gold mine is scheduled to open early next year.

Nunavut is a great place to live, visit, work and play.

Canadian athletes join Vancouver 2010 in unveiling official posters of the Games, featuring a stylized maple leaf

Jun 29, 2009

Ottawa, ON — In a nod to Canada’s most widely recognized symbol and in the build up to Canada Day 2009 celebrations across the country, the maple leaf has pride of place on the Official Posters of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, unveiled today in the nation’s capital by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and Canadian athletes.

“One of Canada’s most cherished symbols is the maple leaf. We put it on our flag, our uniforms and even our backpacks when we travel around the world. It sums up who we are — our shared history, values and goals as a country,” said Nathalie Lambert, Canada’s chef de mission for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. “That’s why it’s fitting to have the maple leaf on the official posters of Canada’s Games. With this modern, youthful and spirited take on our national symbol, we will welcome the world as hosts of the 2010 Winter Games in just 228 days time!”

Lambert, a three-time Olympic medallist in short track speed skating, unveiled the posters with Jean Labonté, a 2006 Paralympic gold medallist in ice sledge hockey; and John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer.

One of the most coveted collectors’ keepsakes of the Games, the official posters of the Games — the 21st produced for an Olympic Winter Games — will have a place in history alongside past Games posters, and are sure to grace bedroom walls, boardrooms and sports facilities around the world. The posters go on sale today at www.vancouver2010.com/store and at The Olympic Stores located at Vancouver International Airport and in Whistler, BC, starting at $15 CAD.

The complementary posters, which reflect the signature look of the 2010 Winter Games, have a bold, contemporary design and feature a cropped maple leaf composed of a vibrant palette of blues and greens found in the natural landscape of Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor, the Games Host Region. When the Olympic and Paralympic posters are displayed together, the two halves of the maple leaf join to create a whole, a concept that is a first for an organizing committee. The Official Emblems of the Games, and the Games motto With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits, are also on the posters. All poster elements are artfully displayed on a white wood grain textured background.

“As one of the most visible and collectible items of the Games, we’re proud to offer Canadians and supporters around the world official posters that truly illustrate the spirit of Canada’s Games,” said Furlong. “The poster features the traditional maple leaf rendered in a new way that is symbolic of a country that is young at heart, diverse, dynamic and fun. The unique pairing of these posters reflect our integrated approach to celebrating the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as one event for Canada.” The posters were designed in-house by a member of the same design team that developed the Games’ graphic identity in 2007.

This same signature “look” will also be found at Games time in 2010 — on tickets, banners, venue signage and buildings — giving the entire Host Region a seamless, festive atmosphere as it welcomes the world.

The posters, produced by VANOC licensee Canadian Art Prints of Richmond, BC, start at $15 for an 18 x 27-inch offset lithography print (available today) to a limited edition 20 x 28-inch Giclee print for $150 (pre-orders start today). Limited-edition versions of the posters will also be sold together; these include embossing, a story on how the posters were designed and a certificate of authenticity signed by VANOC CEO John Furlong and designer Ben Hulse.

In the coming months, the official posters and other Vancouver 2010 posters will be available for sale, including the sport illustrations featured on highly sought Games tickets, including ice hockey, figure skating and alpine skiing. All 2010 Winter Games posters will be available for purchase at www.vancouver2010.com/store; The Olympic Stores in Whistler, Vancouver and at the Vancouver International Airport; select Zellers and The Bay stores; and select retailers across Canada and internationally.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay: a 10-day celebration of extraordinary achievements Starting point, steel blue torch design, official uniform, and relay’s emblem unveiled

Jun 25, 2009

Vancouver, BC — Three days after the Olympic Flame is extinguished on the West Coast, a new flame will light in Ottawa — in the heart of Canada’s national capital — sparking the official start of the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay on March 3, 2010. The 10-day inspirational journey will illuminate the extraordinary achievements of Paralympians and celebrate the endless possibilities of the human spirit through sharing the message of courage and determination embodied by the flame.

The relay, supported by the Government of Canada, will involve an estimated 600 torchbearers and visit several celebration sites, which the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is actively working on and will announce at a later date. The Paralympic Flame will travel to BC Place in downtown Vancouver for the opening of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games on March 12, marking the first time Canada has hosted a Paralympic Winter Games. Tickets for all Paralympic events are on sale now at www.vancouver2010.com.

“The Paralympic Games are about celebrating unbelievable athletic performances and triumphing repeatedly over adversity. The flame — and the Paralympic Torch Relay — is a powerful physical reminder of this, of how a dream can spark a personal and emotional transformation in the pursuit of excellence,” said Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), who participated in today’s announcement with a host of dignitaries. “I know in 2010, Canadians will give a warm welcome to the flame wherever it visits, and be great hosts to the world’s finest Paralympians.”

As well, for the first time the Paralympic Torch Relay will have its own unique emblem. The 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay emblem — “Spark Becomes Flame” — shows a human figure with its arms raised and joined, much like a candle’s flame. Contained within the arms is the glow of the fire within everyone, symbolizing the moment when imaginations are ignited and dreams are born. The design was created by Vancouver 2010’s in-house design team.

“We felt it was important for the Paralympic Torch Relay to have its own emblem because of its special ability to shine its own light and reveal amazing stories of courage and perseverance in our communities and at the Games,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer. “To honour the remarkable achievements of Paralympic athletes, we are planning extraordinary relay events that will inspire and garner attention for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Movement.”

The March 3 lighting ceremony in Ottawa will have a uniquely Canadian flair; the Paralympic Flame has no ancestral home, hence each Organizing Committee has the freedom to choose a lighting method and celebration significant to the Host Country. The details of the ceremony will be revealed this fall by VANOC, along with the torchbearer selection process and the relay celebration stops en route from Ottawa to Vancouver.

“The Government of Canada is proud to present the Paralympic Torch Relay, and we encourage all Canadians to follow the flame from the relay’s start in Ottawa to its exciting homecoming in Vancouver,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). “The Paralympic Torch Relay will spread the Paralympic spirit from coast to coast to coast and celebrate the talents and achievements of our great Paralympic athletes, who are an inspiration to us all.”

Over 1,300 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries will take part in five sports (alpine and cross-country skiing, ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling and biathlon) during the 10-day 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler next March. The big international sporting event comes just 12 days after the region hosts the Olympic Winter Games.

“The Paralympic Torch Relay will bring the spirit of competition and triumph that our Paralympic athletes personify to communities across British Columbia and Canada,” said the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of BC. “We’ve already witnessed how truly incredible these athletes are and how fierce the competition is when we hosted several Paralympic sport events at the 2010 venues earlier this year. British Columbians are excited to host Canada’s first-ever Paralympic Winter Games and to share in seeing the dreams of our athletes come true right here in their home.”

At the news conference today with Sir Philip, VANOC also unveiled the torch and uniform design for the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay. Brad Lennea of Whistler, BC, a retired member of Canada’sPara-Alpine Ski Team and a Paralympic Torchbearer in Beijing, and fellow skier Karolina Wisniewska of Vancouver, BC, carried the distinctive steel blue torch, inspired by the Canadian winter landscape and the lines etched on ice by winter sports.

The one-metre-long torch, designed by Bombardier, has an ergonomic, curved and modern design and features the emblem of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, a red maple leaf air intake cut-out and an engraving of the Games motto With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits. It also has robust technology created by Bombardier’s aerospace and transportation design teams to weather the extremes of the Canadian winter. The torch can be operated in temperatures ranging from -50 C to over 40 C, through rain, sleet, snow and wind.

The Paralympic Torchbearer uniform, which seamlessly blends in with the torch design, is steel blue in colour and accented with bright bursts of blue and green on the jacket’s left arm. The uniform, designed and produced by the Hudson’s Bay Company, consists of a jacket, pullover pants, toque and knitted red mittens. The uniform is a commemorative keepsake for torchbearers.

The uniform also features the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay emblem on the chest and the IPC symbol, known as agitos, on the back. Silver reflective elements, including “Vancouver 2010” on the right jacket sleeve and right back pant leg, have been added for prominence and visibility.

Further information on the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay, including photos of the torch and torchbearer uniforms, is available online at www.vancouver2010.com/torchrelay.

About IPC
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and coordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for persons with a disability, from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

About the Government of Canada
The Government of Canada is proud to make 2010 a celebration for all Canadians. Through strategic investments in programming and funding, the spirit and excitement will be felt far and wide and leave lasting legacies for future generations. Through the Olympic Torch Relay and Paralympic Torch Relay, the Government of Canada is supporting citizen and community participation, as well as the inclusion of Aboriginal, ethnocultural and official language communities. For more information on the Government of Canada’s contribution to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.

About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

About the Hudson’s Bay Company
The Hudson’s Bay Company is a Premier National Partner and the General Retail Merchant of the 2010 Winter Games. In partnership with VANOC, the company is designing and manufacturing the official uniforms for the 30,000-person Games-time workforce; it will also be outfitting the athletes' Villages, in both Vancouver and Whistler, with quality products to make the athletes comfortable in 2010. The Hudson’s Bay Company 500-store network currently sells the largest assortment of authentic Vancouver 2010 licensed merchandise.

Background
The torch’s large size (over 94 centimetres long) represents the vastness of the second largest country in the world and the limitless potential of its land and people. When lit, the brilliant orange glow of the Paralympic Flame will unfurl like a flag fluttering in the wind from the torch’s unique 30-centimetre-long vertical flame outlet. The flame will burn for at least 12 minutes. A red maple leaf air intake cut-out will feed the flame with enough oxygen to ensure it burns brightly for all to see, and a dual burner system will ensure it never falters.

The torch (with fuel) weighs about 1.6 kilograms and contains stainless steel, aluminum and a sheet-moulding compound. Ninety-five per cent of the Paralympic Torch is composed of materials and technology made or designed in Canada. Approximately 600 torches will be manufactured — one for every torchbearer taking part in the Paralympic Torch Relay.

Canada’s top ballet companies, international cutting-edge theatre troupes, jazz acts and contemporary artists among 35 new projects joining Cultural Olympiad 2010

Jun 22, 2009

Vancouver, BC – The inspiring story of Rick Hansen, whose Man In Motion World Tour is legendary, will take audiences back to the beginning of this remarkable man’s story and make its world premiere as a multi-media stage production — just one of 35 new projects announced today as part of Cultural Olympiad 2010, presented by Bell.

Hailing from Canada and around the world, the new projects, from cutting-edge contemporary works to ancient traditions with a bold new twist, are part of the third and final edition of the Cultural Olympiad festivals. The first 20 projects were announced earlier this spring and many shows have tickets on sale now at www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad.

The extensive program, which starts on January 22, 2010 and runs throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to March 21, 2010 will include more than 600 ticketed and free performances and exhibitions in 50 venues in Metro Vancouver and British Columbia’s Sea to Sky corridor.

Audiences are in for a treat. The works run the gamut from Canadian greats, such as The National Ballet of Canada and Royal Winnipeg Ballet performing on the same stage for the first time in two decades in a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime Olympic gala, to Ahke Theatre, the darlings of the Russian avant-garde arts scene who will bring their darkly comic White Cabin to Canada for the first time.

“These latest projects demonstrate the full range of what the Cultural Olympiad has to offer,” said David Guscott, executive vice president, celebrations and partnerships for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “This fall, we’ll announce the remainder of the program, which is presented with the support of the Government of Canada, the home provinces and territories of the performers, as well as arts organizations and festivals large and small.”

Other highlights include a new stage production called Spine from British Columbia’s Realwheels, the deliciously cheesy trio The Lost Fingers from Quebec and a theatrical picture story pitting a modern-day Métis journalist against a famed photographer of Aboriginal peoples in The Edward Curtis Project. The program also includes an exhibit of 12 Canadian and international artists exploring new ways of understanding culture in the 21st century as part of the grand reopening of the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology.

“For the last three years, our team has scoured stages, concert halls and galleries here at home and internationally for the most exciting established and emerging artists to showcase here in 2010,” explained Burke Taylor, VANOC’s vice-president, culture and celebrations. “The theatre troupes, dance companies, artists and musicians we’re bringing here in seven months stand out because they offer something different, stretching beyond the traditions and boundaries of their discipline to create something entirely new.”

“These projects will inspire audiences and challenge their perceptions of what constitutes classical music, what age means, or even what love is, and we’re excited to share them with you,” he added.

The 35 projects, featuring dancers, musicians, playwrights, new media and visual artists are:

Rick: The Rick Hansen Story
The inspiring story of Rick Hansen, whose Man In Motion World Tour changed the lives of millions, makes its world premiere in a multimedia production from playwright Dennis Foon. Presented with Manitoba Theatre for Young People in partnership with Rotary Okanagan International Children’s Festival and the Rick Hansen Foundation. Commissioned by Arts Partners in Creative Development.

Dance Canada Dance
Take two of Canada’s finest ballet companies and create a once-in-a-lifetime Olympic gala. Presented with The National Ballet of Canada and Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

White Cabin
A surreal and darkly comic work from Russia’s Akhe Theatre, White Cabin is filled with absurd and often touching “events.” The result is a chaotic variety show of fantastic images. Presented with the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

Spine
While travelling the online universe, inhabiting various virtual realities and identities, a man discovers the intriguing possibility of reinventing his physical body through cutting-edge technologies and ethically questionable experiments. A Realwheels Society/University of Alberta co-production presented with Simon Fraser University. Co-commissioned by Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad.

The Lost Fingers
This acoustic trio from Quebec City plays the pop hits of the ’80s in a swinging gypsy jazz style inspired by their musical hero, legendary ‘30s guitarist Django Reinhardt. Presented with the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society and Winterruption on Granville Island.

The Edward Curtis Project
A theatrical picture story that creates an unlikely dialogue between a controversial photographer of Aboriginal peoples in North America and a modern-day Métis journalist. Presented with Presentation House Theatre and commissioned by Arts Partners in Creative Development.

Boundary and Translation: New Art Across Cultures
From video installations to traditional community-based art practices, this exhibition of international contemporary art explores new and unexpected ways of understanding culture and its translations in the 21st century. Presented with the UBC Museum of Anthropology.

Adrian Anantawan with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
At age 24, violinist Adrian Anantawan has become one of Canada’s most sought-after young violinists. His extraordinary musicianship has been rewarded with invitations to join the finest orchestras all over the world. Presented with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

An Invitation to an Infiltration
Reflecting on the nature of competitions, An Invitation to an Infiltration makes explicit the rivalry inherent to group exhibitions, showing how it can be a productive state of engagement. Presented with Vancouver’s Contemporary Art Gallery.

Anthony Braxton 12+1 Tet
With his extraordinary 12-piece ensemble, revolutionary American jazz composer Anthony Braxton moves freely between compositions and improvisations, solos and ensemble playing, weaving musical textures full of magic and passionate sparks. Presented with the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society.

Anthony Braxton’s Sonic Genome Project
An interactive spectacle by musical visionary Anthony Braxton featuring more than 60 instrumentalists, including international improvisers and local high school students, exploring the sonic universe over eight hours through ensembles that break apart and reform like human cells or societies. Presented with the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society.

At Nightfall
Auguste, a shoemaker, discovers a magical water forest in this visually breathtaking dance performance for families by Sursaut Dance Company/Sursaut compagnie de danse. Presented with Surrey Arts Centre and Centennial Theatre.

BASH’d – A Gay Rap Opera
Irreverent rapping troubadours Feminem and T-Bag tell the tale of star-crossed lovers Jack and Dillon in this “Romeo meets Romeo” tale of revenge gone wrong, by Edmonton-based playwrights and performers Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow. Presented with The Cultch.

Best Before
Using 200 wireless joysticks connected to one giant screen, the audience will create its own unique virtual city with Germany’s Rimini Protokoll. No two cities/performances will be alike. Presented with The Cultch and PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Commissioned by Arts Partners in Creative Development.

Body & Soul
Fourteen extraordinary women from all across Canada, who auditioned by writing a letter to their bodies, share stories about life after 45 in this thought-provoking play by award-winning Canadian playwright Judith Thompson.

China
Part social documentary, part personal observation, photographer-storyteller William Yang’s China is an unforgettable journey of reflection on the meaning of culture and belonging. Presented with the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and Theatre at UBC.

CrystalMagnets
Longtime friends and musical explorers Andy Milne (Canada) and Benoît Delbecq (France) reunite to perform Crystal Magnets, their sublime new jazz project for two acoustic pianos. Presented with the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society and Winterruption on Granville Island.

Dance Marathon
Amateurs, bring your dancing shoes and enter this endurance contest/staged performance event where you’ll go head-to-head with the dancing pros of bluemouth inc. and celebrities to see who can outwit, outlast and out-dance the competition. Presented with Boca del Lupo, a Harbourfront Centre commission.

DBR with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Reminiscent of Lenny Kravitz, Daniel Bernard Roumain, or DBR, does for amplified violin what Jimi Hendrix did for the electric guitar with his rock and hip hop arrangements of classical music. Presented with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

The Drowning Girls
Opening with a splash, three breathless brides emerge gasping from watery graves — their bathtubs — to relive the tale of serial Edwardian bigamist and murderer George Joseph Smith and how he literally “took their breath away.” Presented with Gateway Theatre/A Bent Out of Shape production.

The Erotic Anguish of Don Juan
The ghost of the infamous Spanish seducer Don Juan comes back from hell to harangue the audience in the name of cosmic love. Is he a sinner or a saint? With puppets! Presented with Alberta’s Old Trout Puppet Workshop and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

FlorenceK
Quebec-born jazz-pop chanteuse and pianist Florence K dazzles the audience with her vocal and songwriting abilities in many languages, including French, English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Presented with the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society and Winterruption on Granville Island.

High Performance: Evolution and Innovation in Canadian Design
Featuring the work of Canadian designers from across the country, this exhibition focuses on products for work and play inspired by our environment and lifestyle. Presented with Charles H. Scott Gallery.

KAMP
In KAMP, Dutch theatre company Hotel Modern blends theatre, puppetry and film in an attempt to imagine the unimaginable: the greatest mass murder in history, committed in the purpose-built camp of Auschwitz. Presented with PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

Monster
Nightmare landscapes on acrylic, child-like drawings of ghost figures and beautiful carvings of mythological spirits are part of Monster, an exhibition exploring monstrous sensibilities in contemporary culture. Be afraid. Presented with West Vancouver Museum.

The Passion of Joan of Arc
Vancouver’s innovative Eye of Newt Ensemble perform a newly commissioned score to accompany Carl Dreyer’s 1928 silent film masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc, France’s most famous martyr. Presented with PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

Poetics: a ballet brut
This is do-it-yourself theatre at its most mischievous by the Nature Theater of Oklahoma. Common gestures and movements are taken to hilarious new heights unhampered by the performers’ complete lack of formal dance training. Presented with PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

Quilt of Belonging
Appliquéd butterfly wings, beaded silk, African mud cloth and Salish weaving are a few of the materials and techniques used to make this 36-metre tapestry a masterpiece of textile artistry. Presented with Surrey Art Gallery.

Son of Chamber Symphony
One night, three intimate chamber symphonies, including Canadian and world premiere performances, played by Vancouver’s Turning Point Ensemble. The pieces include challenging harmonic works by composers Arnold Schoenberg of Austria, American John Adams and Vancouver-born John Oliver. Mr. Oliver’s composition commissioned by Arts Partners in Creative Development.

Sound of the Ocean
U Theatre, Taiwan’s Tao masters of martial arts and percussion, enchant audiences worldwide with a mesmerizing feast of music and movement that traces a drop of water on its journey from the sky to the vast ocean. Presented with the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association.

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
The rollicking enduring spirit of L’Acadie fused with the swampy southern heat of Louisiana fuel the sweet folk ballads and dancehall beats of nouveau Cajun musicians Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Presented with the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society and Winterruption on Granville Island.

TAO
TAO’s performance isn’t just another Japanese taiko show. It’s an explosive experience with overwhelming power that stimulates the senses through its pounding drum beats. It’s energetic, muscular, artistic, alluring and spectacular! Presented with Global Arts Concerts.

Tono
Thundering hooves and shamanic visions are conjured by dynamic percussion and the haunting lilt of the morin khuur as leaping dancers take centre stage in Tono. An original production by Red Sky Performance.

Underneath the Lintel
An uptight Dutch librarian takes off on a globe-trotting pursuit of the anonymous person who audaciously drops an overdue library book into his return slot — 113 years late! Presented with Chutzpah! The Lisa Nemetz International Showcase of Jewish Performing Arts and The Cultch.

La valse d’Angèle/Because She Hoped: French Canadian Folk Tales
Traditional French-Canadian folk songs, dancing and storytelling fondly revisited and magnificently transformed for the 21st century by a hand-picked ensemble of Canada’s leading creative musicians under the direction of François Houle. Presented with the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society and Winterruption on Granville Island.

The full slate of Cultural Olympiad 2010 events, along with ticket information, will be available online at www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad as soon as events are announced.

Background

About the Cultural Olympiad
The Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, presented by Bell, is a series of multidisciplinary festivals and digital programs showcasing the best in Canadian and international arts and popular culture. Launched in 2008, the program culminates in the 60-day Cultural Olympiad 2010 (January 22 to March 21, 2010), which begins before and continues throughout the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Partnerships

Bell
Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner and the exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the presenting sponsor for the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs, including Bell Home phone local and long distance services, Bell Mobility and Solo Mobile wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell TV direct-to-home satellite and VDSL television, IP-broadband services and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For information on Bell's products and services, please visit www.bell.ca. For corporate information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.

Arts Partners in Creative Development
Arts Partners in Creative Development (APCD) is a strategic investment partnership to assist BC arts and cultural organizations create and develop new works or further develop existing works, with the intent of producing, presenting or exhibiting them at the highest standard. Organizations can apply for funding to create, commission and develop original work in the performing, visual, media or literary arts. With an initial investment of $6.5 million over three years, APCD facilitates the creation and development of new work to showcase both locally and worldwide. APCD funding partners include VANOC, the Province of British Columbia, 2010 Legacies Now, the City of Vancouver, the Canada Council for the Arts and the Vancouver Foundation.

Over 150,000 tickets to Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games up for sale June 6 Canadians can still purchase tickets to all events, including gold medal ice hockey, curling and ceremonies

Works of art by more than 90 Aboriginal artists at 2010 Winter Games venues to inspire athletes and spectators, and celebrate Canada’s rich cultural diversity

Jun 18, 2009

Vancouver, BC– An airy stream of metal salmon shimmering overhead, five intricately carved spindle whorls inspired by curling rocks and three long-limbed wolves howling in unison on the Prairies are among the beautiful works of art by more than 90 Aboriginal artists that will grace the 2010 Winter Games venues as part of the Vancouver 2010 Venues’ Aboriginal Art Program.

The names of the respected and emerging Aboriginal artists taking part in the program were announced today by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) in partnership with the Four Host First Nations.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists participating in the program are from every province and territory in Canada and include Brendalynn Trennert of Hay River, NWT; Alan Syliboy of Millbrook, NS; Stephen Peltonen of Hearst, ON; Brent Sparrow and Kevin McKenzie of Vancouver, BC; and Jason Baerg of Toronto, ON. A complete list of participants is available at www.vancouver2010.com.

“These works of art by some of Canada’s most established and up-and-comingAboriginal artists will be front and centre in our 15 Olympic and Paralympic venues and will remain there as a permanent legacy of the Games beyond 2010,” said Dan Doyle, VANOC’s executive vice president responsible for Aboriginal participation. “In some cases, these beautiful artworks are seamlessly integrated into the structure of the venue itself.”

The variety of artwork is staggering. Textiles, copper, steel, concrete, yellow cedar, glass and caribou tufting are among the mediums used and the subject matter features Aboriginal symbols, such as the raven, bear, salmon, sun and canoe in traditional and contemporary styles.

In addition to leaving a physical legacy of artwork, the program is helping create an educational and cultural legacy by pairing established artists with several at-risk young people in urban and rural areas from across Canada to create three original sculptures for showcasing in 2010.

“Mentors, such as Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, are opening up a new world of opportunity for inner-city Aboriginal youth,” said Tewanee Joseph, chief executive officer of the Four Host First Nations. “This type of programming allows us to celebrate the strength and innovation of our youth.”

More than 140 individual pieces of original artwork will be produced as part of the more than $2-million Venues’ Aboriginal Art Program, with over 40 becoming part of the Games permanent legacy at the venues. Sixteen Four Host First Nations works will have pride of place in areas such as entrances and gateways at venues like Pacific Coliseum and the Olympic and Paralympic Villages in Whistler and Vancouver. This means the first thing visitors will see as they enter is a welcoming work by a hosting Aboriginal artist. This program is part of VANOC’s venue construction budget.

"This program offers an unprecedented opportunity to create a once-in-a-lifetime contemporary collection of art from First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples for all the world to marvel at and enjoy during Canada’s Games in 2010," said Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Through these more than 90 sculptors, tufters, weavers and painters, we’re celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our country and honouring Aboriginal peoples across Canada."

“Canada is experiencing a renaissance in Aboriginal art from First Nations, Inuit and Métis and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will showcase this incredible talent to the world,” said BC Premier Gordon Campbell. “Their works will inspire everyone — from the world’s best athletes to visitors alike — as they act as a permanent cultural and artistic legacy of the Games.”

The Aboriginal works of art displayed in the venues will also be featured in O Siyam:Celebrating Aboriginal Art through the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, published by John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd. The full-colour coffee-table book will be available in stores this fall.

For images of selected artworks from Aboriginal artists participating in the Vancouver 2010 Venues’ Aboriginal Art Program, visit www.vancouver2010.com.

About the Four Host First Nations Society
The Four Host First Nations Society is a not-for-profit organization that has been established to coordinate the participation in the 2010 Winter Games by the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. To learn more about the Four Host First Nations Society, visit www.fourhostfirstnations.com.

VANOC’s positive cash position in latest quarterly report tempered by tough economy and challenging market conditions

Jun 16, 2009

Vancouver, BC — The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today released its report for the third quarter of the fiscal year, which includes a positive cash position of $127 million, largely due to the timing of payments received and expenditures made while operating in the most challenging economic conditions in recent history. The report includes a management discussion and analysis, and interim financial statements for the period ending April 30, 2009. VANOC's quarterly report is available at www.vancouver2010.com.

“We are pleased with our positive cash position for the quarter, which is almost entirely due to the timing of payments from various partners and ticket sales revenue. However, as we’ve said before, we are not immune to the issues and challenges posed by the economic downturn so the final eight months will be very challenging with the biggest spending quarters ahead of us,” said Dave Cobb, executive vice president and deputy chief executive officer. “Like all companies, we continue to carefully review revenues and costs and apply rigorous scrutiny to every decision that has any kind of financial ramification.”

John McLaughlin, VANOC’s chief financial officer added, “We are actively in the market procuring a wide range of goods and services required for the Games. The busiest procurement period is ahead of us with 62 per cent of our overall spending to come. While many potential suppliers are cautious or simply unable to get involved with us due to the prevailing economic conditions, many companies see the compelling opportunity provided by the Games. We’re very pleased with the quality of suppliers and contractors who are engaging. We negotiate every contract carefully, balancing costs and service levels against our commitments to athletes, spectators and partners.”

The management discussion and analysis portion of this report includes a detailed discussion and analysis of financial results, venue development activities and financial position. In summary:

Deferred operating revenues exceeded deferred operating expenses by $128.9 million for the quarter, compared to $145.9 million in the previous quarter ending January 31, 2009. On a project-to-date basis, there is an excess of deferred operating revenues over deferred operating expenses of $182.3 million.

The Organizing Committee’s net deferred operating revenue for this quarter was $234.8 million and was comprised mainly of contributions from the IOC ($92.6 million), ticket sales ($52.9 million), international and domestic sponsorship ($36.3 million), Paralympic contributions ($24.7 million), licensing and merchandising ($2.2 million) and other revenue ($38.5 million).On a project-to-date basis, deferred operating revenues were $847.4 million.This represents approximately 48.3 per cent of budgeted operating revenues for the project.

VANOC’s net deferred operating expenses in the quarter were $105.8 million. Excluding the impact of the net foreign exchange gain, deferred operating expenses were $106.1 million. On a project-to-date basis, deferred operating expenditures totalled $665.1 million, or about 37.9 per cent of the project budget. In accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, all revenues and expenses are deferred prior to Games time.

VANOC’s total venue construction expenditures for the quarter were $10.6 million. Project-to-date venue construction expenditures now total $543.7 million, which represents 91.9 per cent of the venue construction budget. In addition, an $8.3-million central contingency draw for BC Place has been approved by the Organizing Committee’s board of directors, reducing the contingency balance from $9.6 million to $1.3 million.

The quarterly report contains the updated Games operating budget, approved by VANOC’s board of directors in January, as well as a summary of the Organizing Committee’s operating budget, current and project-to-date revenues and expenditures. VANOC continues to refine and update its forecast of the Games operating budget on an ongoing basis.

The next financial report will be released in October 2009 and will include the audited financial statements for the year ending July 31, 2009.

District of Squamish partners with VANOC to stage successful 2010 Games; sport legacy trust fund created to recognize community’s support, time and resources

Jun 14, 2009

Squamish, BC – The District of Squamish and the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) are partnering to ensure successful Winter Games in 2010 through cooperation and support on services and operational requirements for the Games. In recognition for the support and as an enduring legacy of the 2010 Winter Games, the District of Squamish and VANOC have created a $750,000 trust fund in support of community sport and recreation facilities in the district. Squamish mayor Greg Gardner and VANOC’s Dan Doyle, executive vice president of construction, made the announcement today at the Squamish Rocks 2010 community celebration at the Squamish Adventure Centre.

“We’re thrilled VANOC is recognizing the citizens of Squamish and the important role we’re committed to playing in the lead up to and during the 2010 Winter Games,” said Gardner. “The $750,000 Squamish sport legacy trust, which will be disbursed by the district, will be a great legacy of the Games—one that can be used to provide opportunities for youngsters and adults alike in our district to play together and lead active, healthy lives.”

Squamish is ideally located between Vancouver and Whistler to provide important services and to benefit from the 2010 Winter Games. The District of Squamish played a key role in the successful staging of numerous sport events at Games venues over the past winter season. Since January 2006, more than 80 businesses in Squamish have received contracts from VANOC totalling $15.6 million overall. These businesses include accommodation, construction, food and beverage, entertainment and service providers. Leading up to and during Games time, Squamish will continue to be a key accommodation hub for VANOC, its partners and service providers, including housing as many as 600 out-of-town Games-time volunteers in local homes through the Homestay Volunteer Program. The District is also working with VANOC to find areas suitable for parking space and support for shore operations should cruise ships be used for accommodation.

“Squamish is a critical community to the staging of the Games. This partnership solidifies our commitment to work closely with Squamish to ensure the Games are of benefit to the community and that residents and businesses can make a real contribution to the Games’ success,” said Dan Doyle. “The Squamish sport legacy trust recognizes the past, current and future support, time and resources that Squamish is providing to us in the Sea to Sky region. This year, hundreds of Squamish residents have volunteered their time in hosting international sport events at Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park and other venues, gaining crucial experience and knowledge that will make them extremely valuable members of our team when we host the Games in just eight months time. Also, dozens more residents are opening their homes to take in volunteers from across Canada and around the world so they can be close to the venues they’ll be working at in 2010.”

“The Sport Legacy Trust Fund is also an investment in the future health of this community and an opportunity to build on its growing reputation as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” he concluded.

About the District of Squamish

Squamish is a vibrant seaside community located in the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia, at the head of Howe Sound. Home to over 14,949 people, Squamish is a young town with 60 per cent of the population under the age of 40. Squamish offers a high-quality lifestyle, entrepreneurial opportunities, two universities and a community that prides itself as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.”

About VANOC

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Please visit www.vancouver2010.com for more information.

Demand strong in first day of Phase 2 of ticket sales for Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Jun 6, 2009

All gold-medal ice hockey inventory sold; ice hockey, curling and victory ceremonies still available

Vancouver, BC –It took mere minutes for Canadians dreaming of attending the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games to purchase the more than 1,000 tickets to the men’s gold-medal hockey game made available this morning, reported the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

Demand remained strong throughout the first part of the day, as Canadians submitted orders from every province and territory for their dream Olympic tickets in record numbers, with more than 22,000 orders for 130,000 tickets processed in the first four hours. Gold-medal hockey tickets to the men’s competition, along with Opening Ceremony tickets, speed skating and figure skating were among the first tickets to be purchased this morning. However great tickets to preliminary ice hockey, curling and victory ceremonies are still available along with limited inventory for other sports. Customers are also now able to gain immediate access to the purchasing site, as organizers were able to turn off the virtual waiting room by 12:30 today.

“We anticipated demand would be high for tickets, and the level of interest we saw today was very exciting and, once again, a testament to the pride and support Canadians continue to show in being part of Canada’s Games in 2010,” said Caley Denton, VANOC vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing. “Thanks to the incredible work by our partner tickets.com, our system performed as planned on the technical side. After 10 am today, our www.vancouver2010.com website experienced traffic of more than 1,300 hits per second and by noon had set a record for page views at more than 5 million.” Added Denton “The virtual waiting room system worked well and helped manage traffic demand on our site effectively while keeping the process fair for consumers.”

VANOC is also continuing to develop an authorized ticket resale program, for launch later this year, where ticket buyers will be able to offer their tickets for sale to other Games enthusiasts — who will be able to buy such tickets with confidence knowing they are legitimate.

VANOC will also launch a third, smaller phase of ticket sales this fall.

Ticket sales to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, temporarily unavailable for purchase during Phase 2 of Olympic ticket sales, will be reopened in the coming days to the Canadian public at www.vancouver2010.com.

Once again, the Organizing Committee is cautioning those who missed out on tickets in Phase 2 to be wary of tickets offered for sale through unofficial channels. The only official sources for Canadians to purchase tickets to the 2010 Winter Games are www.vancouver2010.com and official 2010 Winter Games hospitality partners Jet Set Sports and CoSport.

Background

Phase 1 of Olympic ticket sales took place in late 2008 when the Canadian public was invited to submit requests for tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Within a month, Canadian residents had submitted requests for more than $345 million in tickets. This overwhelming response was 4.5 times greater than the first phase of ticketing sales for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games ($75 million over nine weeks), the most recent Olympic Games held in North America. As a result, approximately 120 of 170 ticketed sessions for the 2010 Winter Games were allocated by lottery.

On December 12, 2008, remaining tickets from this first-phase allotment were re-released for sale exclusively to ticket buyers who had participated in the initial ticket-request period; the remaining inventory was sold that day. The VANOC business plan, update on January 30, 2009, projects revenues from all ticket sales to be $260 million.

On June 3, 2009, four of the first Olympic ticket designs were unveiled. An image of Steve Yzerman, Hockey Canada’s executive director for the Vancouver 2010 men’s ice hockey team, is available via Canada Newswire at www.newswire.ca.
Last month, VANOC opened the sale of tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Strong demand saw all available inventory of gold-medal ice sledge hockey game tickets sold on the first day.

Offsetters named Official Carbon Offsetter of the 2010 Winter Games

Jun 3, 2009

Vancouver, BC– To help deliver a carbon neutral Games, Vancouver 2010 is partnering with Offsetters, a leading BC-based carbon asset management company and supplier of high-quality carbon offsets. The announcement was made today during Canadian Environment Week 2009 and to coincide with the Organizing Committee’s participation in the 2009 Commuter Challenge.

Under the agreement, Offsetters will provide the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) with a portfolio of offset projects created through local expertise in new, clean energy technologies. The projects will reduce a minimum of 110,000 tonnes of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, thereby offsetting direct emissions from the Games by the same amount. VANOC and Offsetters will also work together with interested Games partners, sponsors and participants to offset an additional estimated 190,000 tonnes of indirect carbon emissions from the Games caused by activities such as air travel.

In turn, Offsetters will receive sponsorship rights in the carbon offsets Official Supplier category for the 2010 Winter Games and for the Canadian Olympic Team competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“We’re proud to partner with the 2010 Winter Games to establish a portfolio of carbon offset projects that will showcase the province’s leadership in the clean technology sector and will continue as a living environmental legacy of the Games long after the athletes and spectators have returned home,” explained Dr. James Tansey, president of Offsetters. “Working with leading BC Clean Technology companies — including Nexterra, Sempa Power, Lignol Innovations, Ballard Power and Powertech — we will create and verify a portfolio of clean technology offset projects that will neutralize direct emissions from the Games and contribute towards offsetting indirect emissions from air travel.”

This unique sponsorship makes the 2010 Winter Games the first in Games history to have an Official Supplier of Carbon Offsets and is “a crucial step forward to meeting our goal to make the 2010 Winter Games as environmentally responsible as possible,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer.

“In March, we announced to the world our target to neutralize up to 300,000 tonnes of CO₂ from the Games. Today, we’re delighted to say a British Columbian company with a growing national reputation as a leader in this field will be supporting our efforts to offset our carbon footprint from the Games through clean technology projects using BC know-how,” he added.

The 2010 carbon offset portfolio will invest in clean technology projects that improve energy efficiency or produce renewable energy. Some of the proposed offset projects include fuel cell technology in transit buses, energy efficiency systems, as well as biomass gasification and hydrogen fuelling stations to reduce industrial use of gasoline and electricity.

All projects in the 2010 portfolio will be high-quality offsets consistent with the standards applied by new BC provincial greenhouse gas regulations, and have been designed to meet or exceed the highest international standard for carbon accounting and offsetting.

“This unique sponsorship will allow the Games to obtain emission offsets while demonstrating innovation on climate solutions that generate jobs and other economic opportunities as a lasting legacy,” said BC Premier Gordon Campbell. “VANOC’s actions demonstrate what forward looking organizations can do to help reach B.C.’s target of a 33 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. I want to thank VANOC for their commitment to clean, green carbon neutral Games.”

In its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, VANOC and its partners have incorporated sustainability principles in their venue and operational plans since being awarded the Games in 2003, including: strategic venue site selection; innovative approaches to energy management; and an emphasis on travelling smart with expanded public transit during the Games to reduce fuel use and carbon emissions.

About Offsetters
Offsetters is Canada’s premier provider of high-quality carbon offsets and carbon asset management advice. Co-founded in 2005 by Dr. James Tansey (president of Offsetters and associate professor at the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia), Offsetters works with individuals, businesses and organizations to calculate, track, reduce, and finally offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Offsetters’ funds are invested in renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects that achieve tangible reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and that would not have taken place without its involvement.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, Bombardier Inc., the British Columbia Lottery Corp., Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Resources. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Acklands-Grainger, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canada Post, Canwest Publishing Inc., COLD-FX, Deloitte, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills, Hain Celestial Canada, Haworth Canada, Karl’s Global Events Inc., La Presse, Millennium Development Corp., Molson, Nortel, Offsetters, Port Metro Vancouver, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries, Workopolis, and Wrigley Canada.

May 29, 2009

Vancouver, BC ― Canadians hoping to land dream tickets to an Olympic ice hockey showdown or the emotional spectacle of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will have another opportunity to secure tickets starting at 10:00 am (Pacific Time) Saturday, June 6 when the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) releases more than 150,000 tickets for sale to the public at www.vancouver2010.com.

Tickets for every sporting event, as well as the Opening, Closing and nightly Victory Ceremonies at the 2010 Winter Games will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“This is a major release of tickets before the 2010 Winter Games, and is the best remaining opportunity for Canadian Olympic fans to get their hands on tickets,” said Caley Denton, vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing for VANOC. “We want to make sure everyone’s ready on Saturday morning, so take a minute to register a ticketing account if you don’t already have one and have a look at the schedules ahead of time. Whether you’re an ice hockey or a biathlon fan, or love the drama and colour of the ceremonies, tickets to every event will be available. We’ve worked hard to make as many tickets available as possible, and based on the enthusiasm shown by Canadians we anticipate demand will be high.”

In addition to the more than 150,000 competition and Opening and Closing Ceremonies tickets, this marks the first time thousands of Victory Ceremony tickets will be available as single tickets for $22. Previously they could only be purchased through the bundled Olympic Experience Packages available in the first round of sales. The nightly ceremonies at BC Place in downtown Vancouver will pay tribute to the medal-winning athletes as the International Olympic Committee recognizes the day’s accomplishments. Following the medal presentations, the athletes’ triumphs will be honoured with a celebration concert featuring renowned entertainers.

On June 6, ticket customers visiting www.vancouver2010.com will be directed to a virtual waiting room, where they will be randomly selected to enter the Vancouver 2010 ticketing website. Once signed into their account, customers will be able to purchase up to four separate events, with a limit of either four or eight tickets per event. If a customer wants to order more than the limit of four events, they will need to start a new transaction.

Helpful tips:

To save time, previously registered customers are advised to sign into their ticketing account at www.vancouver2010.com before June 6 to ensure their username and password are up-to-date and functional.

New customers without an existing account can save time by pre-registering an account before June 6.

The Competition Schedule, including the draws for the ice hockey tournaments for the Games and ticket prices, is posted on

www.vancouver2010.com to make it easier for customers to plan their ticket-buying strategy ahead of time.

VANOC reminds customers that Visa is the only payment card accepted.

Customers will also have the option to select an offline payment and mail in a cheque.

Entry to the system is random — refreshing the web page will not reduce your wait time.

Plan ahead for purchases and ensure you have sufficient credit available in your account as purchases will be charged immediately.

Be wary of tickets offered for sale through unofficial channels. The only official sources for Canadians for tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are www.vancouver2010.com (in partnership with VANOC’s official ticketing services supplier tickets.com) and official 2010 Winter Games hospitality partners Jet Set Sports and CoSport.

Be vigilant about individuals or companies offering “guaranteed” tickets for sale. For most people, even a “money-back” guarantee is little consolation for the disappointment, inconvenience and embarrassment they will experience if they discover at the gate that their ticket is invalid.

Customers may also purchase tickets by phone at 1.800.TICKETS (1.800.842.5387), and a TDD/TTY service is available for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing at 604.629.7140.

Background

Beginning on October 3, 2008 the Canadian public was invited to submit requests for tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Within a month, Canadian residents had submitted requests for more than $345 million in tickets. This overwhelming response was 4.5 times greater than the first phase of ticketing sales for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games ($75 million over nine weeks), the most recent Olympic Games held in North America. As a result, approximately 120 of 170 ticketed sessions for the 2010 Winter Games were allocated by lottery.

On December 12, 2008, remaining tickets from this first phase allotment were re-released for sale exclusively to ticket buyers who had participated in the initial ticket-request period; the remaining inventory was sold that day.

Earlier this month, VANOC opened the sale of tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Strong demand saw all available inventory to the gold medal ice sledge hockey game sold on the first day. Paralympic Games tickets will be available until June 5, but will be temporarily unavailable for purchase during Phase 2 of Olympic Games ticket sales.

City of Port Moody joins Vancouver 2010 community contributor program; parking lots to help Organizing Committee encourage motorists to park and ride transit

May 15, 2009

Vancouver, BC — The City of Port Moody will contribute hundreds of parking spaces to help the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) encourage drivers to take public transit during Games time.

The partnership, announced today, falls under VANOC’s community contributor program, designed to engage community groups in the Games and invite their active participation in welcoming the world in 2010.

The City of Port Moody will make parking areas available to passengers using the West Coast Express train from February 12 to February 28 in the Rocky Point Pool parking lot at 2800 Murray Street (150 parking spaces) and the Inlet playing field in the 3200-block of Murray Street (300 parking spaces). The lots will be staffed by volunteer parking attendants, provided by the city, to provide directions and general assistance to users.

The agreement will also allow VANOC to use meeting and training spaces at the Port Moody Recreation Complex from May 15, 2009 through January 31, 2010.

“We’re delighted the City of Port Moody is joining our team,” said Taleeb Noormohamed, VANOC director, corporate strategy and partner relations. “The almost 500 parking spots they’re providing will help encourage motorists to park and take public transit during the Games.”

The Games-time transportation plan is based on a reduction of at least 30 per cent in local vehicle traffic into downtown Vancouver. The Port Moody parking spots will support West Coast Express customers on a first-come, first-serve basis. The West Coast Express will have an 80 per cent capacity increase during the Games by adding six additional trips on weekdays, nine more on Saturdays and seven on Sundays.

“As a community contributor, we look forward to leveraging our international recognition as an official partner of VANOC and building upon our past successes such as the International Awards for Livable Communities, which we received in 2004,” said Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini. “Now that the City of Port Moody has been recognized as a community contributor, we will be marketing our city internationally to attract Olympic teams to use Port Moody’s facilities to prepare for the Games, as well as to attract cultural and special events to take place in Port Moody.”

In exchange for their support, community contributors receive a wide range of domestic rights and benefits that create a close association with the Games including various advertising, promotional and workforce opportunities.

More information on the integrated transportation plan for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games by the Olympic and Paralympic Transportation Team (OPTT), including maps and a fact sheet, is available at www.vancouver2010.com. Detailed transportation information will be made widely available in fall 2009 as residents and visitors to the Games Host Region begin to determine their more detailed travel plans.

About the City of Port Moody

Port Moody – City of the Arts! – is located at the head of Burrard Inlet and at the foot of Eagle Mountain. A vibrant city of 30,000, Port Moody is located an easy 40-minute drive from both downtown Vancouver and the Canada-United States border and just steps from seaside parks, mountain trails and lakes.

About VANOC

ANOC congratulates BC Premier Gordon Campbell on provincial election win

May 13, 2009

Vancouver, BC– The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today congratulated BC Premier Gordon Campbell on winning his third mandate on Tuesday.

“On behalf of Jack Poole, the board of directors and the whole VANOC team, congratulations to all the parties and their members elected to the provincial legislature on May 12,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “In just nine months the world is coming to British Columbia for the 2010 Winter Games and we look forward to a continued strong partnership with Premier Campbell and his team in this home stretch of preparations.

“To stage great Games you need the support of all levels of government,” continued Furlong. “Since Vancouver won the bid in 2003 to host the 2010 Winter Games, Premier Campbell, with the strong support of Minister Colin Hansen, has shown an unwavering commitment to and enthusiasm for this project. Premier Campbell has been a great ambassador for the province and the Games both on the national and international stage, ensuring that all Canadians know that British Columbia’s pride as Olympic and Paralympic host is theirs to share. He and his team have embraced from the start the vision that the Games will not only be a strong economic driver before and during the Games but will also leave lasting legacies for generations to come.”

Vancouver 2010 unveils iconic Canadian designs for 2010 Olympic Torch and Torchbearer uniform. Bombardier-designed torch represents undulating beauty of Canada’s landscape

Whistler, BC – The Olympic Torch and Olympic Torchbearer uniforms for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, designed by iconic Canadian companies Bombardier and the Hudson’s Bay Company respectively, were introduced today to Canada and the world in the mountain resort of Whistler, home to alpine skiing, sliding and Nordic events for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games that begin one year from today.

The almost one-metre-long torch, inspired by both the lines carved into the snow by skiers shushing down mountains and the undulating beauty of the snowy Canadian landscape, was designed by Bombardier’s aerospace and transportation design teams in collaboration with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

“The design of an Olympic Torch is very important,” said Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, who participated in revealing the design. “It cradles the Olympic Flame and its message of hope, the celebration of excellence, friendship and respect wherever it travels in the world. The Vancouver 2010 Torch design is like Canada – young, exciting, innovative, and welcoming to everyone who sees and holds it.”

Key to the torch’s curved, modern design is a robust technology created to weather the rugged and varied 45,000-kilometre journey of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay during the Canadian winter. From the mild climate of Vancouver Island to the bone-chilling Arctic cold of Canadian Forces Station Alert located less than 900 kilometres from the North Pole, the torch will be operational from -50°C to +40°C through rain, sleet, snow and wind.

The torch’s large size (over 94 centimetres long) represents the vastness of the second largest country in the world and the limitless potential of its land and people. When lit, the brilliant orange glow of the Olympic Flame will unfurl like a flag fluttering in the wind from the torch’s unique 30-centimetre-long vertical flame outlet — unlike the more traditional cauldron-like shape encompassing a horizontal flame — and symbolically wrap around the country, bringing Canadians closer together. A red maple leaf air intake cut-out will feed the flame with enough oxygen to ensure it burns brightly for all to see and a dual burner system will ensure it never falters. Additionally, the winter white torch features an engraving of the Games motto With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits into its design.

The torch (with fuel) weighs about 1.6 kilograms and contains stainless steel, aluminum and sheet-moulding compound. It will burn for at least 12 minutes using a blend of fuels such as propane and isobutane. Ninety-five per cent of the Olympic Torch is composed of materials and technology made or designed in Canada.Twelve-thousand torches will be manufactured — one for every torchbearer taking part in the relay.

“The Government of Canada is proud to be part of all the excitement surrounding the one-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and to provide an opportunity for all Canadians from coast to coast to coast to experience the Games through the Olympic Torch Relay,” said Minister of State for Sport Gary Lunn. “The Olympic torch relay will unite Canadians across the country with a spirit of excitement and pride in our athletes and will highlight the 2010 Winter Games as truly Canada’s Games."

The coast to coast to coast event — the longest domestic torch relay in Olympic history — starts October 30 in Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. It will end on February 12, 2010 when the Olympic Cauldron is lit in front of a live crowd of 60,000 at BC Place in downtown Vancouver and while billions more watch on television during the Opening Ceremony for the XXI Olympic Winter Games.

The 106-day relay is presented by Coca-Cola and RBC and supported by the Government of Canada. The Hudson’s Bay Company joins Bombardier as a Signature Supporter of the national event.

“Bombardier has a long history in Canada and we’re excited to play such an important role in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said Pierre Beaudoin, Bombardier Chief Executive Officer. “By applying our ingenuity in aerospace and transportation to the Olympic Torch, we believe we have created a symbol worthy of the promise and power of the Olympic Flame and one which 12,000 torchbearers will carry proudly across Canada.”

The Olympic torchbearer uniform, which seamlessly blends in with the winter environment and torch design, was designed by renowned Canadian fashion designers Vivienne Lu and Tu Ly for the Hudson’s Bay Company —Canada’s oldest company — in collaboration with VANOC. It consists of several pieces, including a jacket, pullover pants, toque and knitted red mittens. The uniforms are a commemorative keepsake for the torchbearers to remind them of their part in the historic journey.

“It is exciting for us to be a part of Canadian history in this cross-Canada celebration,” said Hudson’s Bay Company Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Sherman. “As the uniforms wrap all our torchbearers on their runs across the country, we hope to capture, reflect and celebrate the pride and Olympic dreams of all Canadians.”

The uniforms are white and accented with bright bursts of blue and green on the jacket’s left arm. The palette is inspired by the winter landscape and the multi-hued beauty of the dancing northern lights, as well as the breathtaking scenery of the Sea to Sky region linking Whistler and Vancouver, the Host Mountain Resort and Host City of the 2010 Winter Games, respectively.

The uniforms also feature the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay emblem on the chest and the universally recognizable Olympic Rings on the back. Silver reflective elements, including “Vancouver 2010” on the right jacket sleeve and right back pant leg, have been added for prominence and visibility.

The 2010 Olympic Torch and Torchbearer uniform were showcased today by the first two torchbearers selected through the public contests held by Coca-Cola and RBC. Vancouver resident Patricia Moreno, 18, selected by Coca-Cola, plays a leadership role in her community and is dedicated to youth sports programs. Caleb Taylor, 35, was selected by RBC and teaches hockey to inner-city youth in his hometown of Regina.

The Olympic Flame will be carried proudly by 12,000 torchbearers young and old during the torch relay. The flame will visit over 1,000 communities in every corner of Canada, including the country’s most northern, southern and eastern points, before arriving back in the host province of British Columbia for the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games a year from now.

“These Games are for all Canadians and for people in every corner of our province to share and experience. The torch relay will connect our communities to the spirit of the Games, and the excitement we will all feel as our athletes prepare to compete on the world stage, right here in our home,” said the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia. “With only 365 days left to go until the Games start we are issuing an invitation to all Canadians to follow the Flame’s route back to British Columbia and come celebrate 2010 with us.”

Canadians interested in applying to become a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer can visit www.iCoke.ca or www.rbc.com/carrythetorch for details. Both programs invite Canadians to share a brief story about how they plan to make themselves, their community or their country a better place.

“Seeing and holding that magnificent Olympic Flame is a transformational and emotional experience – you feel like anything is possible, that you can be a champion in so many ways,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “The torch and torchbearer uniform for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games show how we are all seamlessly connected to the land, to sport, to the flame, and most importantly – to each other. I encourage all Canadians to apply to become a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer and to get out and see the Olympic Flame when it comes to your community.”

Further information on the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, including photos of the torch and torchbearer uniforms, is available online at www.vancouver2010.com/torchrelay.

About VANOC

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com for further details on programs and schedules.

About Coca-Cola and the Olympic Movement

The Coca-Cola Company has been associated with the Olympic Games since 1928 and is the longest continuous corporate supporter of the Olympic Movement. Through the Olympic Games, Coca-Cola encourages people to create their own path of "positivity" in everyday life by believing that anything is possible. The Company's sponsorship supports National Olympic Committees in more than 200 countries to help athletes train and compete. The Coca-Cola Company is the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage provider to the Olympic Games through 2020. For more information about Coca-Cola Canada, please visit our website at www.cocacola.ca or our parent company's website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About RBC

As part of our commitment to helping create a better Canada, RBC sponsors amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport associations that support the development of amateur athletes who compete at home and abroad. Canada’s longest-standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1947, RBC continues its sponsorship through the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and is proud to bring the Olympic Spirit to communities across Canada as co-presenting sponsor of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. RBC is also a premier sponsor of Hockey Canada, the Canadian Snowboard Team, the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team, Athletics Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Visit www.rbc.com/sponsorship.

About the Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is proud to make 2010 a celebration for all Canadians. Through strategic investments in programming and funding, the spirit and excitement will be felt far and wide and leave lasting legacies for future generations. Through the Olympic Torch Relay, the Government of Canada is supporting citizen and community participation, as well as the inclusion of Aboriginal, ethnocultural and official-language communities. For more information on the Government of Canada’s contribution to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

About the Hudson’s Bay Company

The Hudson’s Bay Company is a Premier National Partner and the General Retail Merchant of the 2010 Winter Games. In partnership with VANOC, the company is designing and manufacturing the official uniforms for the 30,000-person Games-time workforce; it will also be outfitting the athletes' villages, in both Vancouver and Whistler, with quality products to make the athletes comfortable in 2010. The Hudson’s Bay Company 500-store network currently sells the largest assortment of authentic Vancouver 2010 licensed merchandise.

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony and five sports (64 medal events!) of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games go on sale tomorrow – May 6, 2009 at 10:00 am (Pacific Time) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Big Experience, Small Price:
Individual ticket prices to sport events start at $15. Group ticket prices — available for most sport events for groups of 20 or more people — are just $10. Tickets for the spectacular Opening Ceremony range from $30 to $175!

How to buy your Paralympic tickets:

   Step 1: To purchase tickets, visit any time after 10:00 am on May 6. You can sign in to your existing ticketing account or register now if you have not participated before. Your Vancouver 2010 ticketing account is used for both Olympic and Paralympic ticket purchases.
   Step 2: Search for sports and events — click on the session you want to add to your shopping cart.
   Step 3: Select a price level and quantity of tickets then complete your purchase!

Planning Tools:
Visit vancouver2010.com to learn more about the Paralympic Winter Games, including sport information, the Competition Schedule and ticket prices.

Exclusive to Vancouver 2010 account holders:
• A collector-grade pin featuring Paralympic mascot Sumi with his 2010 Winter Games tickets along with a commemorative lanyard and ticket holder pouch to keep tickets secure and easily accessible - $23.00, including delivery.
• The Official Commemorative Book of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games at a 30% discount.

BC residents — Pick up a copy of The Vancouver Sun on May 9, or The Province on May 10 for a special Paralympic-themed supplement, featuring stories, athlete bios, in-depth information on ticketing, and the entire sport schedule.

Thank you for your support of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

Vancouver 2010 Ticketing Team

Cultural Olympiad 2010 announces first 20 projects

Apr 28, 2009

Cultural Olympiad 2010 announces first 20 projects; tickets on sale now at www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad

Vancouver, BC – An explosive love story set in a theatre of ice, a massive hand-painted mural on a downtown Vancouver landmark and a cutting-edge theatrical production by a Québécois visionary are among the exciting Canadian and international artistic works coming to Cultural Olympiad 2010 presented by Bell. With less than 300 days to go until the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, tickets and information for the first 20 projects are available at www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad.

The 20 projects being announced today include works by Robert Lepage, Alberta Ballet, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan. The third and final edition of the Cultural Olympiad festivals will start on January 22, 2010 and run throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concluding on March 21. The extensive program will include more than 600 ticketed and free performances and exhibitions in 50 venues in Metro Vancouver and British Columbia’s Sea to Sky corridor.

“With the incredible wealth of talent and outstanding value these shows have to offer, we expect them to sell out and encourage people to go online now and get their tickets,” said David Guscott, executive vice-president, celebrations and partnerships for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “This is just the first installment of the hundreds of artists who will participate next year as part of the Cultural Olympiad 2010 lineup. In the coming months, we’ll add even more projects to our program with the support of the Government of Canada and the home provinces and territories of the performers.”

Burke Taylor, vice-president, culture and celebrations, added, “Cultural Olympiad 2010 is the culmination of a three-year program of developing new work, building partnerships with the national and international arts community and delivering outstanding festivals of arts and popular culture. VANOC has helped create a lasting artistic legacy that will live beyond 2010 by commissioning major projects, such as Robert Lepage’s The Blue Dragon/Le Dragon Bleu, Compagnie Marie Chouinard’s world premiere of a new work and an extended version of Joni Mitchell’s ballet The Fiddle and The Drum.”

Seven of the 20 projects announced today have been commissioned by VANOC or co-commissioned with Arts Partners in Creative Development, indicating a major investment in the arts in Canada. These new works highlight the innovative spirit and diverse character of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad – a diversity that stretches beyond the imagined boundaries of an artistic discipline, cultural tradition or geography. “The end result,” said Taylor, “is a global dialogue where artists and audiences can connect and embrace the creative spirit we all share.”

The first 20 projects of Cultural Olympiad 2010, featuring dancers, musicians, playwrights, and visual artists, are:

The Blue Dragon/Le Dragon Bleu – Robert Lepage

Quebec’s Robert Lepage continues his internationally celebrated imaginative and innovative stagecraft with this sequel to his acclaimed series The Dragons’ Trilogy, set in modern China. Co-commissioned by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad.

Moon Water – Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
Lauded worldwide for its innovation and grace, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan’s Moon Water is a contemporary exploration of Tai Chi Tao Yin movement, an ancient Chi Kung exercise, set to Bach’s Six Suites for Solo Cello. It will be the troupe’s first performance in Vancouver since 1997.

NiX
Canada’s first theatre of ice and snow comes to Lost Lake in Whistler. NiX follows an arsonist through the fireworks at the end of the world. It features a flaming tuba, snowman death scene and an explosive love story. Commissioned by Arts Partners in Creative Development.

Nunavut – Kronos Quartet featuring Tanya Tagaq
Performed by Grammy Award-winning Kronos Quartet and featuring Inuit vocalist Tanya Tagaq, the centrepiece of Nunavut is Tundra Songs – a new work by Canadian composer Derek Charke that paints a mesmerizing Arctic soundscape.

Michael Lin: A Modest Veil
Taipei-based artist Michael Lin will create a massive mural covering the Vancouver Art Gallery’s northern facade using the patterns and exuberant colours found in traditional Taiwanese fabric designs and decorative art. It will mark the first presentation of his work in Canada.

Where the Blood Mixes – Playhouse Theatre Company
Emerging Canadian playwright Kevin Loring goes beneath the surface of the Aboriginal residential school system and celebrates its survivors. Co-commissioned by Arts Partners in Creative Development.

Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle and The Drum – Alberta Ballet
This extended, full-length collaboration production of the dazzling ballet features four additional Joni Mitchell songs, illuminated by her latest artwork and the choreography of Alberta Ballet’s artistic director Jean Grand Maître. Commissioned by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Tickets on sale May 15, 2009.

Laurie Anderson: Two Sided Plays
Renowned multimedia artist Laurie Anderson will premiere her newest work, a compelling series of 10, two-character plays in which Anderson plays both roles defined through the use of audio and visual effects and set design. Co-commissioned by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad.

Nevermore – Catalyst Theatre
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, the great master of the macabre, this whimsical, chilling musical fairytale by Edmonton’s Catalyst Theatre reveals the psychology of a man whose haunting writings continue to resonate.

Compagnie Marie Chouinard: World Premiere
This newly-commissioned group piece by Canada’s reigning queen of contemporary dance is based on the notion of time recaptured. For the first time, Marie Chouinard will create an accompanying vocal score. Co-commissioned by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad.

Nixon in China – Vancouver Opera
Vancouver Opera presents the Canadian premiere – and a new production – of John Adams’s modern masterpiece about U.S. President Richard Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to China. Canadian coloratura soprano Tracey Dahl, as Madame Mao, joins opera greats Robert Orth as Nixon and Alan Woodrow as Mao Tse-tung under the musical leadership of Maestro John DeMain who led the 1987 premiere of the opera.

Rain – Cirque Éloize
Montreal’s Cirque Éloize brings the wonder of childhood to vivid life in this amazing circus arts performance. The company expresses its innovative nature by combining circus arts with music, dance and theatre.

Mahler Symphony No. 8: Symphony of a Thousand – Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Maestro Bramwell Tovey and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will give a rare live performance of Mahler’s monumental masterpiece, featuring hundreds of musicians, eight vocal soloists and three choirs, including soprano Measha Brueggergosman, the Vancouver Bach Choir and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

Beyond Eden– Theatre Calgary
Written by Bruce Ruddell and starring John Mann, this spellbinding new rock musical was inspired by Wilson Duff and Bill Reid’s 1957 groundbreaking and controversial expedition to Haida Gwaii. Beyond Eden will have its world premiere during Cultural Olympiad 2010.

Elephant Wake – Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre’s production digs deep into the pain and anger of a man trying to come to terms with his own marginalized existence and the struggle to keep his culture, family and town relevant in Saskatchewan. Tickets on sale June 15, 2009.

Fear of Flight – Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland
This music and movement spectacle tracks 14 nervous passengers on a bumpy transcontinental flight. The production by Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland combines monologues, choral text and movement – all performed by an ensemble of singing travellers. Tickets on sale June 15, 2009.

Tear the Curtain! – Electric Company Theatre
Murder, mayhem and movies take centre stage in this stylish new thriller from Vancouver’s innovative Electric Company Theatre. Inspired by the true history of the Stanley Theatre, which opened as a movie house in 1930, this multimedia spectacle offers a new twist to the classic whodunit.

Kidd Pivot: Dark Matters
Created by Kidd Pivot artistic director Crystal Pite, this new work brings together six dancers for a moving exploration of human significance in the wake of catastrophe and planetary frailty. Co-commissioned by Arts Partners in Creative Development.

Juste pour Rire 2010
Three brilliant evenings of fun and laughter with la crème de la crème of Canada’s francophone comedians, the hottest emerging and internationally acclaimed artists on the scene today. Co-presented by Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver and the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Tickets on sale September 1, 2009.

Martha Wainwright and Jorane: Chanteuses modernes
Powerfully raw singer/songwriter Martha Wainwright and award-winning singer/cellist Jorane, known for her unique “cello rock,” weave their musical spell in an evening of emotionally frank and unforgettable songs. Tickets on sale June 12, 2009.

The full slate of Cultural Olympiad 2010 events, along with ticket information, will be available online at www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad as soon as events are announced.

Background

Partnerships

Bell
Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner, and the exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the presenting sponsor for the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs, including Bell Home phone local and long distance services, Bell Mobility and Solo Mobile wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell TV direct-to-home satellite and VDSL television, IP-broadband services and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For information on Bell's products and services, please visit www.bell.ca. For corporate information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.

VANOC reports on official languages progress for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Board Advisory Committee on Official Languages holds first meeting

Apr 28, 2009

Vancouver, BC — Following the inaugural meeting of a new Board Advisory Committee on Official Languages, the announcement of French-Canadian talent as part of Cultural Olympiad 2010, the addition of a French language newspaper as an Official Partner, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will today make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Official Languages. The presentation will update Parliament on progress towards the staging of the 2010 Winter Games to celebrate Canada’s two official languages and its cultural diversity. Representing VANOC before the House of Commons Committee on Official Languages will be VANOC board member Jacques Gauthier and director of Official Languages Francine Bolduc.

Official Languages Advisory Committee inaugural meeting April 24
At their inaugural meeting last Friday, members of VANOC’s Board on Official Languages for the 2010 Winter Games made recommendations for how the Organizing Committee can best meet its commitment in ensuring both of Canada’s official languages are well represented and celebrated at the Games.

The advisory committee, chaired by Jacques Gauthier, includes prominent French Canadians with a proven track record and expertise in the field of bilingualism, as well as Jean-Pierre Raffarin, a former prime minister of France, who was appointed “Grand Témoin” by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Committee members will report regularly to VANOC’s board of directors and will reconvene again later this summer.

“I can say with confidence that all of the distinguished experts at the table share the objective of not only meeting our official languages obligations but also setting an example for future Games,” said Gauthier. “VANOC has made significant progress recently in its commitments towards showcasing Canada’s rich cultural diversity and linguistic duality. All members have agreed we can succeed in this undertaking and we will devote all of our energies to that end.”

“The 2010 Winter Games offer an historic opportunity for Canada to promote and reaffirm its linguistic duality and cultural diversity for which it is known around the world,” said Raffarin. “Obviously, the expectations for Vancouver are higher than past host cities, but I have no doubt VANOC and its partners will succeed in ensuring the French language enjoys the presence, the visibility and the usefulness up to and even beyond the criteria established by the Olympic Charter. Delivering bilingual Games is a huge undertaking and one to which I am proud to make a contribution.”

Further background on VANOC’s commitment to official languages and the creation of the Advisory Committee are below.

French-Canadian talent key part of Cultural Olympiad 2010 lineup
Among the first 20 projects announced today as part of Cultural Olympiad 2010, several are from prominent French-Canadian artists, including Quebec’s Robert Lepage, who continues his internationally celebrated, imaginative and innovative stagecraft with The Blue Dragon/Le Dragon Bleu, the sequel to his acclaimed series The Dragons’ Trilogy. La Compagnie Marie Chouinard will unveil the world premiere of a newly commissioned contemporary dance piece, Montreal’s Cirque Éloize will bring Rain to the Games, and Juste pour rire 2010 will present three brilliant evenings of fun and laughter with la crème de la crème of Canada’s francophone comedians. Jorane will join Martha Wainwright for “Chanteuses modernes” on what promises to be an unforgettable night.

La Presse on the Vancouver 2010 team
VANOC will report today to the House Committee on its April 8, 2009 announcement of La Presse as its Official French Language Newspaper Supplier. This fulfills another recommendation made by Graham Fraser, Canada’s official languages Commissioner in his December 2008 report. The sponsorship provides VANOC with greater regional advertising avenues through print and online publishing in Gesca Ltée’s eight publications, including La Presse.

Background: the VANOC Avisory Committee on Official Languages and VANOC commitment to official languages
The Board Advisory Committee members include: former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Judith A. LaRocque, deputy minister, Department of Canadian Heritage; Michel Matifat, associate member, Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue; Serge Corbeil, vice president, Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique; and Donna Wilson, VANOC’s executive vice president, workforce and sustainability, Jacques Gauthier, member of VANOC’s board of directors and Francine Bolduc, Director, official languages at VANOC.

The creation of the panel was among the recommendations made by Graham Fraser in his report late last year on VANOC’s progress in its commitment to deliver the Games in both official languages. The Advisory Committee will provide strategic advice to the Organizing Committee on the delivery of its official languages objectives, francophone culture in the context of the Games, as well as assist in collaborations between key stakeholders and Canada’s French-speaking community partners to ensure their full participation in Canada’s Games.

For everyone who attends the 2010 Winter Games, whether a figure skating competition or the dramatic Opening Ceremonies, VANOC is committed to ensuring the atmosphere and services for athletes, spectators and other visitors will be warm, welcoming and bilingual. This means, for example, that both French and English will be used on venue signs, in medal ceremonies and by volunteers taking tickets, driving vehicles, providing directions and selling merchandise.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Ticketing Guide available this weekend confirms affordable and convenient transportation plans for ticket holders

All ticket information also available at vancouver2010.com

Vancouver, BC – With less than a week to go until Phase 1 of Olympic ticket sales begins at www.vancouver2010.com, an Olympic Ticketing Guide is available this weekend in The Province, the Vancouver Sun and The Globe and Mail to help Canadians plan their 2010 Winter Games experience. The guide includes new information on affordable and convenient transportation plans for ticket holders and all information is also available at vancouver2010.com in English and French.

“Just in time for weekend reading, this guide gives a good look at key information to prepare people to request tickets and to plan what sort of Olympic experience they’d like to have,” said Caley Denton, VANOC Vice President of Ticketing and Consumer Marketing. “Attending an event at the Olympic Games will create life-long memories and is unlike any other event in the world. So, selecting which events to go to is an exciting and important step and we want everyone to have as much information as possible when they begin planning their 2010 Winter Games experience.”

The Vancouver 2010 Ticketing Guide provides a timeline of the ticket purchasing process, information on venues, sports, payment options, transportation details and tips on planning a full Olympic experience. Including Nightly Victory Ceremonies, approximately 2 million tickets will be available for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games with 400,000 tickets priced at $25 and more than half of all tickets priced at $100 or less.

The Olympic Ticketing Guide also includes details on how ticket holders will travel to Olympic venues. “With an Olympic ticket in your hand you will have access to public transportation on the day of your event in metro Vancouver, including buses and Skytrain, and in Whistler,” said Denton.

The guide includes finalized information on a combined fulfillment/transportation fee which is priced lower than the service charges on the majority of comparable sport and entertainment events and provides greater value by including access to local transportation on the day of the ticketed event. The combined fulfillment/transportation fee averages less than $10 and will range from $4 to $18 depending on the price of the ticket. The fee covers public transportation, administration and online infrastructure costs. Eighty per cent of all tickets will be charged a fulfillment/transportation fee of $10 or less and all tickets $30 or less will be charged a $4 fee.

“We want to make public transportation as affordable and enticing as possible, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the road, saving spectators parking costs and reducing emissions from heavy vehicle traffic. Most ticket holders will need to use public transportation to get to Olympic events as there will be no parking at venues. One of our goals is to see the increased use of public transportation, walking and cycling as one of the legacies of hosting the Games,” said Denton. “We are also committed to ensuring Olympic events are accessible to all Canadians; as such the fulfillment/transportation fee is structured on a sliding scale to ensure that our lower-priced events remain affordable and accessible.”

In addition, VANOC confirmed details for spectator transportation to mountain venues with pricing that is approximately half that of existing options in the market. Whistler event ticket holders whose trip originates in Vancouver will require a return-trip $25 transportation pass on an Olympic bus network. A return $12 transportation pass on the Olympic bus network is also required for all Cypress Mountain event ticket holders. These prices are exclusive of sales taxes. Transportation passes for return trips from Whistler and Cypress will be sold separately from Olympic tickets and will be available for purchase in 2009. Complimentary parking at selected park and rides will be provided to spectators purchasing Olympic bus network passes to the Cypress and Whistler sport events.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic tickets and associated fees:

Curling

Full Ticket Price                                     $125.00
Fee Charge                                           $10.00
Total Charge:                                        $135.00
Fee Percentage:                                    8 per cent

Figure Skating

Full Ticket Price                                     $250.00
Fee Charge                                           $15.00
Total Charge:                                        $265.00
Fee Percentage:                                    6 per cent

Ice Hockey (bronze medal game)

Full Ticket Price                                     $550.00
Fee Charge                                           $18.00
Total Charge:                                        $568.00
Fee Percentage:                                    3.3 per cent

Comparable transportation passes, event tickets and associated fees:

	Full-day transportation passes in Vancouver on TransLink: $9
	Full-day transportation passes on WaVE in Whistler: $5
	Return bus ticket between Vancouver and Whistler starts at $46.30
	Return bus ticket between Vancouver and Cypress starts at $20

National Hockey League (NHL) game

Full Price Ticket                                     $86.25
Total Convenience Charge                     $7.50
Total Charge:                                        $93.75
Fee Percentage:                                    8.7 per cent

Sheryl Crow Concert in Canada

Full Price Ticket                                     $69.50
Convenience Fee                                   $17.55
Order processing per order                    $1.75 (assumes two tickets/per order)
Total Charge:                                        $88.80
Fee Percentage:                                    27.8 per cent

About VANOC

VANOC Board of Directors receives positive venue construction report; management ready for spotlight of being next Games and remains on track financially

Sep 17, 2008

Vancouver, BC – With only 16 days remaining until Phase 1 of ticket sales to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games begins on October 3 — one of the biggest milestones and public engagement activities prior to the Games — the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) held its fifth meeting of 2008.

At today’s meeting the Board reviewed a number of positive updates on the venue construction program which will see all competition venues completed and winter athletes competing at world- class levels on all venues this winter. The meeting also included a number of regular agenda items as well as updates to the Board of Directors on the business plan, sport, sponsorship, ticket sales, the launch of a new graphic identity and pictograms and the re-launch of www.vancouver2010.com, the Official Website of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“The pace for VANOC’s management and staff has already accelerated after the conclusion of a highly successful Beijing 2008 Games and the Board today received a number of updates that provide confidence we’re on track financially and ready for the pressure and spotlight that comes with hosting the next Games,” said Jack Poole, Chairman of the Board. “Final touches on venue construction are underway and athletes are already here training and getting ready to compete. With the first of this winter season’s 16 sport events starting next month and tickets on sale in a matter of weeks, Canadians and sport enthusiasts around the world will be able to touch and feel the Games more and more each day.”

Highlights of reports and updates delivered at the September 17, 2008 VANOC Board Meeting included:

CEO and Senior Management Reports

Beijing 2008
The Beijing 2008 Games provided VANOC with a number of learning opportunities in key areas, including ticketing, volunteers, the spectator experience, village operations, sport production and decision making when confronted with the unexpected.

Budget Update/Functional Reviews
An update was provided on the business plan and ongoing measures being taken by VANOC management to review key functional areas to ensure a balanced budget. Reviews of VANOC’s 53 functions are now complete. VANOC’s updated budget is being developed this year and will be taken to the Board for approval in late 2008/early 2009.

Sport
The Sport department is preparing for the first of 16 sport events this winter season; short track speed skating at the Pacific Coliseum from October 24–26. Sport has welcomed nine National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) to Vancouver since May and is planning for 11 additional NOC visits and six NPC visits in the coming weeks and months. In addition, VANOC has recently hosted biathlon, cross-country skiing and luge delegations and is preparing for upcoming visits from bobsleigh, skeleton, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, curling, short track speed skating, ski jumping, luge, biathlon, cross-county skiing, cross-country skiing (Paralympic), biathlon (Paralympic), alpine skiing (Paralympic) and wheelchair curling delegations.

Sponsorship
Revenue commitments currently generated from domestic sponsorship for the 2010 Winter Games is at $735 million, or 97 per cent of VANOC’s overall target of $760 million. National Partner and Official Supporter revenue targets have been achieved, but VANOC expects to sign anywhere from six to eight new sponsors at the Official Supplier level.

Report of the Finance Committee
The Board received reports from two meetings of the Finance Committee, held on August 11 and
September 8, 2008. A number of contracts were approved for final negotiation; VANOC will disclose information regarding contracts once the contracts are finalized.

The Finance Committee approved a contract with Aggreko Canada for the provision of temporary power and temperature control services and equipment.

Venue Construction Update

	Procurement: Only minor awards are outstanding. Procurement for Vancouver 2010 construction is over 93 per cent complete.
	Venue contingency analysis: The venues central contingency balance, as of the last report, was $15.77 million. A drawdown of $2 million was approved by the VANOC Board today to cover additional costs at the Whistler Athletes’ Centre that will bring the balance of the venue contingency to $13.77 million. VANOC remains on track to finish its venue construction program on or under its $580 million budget.
	Richmond Olympic Oval: Construction is on track to be completed on schedule. Work on removing and replacing roofing material is nearing completion. Installation of a test ice sheet was successfully completed at the beginning of August. A new ice sheet was installed at the beginning of September. Members of the Canadian speed skating team were the first athletes in the world to have access to the Oval and have successfully tested the ice over the past few days.
	Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre: Construction is on schedule. The final sand and insulating layers for the curling venue’s competition ice slab are complete. Work on the building’s envelope continues and interior finishes are proceeding. Drywall in the curling venue is 80 per cent complete.
	Trout Lake training venue: The concrete building structure and main structural steel and glulam erection are complete. Roof decking is underway. Mechanical and electrical work is ongoing.
	Killarney training venue: Concrete tilt-up wall panels and main structural steel have been erected. Arena roof metal decking is one-third complete and roof decking for the lobby is nearly complete.
	The Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver: Significant progress has been made on all building structures. The bridge and related approach (to access the site) are substantially complete.
	Olympic and Paralympic Village Whistler: The Whistler Village townhomes are nearing completion. The bridge and related approaches (to access the site) are substantially complete.
	Whistler Athletes’ Centre: The steel roof erection is complete on the High Performance Centre. Construction of the lodge building and townhomes is ongoing. Factory fabrication is complete on townhomes, and site installation is ongoing.

Report of the Strategic Communications Steering Committee
The Chair reported on the last meeting of the Strategic Communications Steering Committee, held on September 12, 2008. Solid progress is being made on key projects, including VANOC’s thematic and ticketing advertising campaigns, which begin, respectively, at the end of September and the beginning of October.

Background:
The VANOC Board of Directors is made up of 20 members nominated by: the Canadian Olympic Committee (seven); the Government of Canada (three); the Province of British Columbia (three); the City of Vancouver (two); the Resort Municipality of Whistler (two); the Canadian Paralympic Committee (one); a joint appointment by the Band Councils of the Lil'wat and Squamish Nations (one); and one member nominated by the other 19 members.

The Board is scheduled to meet six times per year, and more often at the call of the Chair as required. The meetings are generally held at the Vancouver 2010 offices in Vancouver, although they are occasionally hosted by our Games partners in other locations. The Board’s responsibility is to oversee the conduct of the business of VANOC as it works toward achieving its Mission, to touch the soul of the nation and inspire the world by creating and delivering an extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic experience with lasting legacies.

As part of its commitment to public transparency and accountability, the VANOC Board of Directors has made today’s agenda, discussion topics and decisions available to the public on www.vancouver2010.com, subject to conditions of confidentiality related to personal information and/or competitively sensitive or privileged information. VANOC is also committed to hosting media briefings following each Board meeting with the Board Chairman, the CEO and other director(s) or members of the VANOC senior management team to elaborate further on matters.

Next Meeting
The next meeting of the VANOC Board of Directors is scheduled for November 19, 2008.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Olympic Experience Packages

What is an Olympic Experience Package?

	An Olympic Experience Package, or OEP, is a group of sessions sold together in order to help maximize the your experience. OEPs are the easiest way to begin building your 2010 Olympic Experience.
	Each OEP is spread over three to six days with a minimum of three sessions, ensuring you have the opportunity to attend a variety of events and visit different venues.
	OEPs can only be bought during Phase 1.
	Don’t forget to mix and match. You can also supplement your package by adding single sessions to your ticketing request.

Why request an Olympic Experience Package?

It simplifies your ticket request.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of planning your Vancouver 2010 experience by taking into account important considerations (such as travel time to venues) while allowing some flexibility in your personal Olympic Winter Games schedule. Olympic Experience Packages are all about convenience and are 'packaged' to offer you a well-rounded Games experience.
It helps you plan efficiently.
Knowing you’ll be attending events over a set number of days will better allow you to plan, be it determining the number of days off work you might need to participate in the Vancouver 2010 experience or the number of nights of accommodation you might require.
OEPs are your ‘ticket’ to a Vancouver Victory Ceremony.
City and Mixed Olympic Experience Packages are the only way to secure tickets to a Vancouver Victory Ceremony.

Victory Ceremonies promise all the emotion and entertainment we expect from the Olympic Games. Ceremonies will include the awarding of Olympic medals, performances from world-class artists, national anthems, athletes — and a stadium packed with Olympic energy that can’t be missed. (Remaining tickets to Victory Ceremonies will be made available at a later date.)
You increase your chances of getting first-choice tickets.
OEPs will be allocated first, followed by single sessions, though single session tickets will be available for every event in every price category.

Choose from these packages:

	City OEPs (PDF, 1MB) combine sport and ceremony sessions in Vancouver, Richmond and/or West Vancouver. There are 25 different combinations of City packages.
	Whistler OEPs (PDF, 545 KB) combine sport sessions in Whistler only. There are eight (8) Whistler packages.
	Mixed packages (PDF, 882 KB) are a great way to sample both sports and ceremonies in the city and Whistler venues. There are 17 Mixed packages.
	Locals packages, are designed with locals in mind. They include four to six events spread out over weekends and evenings, ensuring you can attend a wide array of Olympic events while maintaining your busy schedule. Locals packages are available for both Vancouver and Whistler events.

View or download the list of Olympic Experience Packages (PDF, 1.9 MB)

Note: The cost of an OEP is equal to the face value of all sessions included in the package and the same fees are applicable. The sessions that make up Olympic Experience Packages (OEPs) cannot be exchanged or altered. Packages that are oversubscribed will be subject to a random lottery.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic ticket packages offer easy-to-plan and well-rounded Games experience

Sep 17, 2008

Vancouver, BC – When tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games go on sale on October 3, a choice of 58 Olympic Experience Packages (OEPs) will make it convenient to plan a well-rounded and unforgettable spectator experience.

Today, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) released information about OEPs as part of a month-long information campaign to educate Canadian ticket buyers in advance of the start of ticket sales. Phase 1 of ticket requests, which will offer both OEPs and/or single session tickets, runs from October 3 through November 7, 2008.

To maximize the spectator experience, an OEP combines a group of sessions sold together, providing an easy way for spectators to begin to build a multi-day, multi-sport 2010 Olympic Winter Games experience. Each OEP is spread over three to six days with a minimum of three sessions, ensuring spectators have the opportunity to attend a variety of events and visit different venues. Olympic Experience Packages range from $ 140 to $ 1,267. A full list of the 58 individual Olympic Experience Packages will be available at www.vancouver2010.com, Official Website of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, by tomorrow morning.

“The Olympic Winter Games offer a vast number of choices of sport events and venues, so there’s much for Games enthusiasts to consider when planning to buy tickets, such as how many days to take off work (to attend the Games) and the travel time between venues,” said Caley Denton, vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing with VANOC. “We’ve taken some of the guesswork out of ticket buying with a variety of Olympic Experience Packages. OEPs can be combined with single-session tickets, offering the convenience of a well-rounded experience over a set number of days that’s tailored to local residents or visitors, to city or Whistler venues — or both. In short, there’s something for everyone.”
By category, OEPs are available as follows:

	City OEPs combine sport and ceremony sessions in Vancouver, Richmond and/or West Vancouver. There are currently 25 different combinations of City packages.
	Whistler OEPs combine sport sessions in Whistler only. There are currently eight Whistler packages.
	Mixed packages are a great way to sample both sports and ceremonies in the city and Whistler venues. There are currently 17 mixed packages.
	Locals’ packages are designed with locals in mind. They include four to six events spread out over weekends and evenings, ensuring locals can attend a wide array of Olympic events while maintaining their busy schedule. Locals’ packages are available for both Vancouver and Whistler events. There are five City Locals packages and three Whistler Locals packages.

Additional Olympic Experience Package details:

To experience a Vancouver-based Nightly Victory Ceremony, Olympic Experience Packages are the way to go in Phase 1
The City and Mixed Olympic Experience Packages available in Phase 1 are the exclusive way to secure tickets to a Vancouver-based Nightly Victory Ceremony. Nightly Victory Ceremonies will include the awarding of Olympic medals to athletes, music and a stadium packed with Olympic energy.

Olympic Experience Packages offer a better chance of getting first-choice tickets
Ticket requests for OEPs will be allocated first, followed by requests for single sessions. The best way for spectators to optimize their chances of seeing their most-preferred events is to order them as part of an Olympic Experience Package. In Phase 1, however, single-session tickets will also be sold for each event, within each price category.

OEP package pricing
Olympic experience Package pricing is equal to the face value of all sessions included in the package and the same fees are applicable. The sessions that make up Olympic Experience Packages cannot be exchanged or altered. Packages that are oversubscribed will be subject to a random lottery.

General ticketing information
Approximately two million tickets will be available for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games with 400,000 tickets priced at $25 and half of all tickets priced at $100 or less. Overall, 70 per cent of all tickets will be available to the general public.

For VANOC, ensuring the public has access to the maximum number of tickets for every event is paramount, a fact that was reaffirmed by Denton. “Whether through Olympic Experience Packages or single-session tickets, we want to make sure every Canadian has a chance to attend an Olympic event.”

As is common at all Olympic Games, ticket allocations for individual events will vary. Over the past year, VANOC has worked with the IOC and its sport partners to develop single-event public ticket allocation minimums. In many cases, more than 70 per cent of tickets to a single event will be available to the public; in all cases, however, events will have at least 30 per cent of the tickets available to the public.

Denton also reconfirmed today that it is important for Canadian ticket buyers to take their time and to talk with friends and family and think about which dates work best for them and which events they most want to see; there’s no need to rush as Phase 1 of the ticket program runs from October 3 through November 7, 2008. Once a ticket order is submitted, however, it cannot be altered. Ticket buyers will be notified in late fall as to which tickets they have purchased.

In recognition of the Visa Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games sponsorship, Vancouver 2010 is proud to acknowledge Visa as the only payment card accepted. Members of the public are encouraged to be prepared for the ticket on-sale by ensuring they have a Visa card of their own. Cheques and money orders will be accepted, however, some conditions apply. To receive the very latest news and ticketing information, visit www.vancouver2010.com and sign up to receive e-mail updates.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

We’re next: Vancouver 2010 counts down to 2010 with launch of new graphic identity and re-launch of www.vancouver2010.com

Sep 17, 2008

Vancouver, BC — Just one day after the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and in its first official day as the “next Games,” the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) unveiled its new graphic identity — an identity that will create a unified and inspiring visual experience leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games. Early tomorrow morning VANOC will also launch a refreshed website designed to offer an enhanced, in-depth and interactive experience for virtual visitors worldwide.

The new graphic identity builds on the original colour palette of predominantly blues and greens found in the host region and is an intricate and colourful layering of many illustrated textures drawn from Canada’s natural and urban environments and rich cultural diversity. It captures, with imagination and creativity, the spirit of Vancouver 2010 in the universal language of design and incorporates elements designed by Xwa lack tun, a Vancouver-based Aboriginal artist. From banners to in-venue signage to postcards to workforce uniforms to building wraps, the Vancouver 2010 graphic identity is expected to become one of the most iconic elements of the Games experience.

Canadian Olympians Amanda Overland (short track speed skating), Chris Wong (freestyle skiing), Anne-Marie Lefrançois (alpine skiing) and Paralympian Tyler Mosher (cross-country skiing) today unveiled 24 pictograms and a series of sport illustrations as part of the new graphic identity. Created in collaboration with illustrator Irene Jacobs of I’m JAC Design, the pictograms represent 19 Olympic and five Paralympic sport disciplines with a simplified silhouette while incorporating the added dynamism of the athlete in motion. The pictograms and sport illustrations were inspired by modern sport photography, pop culture, fashion illustration and manga-style comics (a Japanese genre of comic books) to give athletes an heroic feel and a close-up view of their intensity and athleticism, while also serving as an inspiration to youth.

With the launch of domestic online ticket sales just over two weeks away, www.vancouver2010.com, powered by Bell, has been vastly enhanced and re-designed to ensure visitors, and particularly ticket buyers, truly experience the personality of the 2010 Winter Games. The refreshed vancouver2010.com site features the new graphic identity, sport illustrations and pictograms, as well as additional background on the new fusion look, including a behind-the-scenes video of how it was inspired and then created by VANOC’s in-house design team. The re-launched site now contains even more information about the 2010 Winter Games, including ticket information, legendary athlete bios, additional spectator information, and more in-depth content about Olympic and Paralympic winter sports. New features and functionality will be activated on the website as the Games approach, to engage Canadians and the world in the Vancouver 2010 experience. The site will be live by Thursday morning.

An example of the new features launching tomorrow at vancouver2010.com is the first in a series of monthly video podcasts (vodcasts). This month’s vodcast features an informal interview with Canadian short track speed skating athletes during a recent training session at the Pacific Coliseum (competition venue for short track speed skating and figure skating during the Games). In the vodcast, the athletes describe their sport and share personal and often light-hearted insights about themselves and the Games.

In the last year, vancouver2010.com received over three million unique visitors from around the world. This includes over two million Canadians from all regions of the country — or approximately one out of 17 citizens. Original website feature stories about athletes, sport, culture, sustainability and preparations for Canada’s Games are read by 30,000 people each month; videos on the website have been viewed some 435,000 times in the past year; and over 120,000 people have subscribed to receive the Vancouver 2010 General Update e-newsletter. The new website contains approximately 1,500 pages of content and is the number one source for information about the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com for more information.

Additional Background information:

Xwa lack tun
Internationally renowned artist Xwa lack tun was born and raised in Squamish and studied art at Capilano College and Emily Carr. Xwa lack tun's work can be seen throughout Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Some of his most notable works is the council table for the sixteen chiefs in council at the Squamish Nation Band Office and the Cedar doors that adorn the Recreation Centre on the Capilano Reserve, a major public art piece at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver, a commission for double doors for the University of Victoria, and ceremony maces for Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

Irene Jacobs — I’m Jac Design
Irene Jacobs is the Dutch illustrator and designer and the creative director of I'm JAC design, founded in 1993. Located in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, Irene’s work is inspired by nature, music, people, graphic design, movies, architecture and fashion. Operating as a global network of illustrators and designers, I’m Jac design works with a variety of media such as interactive design, moving image, websites, package design and advertising,

Graphic identity
The graphic identity, often called the “Look of the Games,” is introduced gradually leading up to the Games. It typically includes elements such as banners, flags, wraps, netting, ticket design, wayfinding and signage. It is usually seen throughout the host region often including airports, roadways, venues, celebration sites and uniforms to name a few.

Games Pictograms
Olympic pictograms first appeared at the London 1948 Olympic Games in London when organizers created 20 pictograms for 18 Olympic sports and one each for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. However, pictograms did not officially debut until the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games.

We’re next: Vancouver 2010 counts down to 2010 with launch of new graphic identity and re-launch of www.vancouver2010.com

Sep 17, 2008

Vancouver 2010 gains valuable insights on Games and athlete experience from Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Sep 16, 2008

Beijing, China – As the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games move into the final day of competition, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) summarized key learnings from the VANOC team who attended the Games and took the opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Beijing Organizing Committee and the performance of the Canadian Paralympic team.

“Both the athletes and the people of Beijing had the opportunity to shine during these Games. With the support of Chinese national television and hundreds of thousands of cheering fans, the 2008 Paralympic Games have left an indelible mark on the city and the entire country. The people of Beijing, and the Paralympic audience worldwide saw, first hand, the power of the human spirit through the passion and performance of these incredible athletes,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We now have an opportunity to build upon the excitement and momentum that Beijing 2008 brought to the Paralympic Movement and Paralympic sport. Congratulations to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Beijing 2008 Games Organizing Committee and the people of Beijing and China for brilliantly hosting and showcasing the talents and abilities of Paralympic athletes on the world stage.”

Continued Furlong, “Congratulations also to the Canadian team, which achieved such tremendous success at these Games, and to the Canadian Paralympic Committee. These athletes have demonstrated the power of sport to lift us up, to challenge ourselves and to inspire a nation.”

VANOC team members spent time observing and learning in key areas such as the transition between Olympic and Paralympic Games; Paralympic planning; village operations; medical services; community engagement and Paralympic outreach; accessibility; sport production; volunteers; and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) services.

“This is our final opportunity to observe a Paralympic Games until our turn in 2010,” said Dena Coward, director, Paralympic Games. “The lessons learned by our team here will enhance our integrated planning approach and ensure the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games continue to raise the bar for the Paralympic Movement. We look forward to hosting these remarkable athletes and sharing their compelling stories and their outstanding abilities with Canada and the world.”

The following is a summary of observations and learnings in key areas:

Television broadcast: As interest in Paralympic sport grows, so too does television and general media coverage. During the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, the IPC’s web-based ParalympicSport.TV experienced a significant increase in viewership. China Central Television broadcast continuous Paralympic coverage, leading to a notable impact on attendance and awareness. VANOC acknowledges the critical importance of Paralympic Games media coverage, particularly through television, recognizing that almost everyone who witnesses Paralympic sport — either in person or through television — is immediately moved and impressed by the calibre of the athletes, the excitement of the competitions and the power of the Paralympic Games. VANOC will continue to work with broadcasters to expand coverage of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games so the widest possible audience can watch live coverage of Paralympic events on television.

“VANOC is leading the Paralympic rights negotiations with all broadcasters worldwide and we are focused on increasing their commitment to both live and extensive coverage,” said Furlong. “The television signals of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be produced fully in High-Definition Television (HDTV) — a first for the Paralympic Winter Games, and a step which allows broadcasters to bring the highest quality coverage to their viewers around the world. At a national level, our broadcast negotiations are advancing quickly and we expect to set new precedents for live and overall daily coverage of the Games.”

Paralympic Planning: Detailed and thorough planning is necessary to achieve a smooth and successful transition from Olympic to Paralympic Games, thereby enhancing the athlete and spectator experience. Details such as appropriate signage and adjusting equipment needs, such as determining the number of flagpoles required to represent competing nations, to account for the smaller scale of the Paralympic Games should be carefully considered so that the transition takes place as smoothly as possible. The Paralympic Games pose additional challenges when meeting the needs of athletes with a variety of disabilities and VANOC’s integrated planning model ensures that Paralympic requirements are addressed well in advance of Games time. Accessibility at the competition and non-competition venues is paramount to the athlete experience, as is working with the host communities to ensure accessibility throughout the region, allowing athletes and visitors to move freely beyond the footprint of the Games.

Transition: Integrated planning and a pre-Games strategy for transition are key to delivering a seamless transition from Olympic to Paralympic Games in an extremely short timeframe. Key transition elements include the changeover of Games pageantry (Look of the Games); athlete village move-outs (Olympic Games) and move-ins (Paralympic Games); and venue changeovers, to ensure accessible sport conditions. In Beijing, the transition of Look of the Games elements was completed at Games venues within 48 hours and within five days across the city. VANOC’s integrated planning model will include specific schedules and a detailed project resource plan for all transition elements.

Villages: The athlete experience is paramount to an athlete’s success at Games time. Much of this experience takes place at the Athletes’ Village. The Beijing Organizing Committee ensured that details at its Games Village were carefully considered, from the adaptation of dining facilities to accommodate wheelchair athletes and the location of athletes to the first three floors of the Village to enhance accessibility (also reflecting the fact that fewer countries were participating in the Paralympic Games). VANOC is delivering a high standard of accessibility in all its athlete accommodations and village facilities, reflecting the array of needs for persons with a disability, from wheelchair use to visual impairment. In addition, VANOC is working to simplify the customer service needs of the athletes that will be attending the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games through a centralized service number for residents of the Athletes’ Villages, creating “one-stop shopping” for all requests.

Community Engagement: Igniting the passion and excitement of spectators and the community is essential to the success of Paralympic Games. The Beijing Organizing Committee provided increased public access to the Olympic Green and to Paralympic tickets, resulting in dynamic and exciting venues operating at near or full capacity. For athletes taking part in the Games, competing before thousands of new and engaged fans had a direct positive impact on them. Through education, including Paralympic outreach and awareness programs, VANOC is working toward creating an informed and excited audience that is eager to embrace and participate in Paralympic events and celebrations. To this end, on August 28 VANOC announced an affordable and accessible Paralympic ticketing program.

Medical: The Paralympic Games require specialized services to meet the needs of athletes using equipment that is critical to their performance, such as wheelchairs and prosthetic devices. Expedient and efficient repair service to this equipment is critical to athlete success. In addition, as observed in Beijing, a successful repair facility can also enhance the athlete experience, serving as a social hub and meeting place for athletes in need of equipment servicing.

VANOC is using a comprehensive and integrated approach in the delivery of athlete medical services including physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractics, podiatry and acupuncture. This array of services will allow the athletes to select the service that best suits their needs.

Transportation: Accessible transportation during the Paralympic Games is critical for the efficient movement of athletes, officials and members of the Paralympic Family, with or without a disability. For example, single-purpose transport (such as lift-equipped vans) limits the ability to move both wheelchair and non-wheelchair users if additional seating is not provided within the vehicle. VANOC is working to provide accessible and flexible-use transport vehicles that can accommodate a variety of users.

When moving a large population of wheelchair users, attention to detail and organization is vital. The Beijing Organizing Committee deployed new loading techniques for wheelchair-accessible buses, making the load/unload process extremely efficient for large-scale transport at events such as the Opening Ceremony.

Spectator Experience: Using sport production elements, such as large-screen video to provide background information on each Paralympic sport and the definitions for the various disability classifications, greatly enhances the spectator experience. VANOC will have the opportunity to both entertain and educate, creating a more meaningful experience for spectators. VANOC also noted that an enhanced variety of food choices at the venues will contribute to the spectator experience.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Yukon to showcase its unique northern character to the world during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games

Sep 12, 2008

WHITEHORSE – With just 518 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Yukon — Canada’s leading northern destination and the site of the highest point in Canada — has joined the Vancouver 2010 team.

Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie; Elaine Taylor, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Culture; Archie Lang, Minister of Community Services; and John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), today announced Yukon’s participation in VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP).

“Being a contributing partner in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games is an excellent opportunity for Yukon to share its unique northern culture, people, landscapes, and economic and social advantages with a global audience,” Premier Fentie said.

Yukon is the fifth provincial/territorial jurisdiction to join VANOC’s CPTP, with a $166,667 investment. The territory’s contribution will support Canadian athletes through the Own the Podium 2010 program, the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad and the staging of the Games.

“With world-class sport facilities, committed volunteers and officials, and an impressive history of successfully hosting major sporting events, including the 2007 Canada Winter Games, Yukon is an experienced and welcome addition to the Vancouver 2010 team,” John Furlong, VANOC’s CEO said. “We look forward to showcasing the vast northern beauty of the territory and the Aboriginal culture for which the Yukon is so well known.”

The 2010 Winter Games will bring athletes and spectators to Canada from around the world and will draw a global television audience of approximately three billion people. Through the CPTP, Yukon will have a golden opportunity to organize a Yukon Day at the Games to promote and showcase the territory. Opportunities will also exist for Yukon artists to participate in the Cultural Olympiad. In addition, the territory will have enhanced involvement in the Yukon portion of the torch relay, which will arrive in the territory prior to the Games.

About the Contributing Province/Territory Program
VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP) offers a structured avenue for all provinces and territories to participate in the 2010 Winter Games. Under the CPTP, signatory provinces and territories receive a package of benefits that create a close association with the Games, similar to those of corporate sponsors. In return, participating provinces and territories make a financial contribution towards the success of Canadian athletes in 2010 through the Own the Podium 2010 program; culture and arts, through the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad; and directly, to staging successful Games in 2010. VANOC developed this new program in response to interest demonstrated by Canada’s provinces and territories outside of British Columbia to allow for greater involvement in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

About Yukon
Yukon is larger than life, with a breathtaking wilderness, a wealth of opportunities, abundant natural resources and friendly, welcoming people. Home to modern infrastructure, a skilled and educated workforce and endless options for year-round outdoor activities, Yukon is an excellent place to live, work, invest and play.
Yukon has a vibrant culture filled with rich northern tradition — First Nations customs and beliefs, an active Francophone community, and the tales, artifacts and architecture of the Klondike Gold Rush. It has been called Land of the Midnight Sun; there are endless hours of sunlight during the summer months and incredible aurora borealis, or northern lights, during the winter.

Culture is threaded throughout Yukon’s diverse communities and is a way of life, as demonstrated by the beliefs, values, customs, behaviours and artefacts passed on from generation to generation. Yukon’s thriving artistic community is comprised of music, literature, painting, sculpture, storytelling, theatre and film — bringing Yukon’s stories to life for residents and visitors alike.

To learn more about Yukon, please visit www.gov.yk.ca or www.travelyukon.com.

About VANOC
VANOC’s government partners provide funding, infrastructure, essential service support and management services to the 2010 Winter Games, which will contribute to lasting economic, sport, cultural and social legacies. VANOC’s government partners include the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. To date, members of VANOC’s CPTP include Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec and Yukon. VANOC’s Venue Cities are Richmond, Surrey and the District of West Vancouver. VANOC has also signed memoranda of understanding with each Canadian province and territory. VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.vancouver2010.com.

2010 Winter Games Olympic Victory Ceremonies offer top value as organizers prepare for Phase 1 ticket sales, from October 3 to November 7, 2008

Sep 9, 2008

10,000 free tickets and up to 20,000 $22 tickets every night for Victory Ceremonies

Vancouver, BC — The once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Olympic Games became that much more real today with the release of details on nightly Victory Ceremonies tickets as well as important information Canadian ticket buyers should know to get ready to buy tickets when Phase 1 ticket sales begin on October 3, 2008.

Approximately 30,000 tickets will be available for each nightly Olympic Victory Ceremony at BC Place — 10,000 will be free through a program that will be unveiled in 2009, while up to 20,000 will be sold for $22. Nightly Victory Ceremonies will pay tribute to the athletes as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes the day’s accomplishments in the presence of the Olympic Flame. Following the medal presentations, the athletes’ triumphs will be honoured with a celebration concert featuring renowned entertainers.

Including the nightly Olympic Victory Ceremonies, approximately two million tickets will be available for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games with more than 400,000 tickets priced at $25 or less and more than half of all tickets priced at $100 or less.

“With just weeks remaining before tickets go on sale, now is the time for Canadians to get ready to create their own unforgettable Olympic experience in 2010. We are particularly excited to whet everyone’s appetite with new details on the nightly Victory Ceremonies at BC Place,” said Dave Cobb, executive vice president for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games mark the first time an Organizing Committee has combined the Opening, Closing and Victory Ceremonies at one venue, BC Place. In addition to the comfort of an indoor venue, the stadium setting also allows VANOC to create a unified Olympic Winter Games story that unfolds in three distinct chapters — the Opening Ceremony, the nightly Victory Ceremonies and the Closing Ceremony. Victory Ceremonies will also be held each night at the Whistler Olympic Celebration Plaza. Details regarding tickets and access will be announced in the near future.

With the countdown to the start of ticket sales now on, the following information and reminders were released today:

Phase 1: October 3 to November 7 — No need to rush
Phase 1 of ticket requests runs from October 3 through November 7, 2008. There’s no rush to submit a request on the first day. The public is encouraged to take its time and to talk to friends and family and think about which dates work for them and which events they most want to see. A request submitted on October 3 will be considered the same as a request submitted November 7. Members of the public who requested tickets will be notified of their ticket allocation in late November/early December, and will be able to confidently finalize the rest of their plans, which may include booking flights and accommodation.

Have your Visa card ready
In recognition of the Visa Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games sponsorship, Vancouver 2010 is proud to acknowledge Visa as the only payment card accepted. The public is encouraged to be prepared by ensuring they have a Visa card of their own. Cheques and money orders will be accepted, however, some conditions apply. Visit www.vancouver2010.com or call the Vancouver 2010 Ticketing Call Centre at 1-800-TICKETS (1-800-842-5387) after September 15 for details. Cash will not be accepted as payment for tickets during Phase 1.

Ticket surcharges
VANOC has committed to ensuring that surcharges on Vancouver 2010 tickets are less than those on similar ticket programs in the market today; surcharges will vary depending on the value of the ticket order. In addition, tickets will be delivered securely by Purolator Courier in late 2009 and must be received and signed for by the account holder.

Transportation planning
As there will be no parking at venues in either Vancouver or Whistler, using Vancouver 2010 transportation in the Sea to Sky Corridor will be the easiest and best mode of transport. Transportation costs for spectator travel between Vancouver and Whistler are still being determined, but will be significantly less than current market costs. Arrangements for local transportation are still under development and details will be finalized and announced in the coming months.

Ticket allocations
Overall, 70 per cent of all tickets will be available to the general public while 30 per cent will be made available for purchase by the Olympic Family. As is required of all Olympic Organizing Committees, approximately 30 per cent of all tickets will be held for purchase by key partners that participate directly in the staging of the Games – commonly referred to as the Olympic Family. The Olympic family includes athletes and their families, National Olympic Committees and international sport federations, media and broadcasters and worldwide and domestic sponsors. Initial ticket allocations for the Olympic Family have been completed by VANOC and the requests are under review. As expected, demand for tickets is extremely high.

While 70 per cent overall of all tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will go to the public, as is common at all Olympic Games, ticket allocations for individual events will vary. Over the past year, VANOC has worked with the IOC and its sport partners to develop single event public ticket allocation minimums. In some cases more than 70 per cent of tickets to a single event will be available to the public; in all cases, however, events have at least 30 per cent of the tickets available to the public.

“We want to ensure that the maximum number of tickets are available to the public for every event. While previous Games have established event public ticketing thresholds at 10 per cent or less, we’ve worked hard to increase the 2010 Winter Games event threshold for public tickets to a minimum of 30 per cent,” said Caley Denton, VANOC vice president of ticketing and consumer marketing.

VANOC also confirmed today that additional ticket sale information and important reminders will be released in the coming weeks as follows:

	September 17: Details on Olympic Experience Packages and “How to maximize your Olympic experience” information will be released on vancouver2010.com and at a Vancouver Board of Trade luncheon presentation
	September 25: Vancouver 2010 media conference to provide full information and important reminders on the sale of Olympic Winter Games tickets
	September 27 and 28: Publication of Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games ticket information supplements in The Globe and Mail and Canwest newspapers.
	October 2: News release to remind public of key ticket buying tips
	October 3: Tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games go on sale

Helpful links to previous Vancouver 2010 ticket announcements:

General overview
Event schedules
Ticket prices

Acklands-Grainger to help ensure "safety first" at the 2010 Winter Games

Sep 8, 2008

Canada’s largest industrial distributor named Official Supplier of Industrial Safety and Material Handling Equipment for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Vancouver, BC — As the eyes of the world turn to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, few will see the thousands of hours required to deliver an incredible event while ensuring the safety of everyone — from volunteers, officials and members of the Games workforce to spectators and athletes. To support this important goal, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today announced that Acklands-Grainger Inc. has been named Official Supplier of Industrial Safety and Material Handling Equipment. Acklands-Grainger receives sponsorship rights in the Industrial Safety and Material Handling Equipment Product category for the 2010 Winter Games and for the Canadian Olympic team through to 2012.

As part of its sponsorship, Acklands-Grainger will provide safety supplies, such as hard hats, safety vests, emergency blankets and traffic cones, together with welding equipment, industrial shelving and lockers, pallet jacks, platform trucks and hand trucks. This equipment will be used both in the preparation and support of venue and logistical operations during the 2010 Winter Games.

“The thousands of people behind the scenes making sure everything is ready and safely delivered for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are the real unsung heroes,” said Acklands-Grainger president, Court Carruthers. “It’s our job to help keep them safe by providing the material-handling and safety products that VANOC needs. Our employees in Vancouver and across the country are committed to doing their part to help VANOC deliver a spectacular event that will make all Canadians proud.”

“With more than 120 years operating in Canada, Acklands-Grainger will provide us with a broad range of supplies, which will help us create a safe environment and an experience of a lifetime at the 2010 Winter Games for spectators, athletes, officials and workforce,” said Terry Wright, executive vice president, Services and Games Operations at VANOC.

Recognized by Imagine Canada as part of its Caring Company program, Acklands-Grainger has an impressive track record in supporting the communities where its 2,200 Canadian employees live and work. The company serves as a national partner to the United Way and Scott Firefit Championships, and is a local supporter to the Canadian Hockey League, as well as numerous community groups across the country.

About Acklands-Grainger Inc.
Acklands-Grainger Inc. is Canada’s largest distributor of industrial and safety supplies, with over 100,000 in-stock products available from 155 branches and five distribution centres from coast to coast.

Its parent company, W.W. Grainger, Inc., with 2007 sales of $6.4 billion, is the leading supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in Canada, China, Mexico and the United States. Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centres and multiple websites, Acklands-Grainger employees help customers get the job done. Visit www.grainger.com for more information about the company.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, Bombardier Inc., the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Acklands-Grainger, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canada Post, Canwest Publishing Inc., Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills, Hain Celestial Canada, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries, Workopolis and Wrigley Canada.

Vancouver 2010 statements regarding the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony

Sep 6, 2008

Beijing, China – As the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games concluded, members of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and the City of Vancouver offered the following personal impressions on the evening’s incredible event (all were in attendance):

Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver
"Tonight's Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Paralympic Summer Games was an electrifying tribute to the athletes that have gathered in Beijing from around the globe. These Games mark a turning point for China and the movement toward more inclusion for people with disabilities. It was an honour to be here to represent Vancouver and Canada. In 2010 we will maintain the momentum these Games have generated. We will have an opportunity to showcase Vancouver as the most accessible city in the world."

John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer, VANOC
“This was a magnificent, moving, human experience that no one will ever forget. Beijing did it again. What a performance. Being here has only emboldened our excitement to host and cheer on these world-class athletes when the Games come to Canada in 2010.

Congratulations to the athletes soon to compete in the Games, and to the Organizing Committee and the people of China for showcasing excellence in sport at the highest level, on such a spectacular scale.”

Dena Coward, Director, Paralympic Games, VANOC
“Tonight’s inspirational Opening Ceremony does more than present these amazing athletes to the world. It marks the beginning of competition that will open the eyes of the world to athleticism of the highest standard and the uncompromising determination all athletes have — regardless of ability.”

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games take place from September 6 to 17, 2008. The Opening of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games coincides with 524 days to the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and 552 days to the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games tickets on sale May 6, 2009; prices start at $10

Aug 28, 2008

Canadian Paralympians encourage Canadians to experience the Games

Vancouver, BC — As the world’s top Paralympians gather in Beijing for the 2008 Paralympic Games, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today announced details of how spectators can start planning to attend some of the most inspirational and affordably priced sporting events in the world — at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Approximately 250,000 tickets for 52 sport and ceremony events at seven venues, for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, go on sale on May 6, 2009 on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices start at $10 for group packages of 20 or more people. Eighty-five per cent of all individual tickets are priced at $20 or less. Individual tickets to alpine skiing events will be priced at $15, while wheelchair curling tickets will start at $15 and range up to $30. Ice sledge hockey tickets will range from $20 to $50, and prices for Opening Ceremony tickets will range from $30 to $175. A full range of information on Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games sport disciplines, events and ticket prices is available at www.vancouver2010.com, as is the opportunity to sign up to receive the latest ticketing information as it becomes available. Visa is the exclusive payment method for online ticket purchases.

“For 10 days in March, more than 600 Paralympians will inspire us with their world-class athleticism and incredible stories,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC executive vice president, sport and games operations. “The passion, skill and determination that these athletes demonstrate every day is truly remarkable. What’s more, the Games in 2010 will provide spectators with an unprecedented opportunity to personally witness their stories while providing a global platform for the Paralympic Movement.”

“One of the special pieces of our Paralympic ticket program is our group ticket package program, which will offer the public an affordable, simple and convenient opportunity to share the excitement and inspiration of the Games with their staff, teammates or friends and family,” said Caley Denton, VANOC vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing. “The Paralympic Games are one of the best values in the world of sport and these packages will enhance that value even more.”

Five of Canada’s top winter Paralympians attended today’s event and recounted their Paralympic experiences, speaking about the importance and motivation of competing at home, particularly in front of an enthusiastic crowd of spectators. The athletes included Lauren Woolstencroft, 2006 Paralympic gold medallist, alpine skiing; Todd Nicholson, 2006 Paralympic gold medallist, sledge hockey; Sonja Gaudet, 2006 Paralympic gold medallist, wheelchair curling; and cross-country skier Robbi Weldon, Canadian Para-Nordic Senior World Cup Team member, who was accompanied by her guide, Brian Berry.

“As an athlete, there’s no question the energy of a crowd can push you to perform at new heights,” said Woolstencroft. “Having venues filled with cheering, flag-waving Canadians will be an enormous advantage for all of our athletes.”

With just 9 days until the opening of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, the five athletes from Canada’s 2010 Winter Games Paralympic team, and VANOC executives and staff, took the opportunity to offer a message of good will and good luck to Canada’s Paralympic team in Beijing by signing a “good luck” banner to be delivered to the team.

“Representing Canada at the Paralympic Games is a great honour and the result of years of hard work and determination; from experience I can say every Canadian athlete headed to Beijing is feeling the excitement, anticipation and most of all the pride of wearing the Maple Leaf on the world stage,” stated Nicholson. “I know their performances in Beijing will make all of Canada proud and set the tone for our winter athlete’s performances in 2010.”

Further information about the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games ticket program and the many additional events in Vancouver and Whistler during the Games, including the nightly Victory Ceremonies in Whistler, will be released in the coming months.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit: vancouver2010.com

Vancouver 2010 Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre Official Opening September 1 in Squamish

Aug 26, 2008

Squamish, BC –The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) invites the Sea to Sky community to top off their summer with a special event. The new Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre in Squamish will open its doors with an official opening celebration on Monday, September 1 from noon to 4:00 pm.

“Being a volunteer in 2010 will be an unforgettable experience and we are excited to be engaging Sea to Sky communities in such a big way,” said Donna Wilson, VANOC executive vice president, workforce and sustainability. “As the host of the Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre, Squamish is playing an important role in engaging Sea to Sky communities in the 2010 Winter Games. Through this new centre it will be easier for the entire corridor to get informed and be involved. Residents in the Sea to Sky area have an opportunity to be part of the 2010 Winter Games and showcase their passion for this beautiful region, whether through volunteerism or opening their homes.”

To celebrate the official opening of the centre, VANOC will hold a parking lot party featuring sport demonstrations, a special appearance by the Vancouver 2010 mascots, Sumi, Miga and Quatchi, souvenir 2010 mascot stickers, live music, food and give-aways. Other activities include face painting and an opportunity for visitors to test their shooting accuracy with a biathlon rifle. Children are encouraged to bring their hockey sticks to take shots on goal with VANOC’S official goalie, Quatchi. Entertainment will include music from Squamish’s Jocelyn Band, Whistler’s Hairfarmers and Pemberton’s Gordo.

The 2010 Winter Games Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre will serve as the primary regional hub for recruitment, deployment and training for volunteers residing in the Sea to Sky corridor. The facility will also host many workforce planning activities in the lead up to the 2010 Winter Games. Between now and 2010, thousands of volunteers are expected to pass through the Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre, filling the hundreds of different roles required in the Sea to Sky corridor at Games time.

“I have a love for sport, our community and the Olympic Movement,” said community volunteer Kim Stegeman. “Having volunteered for a year with Callaghan Valley Local Organizing Committee (CALOC), I know how fulfilling the experience is to be a volunteer and I am proud, like most Canadians, to be part of hosting the Games in 2010. I encourage everyone in the Sea to Sky area to explore this exciting opportunity”

VANOC staff members will be available at the event to answer questions about volunteer opportunities leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games. Visitors who are interested in applying will be able to sign up during the official opening or learn how to sign up online at vancouver2010.com or workopolis.com.

The Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre is located in the new Spectacle building at 40437 Tantalus Road. The centre is off Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way, behind the Petro-Canada station, and in close proximity to public transit and the Greyhound station. Located within a 60-minute drive from Pemberton and a 35-minute drive from Whistler, the Spectacle location offers easy access to all Sea to Sky residents.

The centre in Squamish provides 465 square metres (5,000 square feet) of space, is highly visible from Highway 99 and is accessible to persons with disabilities.

VANOC requires 25,000 exceptional Canadians — with a special emphasis on Sea to Sky residents with a passion for their community and the 2010 Winter Games — who are ready to put their hearts into creating an event that will inspire the world. Aspiring volunteers can apply online at www.vancouver2010.com and through www.volunteer.workopolis.com. Applicants without internet access at home are encouraged to stop by the centre in Squamish on September 1 or visit a BC library, the 2010 Information Centre in Whistler or an internet café.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com

Vancouver 2010 takes valuable first-hand observations on Games experience and planning from Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Aug 21, 2008

VANOC congratulates Beijing 2008 organizers for unforgettable Games

Beijing, China – As the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games move into the final three days, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today provided a summary of its team’s key observations and learnings from the Games and a look ahead to the major Vancouver 2010 milestones in the coming months.

“Sport was the big winner here in Beijing and our lasting impressions of the Olympic Games will be of precision, spectacular fields of play and arenas that allowed athletes to perform at their very best. Additionally, we will never forget the immense pride of Chinese citizens in opening up their country with warmth and hosting the world. In its bid, Beijing committed to inspiring a nation of 400 million children — and they’ve clearly done so given the spectacular performance of their Olympic team,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Congratulations to the International Olympic Committee, the Beijing 2008 Games Organizing Committee and the people of China on an unprecedented show of sport and culture.”

Furlong added, “Congratulations also to our amazing Canadian athletes, and to our friends at the national sport organizations and the Canadian Olympic Committee, who have demonstrated again how the power of sport can inspire a nation, connecting each province and territory together in the spirit of the Games.”

“Beijing 2008 has been a highly valuable learning experience for our team, especially in the areas of ticketing and the spectator experience. Members of VANOC’s team have been observing and working in areas such as press operations, broadcast, villages, sponsor hospitality and showcasing, ticketing, medical services and volunteers. Everyone will come home with an enhanced perspective on how to make the 2010 Winter Games the best possible experience,” concluded Furlong.

Furlong also reported that the Beijing 2008 Games have fostered additional interest in Vancouver 2010. During the Beijing Games period, visits to vancouver2010.com have increased fivefold, while daily applications from volunteers eager to be part of the 2010 experience have tripled.

The following is a summary of observations/learnings in key areas:

1) Ticketing: All tickets may be sold, but ensuring the venues are full during many competitions remains a challenge for Games Organizers. Confirmation: VANOC recognizes this challenge and is therefore continuing to work on programs intended to make sure that the maximum amount of tickets are in the hands of people who can use them. This includes an authorized resale and exchange system for tickets close to event times. It will also include: the strategic allocation of high-demand tickets within the Olympic Family allotment to ensure they will be used; ensuring the maximum number of tickets are sold to the general public, where usage rates are highest; and minimizing the number of multiple-session tickets. VANOC is also making a concerted effort to raise public awareness about the risk of buying tickets from any channels other than vancouver2010.com and Jet Set Sports, the official sources for Vancouver 2010 tickets.

2) Spectator experience: Creating a consistently positive spectator experience at all venues results in lifelong memories for fans and an optimum atmosphere for athletes. Confirmation: VANOC will continue to develop plans to offer spectators a smooth and efficient entry and exit from all venues, and a consistently rich spectator experience that includes sport education, video, music, mascots, food and beverages, souvenirs and elements that are unique to the history and culture of each sport.

3) Volunteers: Volunteers are the face and personality of an Organizing Committee, and, by extension, the Host Region and Host Country. Confirmation: VANOC will continue to implement a comprehensive volunteer recruitment and training program, including plans to have a senior volunteer at each major touch point to troubleshoot and ensure extraordinary circumstances are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

4) Ceremonies: The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony was a spectacular showcase of culture and sport that inspired intense national pride while employing the latest in special event technology. Confirmation: Canada will have an equally compelling opportunity to tell its Opening Ceremony story to the world and will also use the best practices in major event staging to ensure well-orchestrated and emotionally charged Opening and Closing Ceremonies. VANOC will offer nightly Victory Ceremonies at BC Place which will include a celebration of the medal-winning athletes for the day and a concert by world-class musical artists.

5) Athlete Villages: The Athletes’ Village in Beijing was well-equipped to meet the needs of athletes and team officials, including internet connectivity; food service; team space requirements; and a comfortable, secure environment to train, prepare, rest, relax and meet fellow athletes. Even the small details were a priority, for example, original welcome posters, crafted by children, in each room. Confirmation: The success of Beijing’s Village confirmed VANOC’s plans for its own Athletes’ Villages in Vancouver and Whistler, which will include world-class amenities that will allow athletes to feel “at home” in the time they’re away from competition venues. Vancouver 2010 villages are located close to Games venues and will have optimum internet connectivity, adequate space, recreational facilities and healthy and varied food choices.

6) Media facilities: The Main Press Center (MPC) and International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Beijing offered an excellent setup to meet the needs of accredited media, including seamless security screening systems. Confirmation: The Main Media Centre in Vancouver will provide the added convenience of being conveniently located close to major downtown hotels, sport venues and the spectacular Pacific Ocean waterfront. VANOC will also review the successful security screening system employed by the Beijing Organizing Committee between the media’s accommodation and key venues to see if it can be adapted for Vancouver 2010.

7) Weather: Rain caused delays and postponements at a number of events. The Beijing Organizing Committee was able to reschedule and stage these events within the planned Games schedule. Confirmation: VANOC recently released its Games schedule by time, which was specifically designed to account for the possibility of winter weather delays or postponements and to accommodate this within the Games period.

8) Sponsor profile and showcasing: The Beijing Games offered an exceptional opportunity for major sponsors to use imaginative ways to profile their support, including pavilions at the Olympic Green and partnership in hospitality centres hosted by National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Although early attendance was low, the Beijing Organizing Committee quickly made adjustments to ensure the sponsor showcase area at the Olympic Green became a popular destination. Confirmation: VANOC’s sponsor showcase area will be open to the general public; will be offered free of charge without the requirement of a ticket; and will be conveniently located close to major venues and live sites.

9) Knowledge/experience transfer: A number of key staff from VANOC and its partners were seconded by the Beijing Organizing Committee and Jet Set Sports to work for the Games and be embedded in the Games environment. They are gaining expertise and learning about the Games first hand. Front-of-the-line expertise is being gathered in areas such as press operations, protocol, corporate hospitality, broadcast, villages, sponsor hospitality and showcasing, ticketing, medical services and volunteers. Confirmation: Knowledge transfer and practical work experience opportunities between Organizing Committees at a Games is extremely valuable. VANOC will look to implement similar initiatives to engage personnel from Organizing Committees for future Games.

10) Look of the Games: The Beijing Organizing Committee executed a spectacular Look-of-the-Games program with banners, flags and lighting in addition to successfully creating a colourful and impressive city-wide atmosphere of celebration. Competition venues were particularly well-decorated with the Look of the Games offering a real sense of Olympic celebration. Confirmation: VANOC will release its Look of the Games designs, including sport pictograms, on September 10, and is currently confirming with its partners how Look elements can most effectively create the spirit of celebration in 2010.

Furlong concluded with a general update on Games planning, highlighting key milestones scheduled through the one-year countdown period to Vancouver 2010, including:

Look of the Games and sport pictograms launch (September 2008)

Launch of completely re-designed vancouver2010.com website which includes new content. vancouver2010.com is the Official Website of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (September 2008)

Launch of thematic advertising campaign to introduce the Vancouver 2010 Games-time motto (September 2008)

Olympic tickets on sale and launch of ticketing advertising campaign (October 3, 2008)

Staging of 18 Sport Events, beginning with Short Track Speed Skating (October 24–26, 2008)

Calendar: 2008-2009 Sport Events Calendar

Hosting the World Press Briefing (November 18–21, 2008)

Torch Relay National Route Announcement (fall/winter 2008)

Torchbearer programs launched by Coca-Cola and RBC (late 2008)

Official opening of the Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre (venue for curling and wheelchair curling) (fall/winter 2008)

Official opening of the Richmond Oval (speed skating venue) (December 2008)

Details of transportation plans (early 2009)

Unveiling of Olympic Torch design and uniform (early 2009)

One-Year Olympic Countdown (February 2009)

Launch of Phase 2 ticket sales (February 2009)

One-Year Paralympic Countdown (March 2009)

Eight new businesses added to the Vancouver 2010 licensee program

Aug 14, 2008

Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is pleased to welcome eight new companies to its Official Licensee Program. The licensees will develop and sell products bearing Vancouver 2010 emblems and the Olympic and Paralympic brands.

The licensees include:

	Blade Pro Products Inc. (Hockey Blade Tape), Vancouver, BC
	Cryopak Industries (2007) ULC (Reusable Hot/Cold Gel Packs), Delta, BC
	Dale of Norway (Knitted Wool Sweaters), Markham, ON
	L.B Maple Treat (Maple Syrup), Vancouver, BC
	Overland Models, Inc (Model Locomotives), Muncie, IN
	Purdy’s–Rogers’ Partnership (Boxed Chocolates), Vancouver/Victoria, BC
	Rocky Mountain Down and Feather (Housewares), Burnaby, BC
	Sandylion Inc. (Office and School Supplies), Markham, ON

“We’re very pleased to have such a wide range of businesses who are leaders in their fields come on board with us as we move ever closer towards 2010,” said Dennis Kim, VANOC’s director of licensing and merchandising. “There’s no question that consumers connect to the 2010 brand, and clearly the businesses who have partnered with us recognize the high value in the association with us. The licensee program has seen extremely healthy results to date and sales have been very strong. We look forward to building mutually beneficial partnerships with these companies.”

In addition to 400 Hbc stores, currently more than 1,100 retail stores across Canada carry officially licensed Vancouver 2010 merchandise. To date, 38 companies have signed on to VANOC’s Official Licensee Program.

The sale of Vancouver 2010 official licensed products contributes directly to Games revenues which support the financing and staging of the 2010 Winter Games. Merchandise developed by the new licensees is expected to be in stores beginning in fall 2008.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com for more information.

Blade Pro Products Inc.
Blade Pro Products Inc. is the manufacturer of a value-added hockey tape for both ice hockey and inline hockey players. The company’s flagship product, BladeTape, is an alternative to cloth-based hockey tape. BladeTape is durable, easier to apply, and gives users a better grip on the puck which helps improve stick-handling.

Cryopak Industries (2007) ULC
With facilities in Vancouver and Montreal, Cryopak is a leading provider of temperature-controlling products and solutions serving fine North American retailers and consumer goods companies. Cryopak develops, manufactures and sells reusable ice substitutes, flexible hot and cold compresses, reusable gel ice and instant hot and cold packs.

Dale of Norway
Dale of Norway is one of Europe's leading knitwear companies, established in 1879 on the West coast of Norway. All designs are done in-house by Dale of Norway's team of Norwegian designers which ensures complete control with the entire design and manufacturing process.
The focus on sustainability is also found in Dale's goal to support the environment as all power needs are supplied by local non-polluting hydro power.

L.B. Maple Treat
L.B. Maple Treat has been in the maple syrup business for over 25 years, producing high quality maple syrup with no chemical additives or preservatives. L.B. Maple Treat’s farm is the largest independent maple farm in the world consisting of over 1,200 acres with over 100,000 trees tapped.

Overland Models, Inc.
Overland Models, Inc. has been a premier importer of fine brass scale model railroad equipment in HO, N, O and S scales for over 32 years. Their models are handcrafted scale replicas of North American prototypes produced by some of the world’s foremost manufacturers of detailed brass models.

Purdy’s – Rogers’ Partnership
Rogers’ and Purdy’s formed a unique partnership exclusively for the 2010 Winter Games and will act as co-licensees with VANOC in the retailing, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of fine boxed chocolates.

Located in Vancouver, B.C., Purdy’s Chocolates are made using the finest ingredients from around the world including chocolate from Belgium, ginger from Australia, cashews from India, and dairy products delivered fresh daily from farms across Western Canada.
Rogers’ Chocolates was founded in Victoria, BC in 1885 by Charles "Candy" Rogers. With 13 retail locations in British Columbia, hundreds of retail partners across Canada and thousands of mail-order customers from over 70 different countries, Rogers’ Chocolates will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2010.

Rocky Mountain Down & Feather
Rocky Mountain Down & Feather (RMDF) – an employer of more than 30 people – is a Burnaby- based manufacturer and wholesale company that has been in business since 1997.
RMDF locally manufactures down duvets, feather and synthetic pillows and wholesales various bedding and houseware products to many of Canada’s major retailers. RMDF is a proud member of the Canadian Down & Feather Association.

Sandylion Inc.
Sandylion Sticker Designs is a world leader in the design, development and marketing of novelty stickers and related stationery, scrapbooking and home decor products, featuring its own branded and licensed varieties. These products are enjoyed by kids of all ages.

Statements regarding the Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony

Aug 8, 2008

Beijing, China – As the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad concluded, members of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia offered the following personal impressions on the evening’s spectacular event (all were in attendance):

David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs representing Government of Canada:
"What a proud night for China and for all Canadians as we get ready to be the next host and share that same stage of honour. Bravo, Beijing, on a night of memories for everyone here and watching at home. You have shown the world what can be done to celebrate the spirit of friendship and fair play."

Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia:
"A mesmerizing show where everyone was filled with the sense of the possible. It touched the senses with light and sound, born of a rich cultural history. This was China's invitation to the world. The precision and dedication of all the artists was inspiring. It reminded us all of what the Olympic Movement is about!"

"It was a proud moment for everyone to see Canada's Olympic team enter the stadium and to see the Olympic Cauldron burn bright. It reminds us that the next time our Olympic athletes take part in the Opening Ceremony, and the next time the drama of the Olympic Cauldron lighting stirs everyone's hearts as it did tonight, it will be at home in 2010."

Jack Poole, Chairman, VANOC Board of Directors:
"What an incredible night for China and for the Olympic Movement. I felt honored to be here and to witness what will unquestionably be one of the most memorable ceremonies in the Olympic history books."

"Congratulations to the Organizing Committee and the people of China for truly showing the world one world and one dream."

John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer:
"It felt like the world caught its breath tonight even if only for an instant — but for long enough to remind us all of how good we can be when we celebrate our common humanity. The stadium was filled with joy — hope and inspiration . . . pride and peace.”

"China dazzled us all on 8–08–2008 with the art of what is possible, and they did it with passion, humility and creative genius. It was such a privilege to witness this. I will never forget tonight."

"The elements were as magical as they were technological — as moving as they were inspired — and they were daring. There will be talk about this for generations."

"Seven years ago, in Moscow, China spoke about bringing sport and Olympic values to the lives of 400 million Chinese children. Tonight was their night."

David Guscott, VANOC Executive Vice President, Celebrations and Partnerships:
"Tonight was clearly China's spectacularly dramatic coming-out party. It was like a magic show —as soon as you thought you'd seen everything —there was something even more spectacular!"

"The most memorable moment was the history of China literally unfolding on an ancient scroll painting. The lit costumes were a personal favourite. And I was most impressed by the spectacular ending — the highest tech of a globe, appearing out of the floor with anti-gravity dancers surrounded simply by thousands of beautiful faces of children of the world painted on umbrellas that magically opened at once.”

"All told, it was a wonderful blend of technology, passion and drama."

The 2008 Olympic Games officially opened at 8:08 pm (5:08 am PT) on the eighth day of the eighth month — symbolic, as the number eight symbolizes good fortune in China — before a global audience of one billion.

The Closing Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic Games will take place on August 24, prior to the start of the 2008 Paralympic Games, which will run from September 6 to 17. As of today, August 8, 2008, only 553 days remain until the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Time to start thinking tickets; Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games detailed schedules released

August 1, 2008

Full hourly schedules available at vancouver2010.com

Beijing, China — Enthusiasts of the 2010 Winter Games can further plan the experience of a lifetime with today’s release of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games detailed competition schedules — hourly accounts of the sport activities taking place over the 17 days of Olympic competition and 10 days of Paralympic competition in 2010.

Today’s announcement by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) stems from the approval of the hourly Olympic Winter Games Competition Schedule by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Beijing, China. The hourly Paralympic Winter Games Competition Schedule was approved by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 2007. With both schedules now approved and available at www.vancouver2010.com, and just about two months remaining until tickets to the Olympic Winter Games go on sale, on October 3, the picture just got much clearer for those planning to attend the Games in 2010.

Notable schedule highlights include: the Opening Ceremony which will launch the XXI Olympic Winter Games, at 6:00 pm on February 12, 2010, at BC Place; the final sport event of the Olympic Winter Games, the men’s gold medal hockey game, on February 28, at 12:15 pm at General Motors Place; the first Paralympic sport event, on March 13, when the men’s and ladies’ alpine skiing competitions begin at 9:30 am at Whistler Creekside; and the final Paralympic sport event on March 21, the men’s and ladies’ one-kilometre sprint finals in cross-country skiing, beginning at 12:00 pm at Whistler Paralympic Park.

“This is a major milestone we can share with our sport and broadcast partners who worked closely with us to develop a balanced Games schedule that satisfies the respective International Sport Federations (IFs), television audiences around the world and spectators who will attend the Games,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC’s executive vice president, Sport and Games Operations.

“As with all Games, the schedule will maintain a degree of flexibility in timing. However, now that the overall schedule has been refined, we know it will be of great interest to spectators so they can plan their activities. But it’s also a key planning document for others. Broadcasters and service providers can begin to hone their plans for 2010. Our team can start finalizing all crucial systems to ensure an exemplary experience for all. And,

perhaps most importantly, the world’s greatest winter athletes can further develop their game plans as they prepare to perform on the world’s largest stage in 2010.”

With nine competition venues, 12 stadiums, seven sports, 15 disciplines, 86 medal events for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and 64 medal events for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, producing the hourly competition schedules has been a highly complex endeavour. The hourly competition schedules released today were built on the schedules announced by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in December 2007, which underwent eight subsequent revisions. Seven IFs were consulted, overseeing 15 Olympic disciplines and 86 Olympic medal events. Two Paralympic IFs were consulted, overseeing five sports and 64 Paralympic medal events. Contingency plans for adverse weather conditions, event sequencing (to allow recovery time for athletes in more than one event), venue operational considerations and complex broadcast logistics (including balancing live global coverage of simultaneous events at different venues) all had to be built into the schedules.

Notable highlights of the hourly 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games schedules:
Olympic Winter Games:

	Opening Ceremony: Day 1, Friday, February 12, 2010, 18:00–21:00 (BC Place and Whistler Olympic Celebration Plaza)
	Closing Ceremony: Day 17, Sunday, February 28, 2010, 17:30–20:00 (BC Place and Whistler Olympic Celebration Plaza)
	First event — ski jumping men’s normal hill individual qualification: Day 1, Friday, February 12, 2010, 10:00–11:00 (Whistler Olympic Park)
	Final event — ice hockey, men’s gold medal game: Day 17, Sunday, February 28, 2010, 12:15–14:45, (General Motors Place)

Paralympic Winter Games:

	First event — alpine skiing, men’s/ladies’ downhill: Day 2, Saturday, March 13, 2010, 09:30–12:00 (Whistler Creekside)
	Final event — cross-country skiing, men’s/ladies’ one-kilometre sprint finals: Day 10, Sunday, March 21, 2010, 12:00–14:00 (Whistler Paralympic Park)

Additional items discussed with the IOC Executive Board included:

	Vancouver 2010 accreditation entry procedures, relating to use of the Olympic Identity and Accreditation Card
	Workforce uniform designs
	Elements of the Vancouver 2010 Rate Card catalogue

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

GE celebrates the spirit of the Games with donation of legacy CT scanner

July 18, 2008

Marnie Simon, President of the Whistler Health Care Foundation (L), holds a photo of a CT scanner by GE. (VANOC photo)

As a tribute to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, GE (NYSE: GE) — a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games — recently donated a CT scanner to the Sea to Sky region of British Columbia.

GE’s Lightspeed VCT, a state-of-the-art medical imaging device, will be located in the Whistler Health Care Centre in advance of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and will remain within the community following the Games. For residents of the Sea to Sky corridor, it means that diagnostic technology that won’t be a flight away. It’s the first CT scanner to be located in Whistler. The CT scanner is anticipated to be installed by December 2008.

“We are delighted that Whistler, a world-class destination, now has this essential equipment for residents and visitors,” said Peter Foss, President, Olympic Sponsorship, GE. “Residents will no longer have to travel long distances for CT scans. It’s gratifying to know that one of GE’s innovative healthcare products will deliver substantial benefits within the Sea to Sky region.”

What is a CT scanner? Computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging method capable of generating three-dimensional images, inside the body, non-invasively. With more than 23,000 ski-related head injuries and 19,000 mountain biking-related head injuries occurring every year in Whistler, the scanner is an important addition for the Sea to Sky region. The CT scanner will be used for visitors and residents for the long term, and, along with GE’s advanced imaging equipment (MRI and ultrasound).

CT scans are crucial in treating athletes with training and sports injuries. That’s why GE is also working to improve sports medicine technologies, and presently, the Olympic sponsor is conducting ongoing cardiac and musculoskeletal research with several National Olympic teams.

“We are extremely pleased with the tremendous support from GE for the CT scan,” said Dr. Jack Taunton, VANOC Chief Medical Officer. “This legacy gift will help ensure that British Columbians seeking health care services at their local hospitals and clinics in Sea to Sky communities receive a high standard of care before, during and after the 2010 Winter Games.”

The Whistler Health Care Centre — part of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) — will provide operating funding for the CT scanner. The Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District will also provide approximately $1.21 million towards the $2.3 million construction and installation project, while the remaining $1.1 million has been raised by the Whistler Health Care Foundation, the Squamish Hospital Foundation and the Pemberton Health Care Foundation.

GE is the exclusive provider of many innovative products and services that are integral to staging a successful Olympic Games. GE works closely with host countries, cities and Organizing Committees to provide infrastructure solutions for Olympic venues including power, lighting, water treatment, transportation and security, and to supply hospitals with ultrasound and MRI equipment to help doctors treat athletes.

The generosity of GE is a prime example of how organizations can partner up to bridge needs, facilitate communities and harness new technologies. In this instance, the partnerships of GE, Vancouver Coastal Health, the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District, the Whistler Health Care Foundation, Squamish Hospital Foundation, and the Pemberton Health Care Foundation delivered improved health care.

New retail outlet at YVR offers a wide range of 2010 Winter Games merchandise

Richmond, BC (July 17, 2008) — Official Olympic and Paralympic apparel and merchandise for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be taking off for destinations around the globe with today’s grand opening of the first Olympic Store at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today opened the largest and first of six dedicated Olympic Stores scheduled for the airport. The Olympic Store will serve as the flagship location at YVR. It is located in the public area of the International Terminal on the departures level and encompasses nearly 1,300 square feet.

The Olympic Store incorporates design elements of the Vancouver 2010 brand and features apparel and merchandise, including a variety of luggage and accessories, jewellery, umbrellas, pet products and sunglasses. The store offers collectibles, such as pins and key chains, and apparel for women and men. In addition, the 2010 mascots — Miga, Quatchi and Sumi — have their own wall of merchandise. Prices range from $7.99 for souvenirs to $350 for premium items.

“We are very pleased to add to the impressive Vancouver 2010 retail experience established by our Premier National Partner and official retailer, Hbc,” said Caley Denton, vice president, Ticketing and Consumer Marketing. “The Olympic Store at YVR will be one of the flagships for 2010 Olympic and Paralympic merchandise and will likely be one of the busiest Olympic Stores. Its size affords it the ability to carry a wide range of official products in a high-profile location, and we expect it will attract not only travellers but also many local shoppers.”

Tony Gugliotta, senior vice president, Marketing and Commercial Development for Vancouver Airport Authority, said: “Today’s grand opening of the first official Olympic Store at YVR marks an important step in our preparations to welcome the world in 2010. Offering a wide variety of merchandise, the Olympic Store is a welcome addition to our existing selection of more than 160 shops, services and restaurants.”

Four additional Olympic Stores are scheduled to open at YVR in the coming months in both the Domestic and International terminals. All stores are expected to open by early October 2008 and will be open seven days a week from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. The Olympic Stores accept Visa products and cash only.

Today’s grand opening included remarks by VANOC and its partner, the Vancouver Airport Authority, a Vancouver 2010 Official Supplier, and Paradies, airport retail operator. The event also featured a special appearance by the 2010 mascots – Miga, Quatchi and Sumi.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, Bombardier Inc, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canada Post, Canwest Publishing Inc., Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills Canada, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

QUÉBEC TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE 2010 WINTER GAMES IN VANCOUVER

July 16, 2008

Québec, July 16, 2008. – “I am very pleased to announce that the Government of Québec has accepted the invitation of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and is proud to be joining the preparations for the 2010 Winter Games by contributing $5 million to VANOC,” the Premier of Québec, Jean Charest, announced today in the company of Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, David Guscott, VANOC Executive Vice President, Celebrations and Partnerships and Dominique Maltais, snowboarder and bronze medallist at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino.

Half of Québec’s financial contribution will go to the Own the Podium 2010 program, a sport technical initiative that supports Canadian athletes preparing for the Games. Another $750,000 will fund the Cultural Olympiad, which will include opportunities for Québec artists. The remaining $1.75 million will be dedicated to the following programs:

	organization of a Québec Day during the 2010 Winter Games to promote the province
	enhanced involvement in the Québec portion of the Olympic Torch Relay, which will travel through the province prior to the Games
	encouragement of participation by First Nations peoples in the Games and in the preceding events
	access to support from VANOC for planning and promoting Québec activities and events related to the Games
	organization of activities aimed at promoting tourism, trade and investment
	access to VANOC promotional materials and the Own the Podium 2010 program, including logos, promotion of educational opportunities, and volunteer activities related to sport, culture and healthy lifestyles

“Québec is well known for its quality programs in physical activity, recreation and sports, and high-performance sport in particular. There are also many Québec athletes competing in winter sport and representing Canada at the highest level,” declared Mr. Charest. “I am therefore delighted by the opportunity offered to us by VANOC to contribute to the successful staging of the 2010 Winter Games. The Games represent an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Québec and Québec athletes both in Canada and on the international stage,” he added.

According to the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Michelle Courchesne, the benefits of the 2010 Winter Games will be considerable both for high-performance sport in Québec and for the promotion of sport culture among the general public. “It is important that we support our athletes who will participate in the 2010 Winter Games, and this is exactly what the Québec government is doing. Since 2005 and continuing to 2010, almost $30 million will be spent to support the Québec athletes who will be representing us in Vancouver and Whistler,” the Minister stated.

“We are proud to welcome Québec into the Vancouver 2010 family,” declared Mr. Guscott. “Québec has a great tradition of excellence in winter sport and has been a leader in developing inspiring Canadian winter athletes. This tradition will contribute greatly to the pride of Canadians in 2010. The 2010 Winter Games will celebrate the athletic achievements of Québec and will provide the province with an unequalled opportunity to tell the story of its unique history and demonstrate its distinctive personality to the world.”

Contributing Province/Territory Program
VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP) offers a structured avenue for all provinces and territories to participate in the 2010 Winter Games. Under the CPTP, signatory provinces and territories receive a package of benefits that create a close association with the Games, similar to those of corporate sponsors. In return, participating provinces and territories make a financial contribution towards the success of Canadian athletes in 2010 through the Own the Podium 2010 program; culture and arts, through the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad; and directly, to staging successful Games in 2010. VANOC developed this new program in response to interest demonstrated by Canada’s provinces and territories outside of British Columbia to allow for greater involvement in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Committed to the Anti-Doping Movement

July 16, 2008

Inside an INRS anti-doping lab. (photo courtesy of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique).

Real sport is pure human energy. Real sport is trust and respect for the system. With this in mind, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is implementing a world-class anti-doping program.

Today, the Institut national de la recherche scientifique - Institut Armand-Frappier (INRS) based in Montreal, Quebec — Canada’s only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory and one of 33 WADA-accredited laboratories in the world — was selected to operate the on-site anti-doping laboratory for the 2010 Winter Games.

The on-site anti-doping lab for Vancouver 2010, will occupy a 15,000 square-foot space in the Richmond Oval. There, the INRS will operate the laboratory and manage the testing of approximately 2,450 samples during the 2010 Winter Games. Because of the evolving nature of anti-doping, VANOC’s program is designed to be adaptive in its testing techniques based on the latest practices.

“We are committed to having a world-class program in 2010 and our approach will consist of not only testing, but also education,” said Jeremy Luke, VANOC director, anti-doping. “We are continually seeing advancements in testing and detection, and I have no doubt we will see advancements take place in the next two years leading up to the 2010 Winter Games. To truly have a state-of-the-art program, we’re working with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee to design our program to be able to adapt to these new changes.”

Prevention and detection

Inside an INRS anti-doping lab. (photo courtesy of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique).

Under the authority of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Vancouver 2010 anti-doping program will build upon Canada’s solid platform of prevention and detection in the fight against doping in sport by working jointly with WADA and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES).

VANOC’s anti-doping program will also serve as a legacy for sport volunteers in Canada. Five-hundred volunteers will be trained as doping control officers, blood collection officers and chaperones. Many of these volunteers will gain valuable experience at Sport Events leading up to the Games, with skills that can be used during and after the Games.

The lab for the 2010 Winter Games will be busy with testing athletes once the Olympic and Paralympic Villages opens on February 4, 2010.

“In terms of samples, VANOC is planning for a significant increase in testing numbers in comparison to previous Games,” said Luke.

Approximately 800 doping tests were conducted during the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games, and approximately 1,200 tests took place during the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. VANOC expects to conduct approximately 2,000 tests during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and more than 450 tests during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

An education in anti-doping

In addition to the newly selected laboratory, VANOC’s anti-doping program has a second purpose: education.

With close to 90 per cent of all potential Vancouver 2010 athletes attending Sport Events in Vancouver and Whistler prior to the 2010 Winter Games, VANOC will have many opportunities to educate athletes, coaches, support personnel and the public about the latest information in anti-doping. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to establish key partnerships with civil authorities, including hospital personnel, customs officials and police, to solicit their cooperation and increase their awareness of doping.

VANOC plans to build upon WADA’s highly successful athlete outreach program, and will work closely with national anti-doping agencies and National Olympic and Paralympic Committees to provide interactive resources and education tools to assist in education efforts.

Valuable experience

Since 2007, VANOC has been working with a number of organizations to train 500 anti-doping volunteers for Games-time positions to act as doping control officers (DCOs), blood collection officers (BCOs) and chaperones for the implementation of the anti-doping program. Sport Events are the ideal setting for pre-Games anti-doping volunteers to gain experience and good opportunities to exercise anti-doping education programs.

In August 2007, and again in November 2007, VANOC, in conjunction with the CCES, hosted a series of DCO training sessions. The goal was to ensure doping control staff and volunteers are professional, experienced and efficient in their roles in protecting the athletes’ rights to fair and ethical competition.

Jennifer Ronson was one of about 100 volunteers who participated in the anti-doping workshops. She saw the volunteer experience as her chance to contribute to the movement for fair, clean sport.

“Becoming involved as a DCO, for the rest of my life, is just my way of giving back,” said Ronson. “The healthy pursuit of competition in athletics is something I want to be a part of.”

Another training session will be hosted in Vancouver in September 2008 in conjunction with the CCES to ensure that DCOs and BCOs have the training required to fully participate in the Sport Events occurring during the 2008-09 competitive winter season.

The advancements of technology and practices will keep Canada and the CCES on the forefront of the international fight against doping in sport. VANOC’s anti-doping program is an essential part of the 2010 Winter Games and the future of sport in Canada.

INRS to manage anti-doping laboratory; first anti-doping volunteers start training

VANCOUVER, BC – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is significantly closer to its goal of hosting doping-free Games in 2010 with two major announcements today on the anti-doping program and laboratory for the 2010 Winter Games: the anti-doping laboratory will be located at the Richmond Oval (home to long track speed skating for the 2010 Games) and that Montreal’s Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)-Institut Armand-Frappier, Canada’s only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, will operate the state-of-the art testing program for the Games.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to host doping-free Games in 2010 by operating the most sophisticated anti-doping program in a fully accredited laboratory that leaves a tangible legacy after the Games,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC executive vice president, sport and Games operations. “Much time and effort has been invested over the past year to ensure we secured the optimum location for the anti-doping laboratory and the very best team to operate this critical and highly technical facility. The Richmond Oval gives us an exceptional location for the anti-doping laboratory and, coupled with the expertise provided by Dr. Ayotte and her team from the INRS, we are guaranteed to have a world-class anti-doping program in place for the 2010 Winter Games.”

In its business planning, VANOC had budgeted $4.1 million for the facilitation of the anti-doping program and sought a partner to provide an existing or new facility to house the laboratory. Over the past year, VANOC pursued numerous options for the lab including using existing domestic and international accredited laboratories and potentially using local public or private laboratory facilities. After undertaking all due diligence, it was ultimately determined that a new facility at the Richmond Oval would ensure an anti-doping laboratory for the 2010 Games that would meet the highest international standards. The incremental net cost of building a new laboratory is estimated at $5 million and will be covered in economies within the overall VANOC operating budget.

The City of Richmond is supporting VANOC by providing 15,000 square feet of space to host the anti-doping laboratory. The Richmond Oval space meets the multitude of WADA-mandated technical and physical attributes necessary to ensure the laboratory’s integrity, including such elements as seismic requirements, geographic location and sufficient space. After the Games, the Oval will become an international centre of excellence for sport and wellness and its flexible design will allow it to be used for a variety of sport and community functions.

"In addition to being an outstanding venue that will warmly host spectators and showcase the world’s greatest athletes, we are delighted to know that the Richmond Oval will play a critical role in ensuring fair play during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

The INRS is renowned for its expertise of more than 30 years in the international testing of athlete samples from all sports. During the 2010 Winter Games, its staff will operate the anti-doping laboratory and manage the testing of up to 2,450 urine and blood samples. Setup for the anti-doping laboratory will take place between January 2009 and December 2009 and include the installation of state-of-the-art instruments, a transfer of methods and a validation of procedures. The process will be completed by a thorough audit of the laboratory’s operations by the Standard Council of Canada and WADA to ensure compliance with the highest international standards in time for the testing of samples collected during the Games.

”We are proud to be a part of the excellent anti-doping program underway for the 2010 Winter Games,” said Dr. Christiane Ayotte, director of the Doping Control Laboratory of the INRS. “Our team looks forward to contributing to ensure all athletes can compete on a level playing field.”

2010 Winter Games anti-doping program mandate and volunteer program:

Under the authority and direction of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), VANOC’s 2010 Winter Games anti-doping program has two primary objectives: the implementation of a state-of-the-art testing program at Sport Events and the 2010 Winter Games to detect and deter doping behaviour, and the execution of an extensive education program for athletes and their support teams about their rights and responsibilities regarding anti-doping rules and procedures.

VANOC will recruit 500 volunteers to act as Doping Control Officers (DCOs), Blood Collection Officers (BCOs) and Chaperones for the implementation of the anti-doping program. To date, VANOC has interviewed 50 potential anti-doping volunteers, who will be specifically assigned to the anti-doping program.

“I was a first aid and anti-doping volunteer for trampoline and tumble gymnastics and it was exciting to be a part of such an important aspect of the event,” said Christopher Reedy, age 28, from Surrey, the first potential anti-doping volunteer to begin anti-doping training last weekend. “With the number of athletes and the size of the Games, it really made me want to contribute to keeping the competition clean,” he said.

The first training session for confirmed anti-doping volunteers will be hosted in Vancouver in September 2008. The session will take place in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) to ensure that DCOs and BCOs have the requisite training to fully participate in the Sport Events to be hosted in the Games region during the 2008-2009 competitive winter season.

Additional Background:

INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique) :

The INRS is composed of four university research and formation centres. The scientists of the Doping Control Laboratory located in the Centre INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, have been involved for more than 30 years, since the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games, in the detection of doping agents prohibited in sport. Part of a network of 33 international laboratories recognized by the World Anti-Doping Agency, it is the only one in Canada, and one of only three in North America. Each year, the INRS Laboratory analyzes around 15,000 samples from national and international sport organizations.

City of Richmond:

The City of Richmond is an official Venue City for the 2010 Winter Games. The 33,000-square-metre Richmond Oval is scheduled to open in fall of 2008 and will be home to speed skating competitions during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The Richmond Oval will become an international centre of excellence for sports and wellness, special events and other activities post-Games. The Richmond Oval is being constructed by, and will be owned by, the City of Richmond.

An INRS employee tests samples in Montreal’s laboratory. (photo courtesy of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique).

Inside an INRS anti-doping lab. (photo courtesy of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique).

VANOC mission team to draw from Beijing 2008 Games experience as 2010 approaches

July 16, 2008

VANCOUVER, BC – In preparation for the 2010 Winter Games, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is sending a small mission team to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. The team will attend the Games to gain valuable insights and knowledge on certain aspects of Games operations as part of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) observer programs for future Games Host and Bid Cities.

“While this will be Beijing’s moment on the world stage, there will still be much to learn from their hard work and preparations,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “This will be our last opportunity to see, first-hand, the impact of the Games on a Host City, how the Organizing Committee handles the unexpected and to identify areas where we might find further efficiencies to create the best possible experience in 2010.”

VANOC is sending staff to the Beijing 2008 Games on a rotating basis to minimize costs while maintaining a full workforce complement in Vancouver and Whistler to continue planning and preparations. In total, VANOC will send a team of 36 to the Olympic Games and a team of 12 to the Paralympic Games. Given that VANOC has a significantly reduced official role at the Beijing 2008 Games, this is a much smaller team (approximately half the size) than the one that participated in the Torino 2006 Winter Games.

Key staff will attend the Games at times which coincide with the opportunity to gain knowledge in specific areas. In addition to various working meetings with stakeholders and partners, VANOC team members will participate in Olympic and Paralympic observer tours and roundtable sessions in areas such as accommodation, ceremonies, sponsorship, technology, transportation, ticketing and volunteer management.

With 25,000 accredited media forecast to attend the Beijing 2008 Games, VANOC will take advantage of the opportunity to build relationships; gain enhanced understanding of the media’s Games-time needs and expectations; and share VANOC’s story as the next Games. Together with the Canadian Olympic Committee and the 2010 Tourism Consortium, VANOC will operate a media relations service in the Main Press Centre for the duration of the Games.

Several of VANOC’s corporate and sport partners, at their own cost, have seconded a total of 13 VANOC staff to join their teams during the Games in such areas as sponsorship, medical services, accommodation, and transportation.

As part of a separate and unique program, VANOC has seconded 9 staff to work directly for the Beijing Organizing Committee where they will participate in functions such as press operations, doping control, protocol and technology. These secondments provide a valuable opportunity for VANOC’s team to gain first-hand experience in Games-time operations.

The budget for VANOC’s Beijing 2008 mission team, included in VANOC’s approved and published business plan, is approximately $600,000 including flights, accommodation, transportation, security and logistics.

International Olympic Committee Update and Approvals — Executive Board Meeting, Beijing, August 2008

John Furlong will deliver an update, by teleconference, to the International Olympic Committee Executive Board meeting on August 3, 2008. Items for review include:

	the Olympic Competition Schedule by hour
	status of the design of the workforce uniforms
	accreditation procedures update
	the Rate Card Program

VANOC will provide further detail on the outcome of its presentation following the meeting

Olympic and Paralympic athletes join Canadians at the kitchen table

July 15, 2008

General Mills Canada’s sponsorship of the Canadian Olympic Team and the 2010 Winter Games puts athletes on cereal boxes and supports their quest for Gold

VANCOUVER, BC (July 15, 2008) – From Cheerios to Oatmeal Crisp, cereal boxes featuring Canadian athletes are now available across the country as part of General Mills Canada’s Official Supplier agreement with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

General Mills Canada has entered into a sponsorship agreement with exclusive rights in the cereal and unprepared grocery products category for the 2010 Winter Games and sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic Team for Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012. In addition to cereal, the sponsorship extends to other General Mills brands including Nature Valley Granola Bars, Fruit by the Foot, Green Giant frozen vegetables and Old El Paso Mexican products.

“General Mills Canada is pleased and proud to support Canadian Olympians through to 2012,” said Dale Storey, vice-president of marketing, General Mills Canada. “We are honoured to have such talented athletes featured on our cereal boxes and in the stores of our retail partners. The 2010 Winter Games will be particularly special for the nation, and General Mills Canada is excited to provide collectible items that serve as memorabilia for the Games to fans who want to support their favourite Olympians.”

“Eating a healthy breakfast has always been essential to an athlete’s training and success at the podium,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Over the past decade, General Mills Canada has provided considerable support to our Canadian sport heroes. Today, their continued commitment to athletes, and to excellence, will help us bring the Games to homes across the country.”

General Mills Canada’s 10-year relationship with the Canadian Olympic Committee continues this summer for Canadian athletes competing at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. The following seven summer Canadian Olympians and Paralympians have received sponsorships from General Mills Canada:

	Brent Hayden (Swimming)
	Marie-Hélène Prémont (Mountain Bike)
	Chantal Petitclerc (Wheelchair Track and Field)
	Jane Rumball (Rowing)
	Adam van Koeverden (Kayak)
	Jake Wetzel (Rowing)
	Simon Whitfield (Triathalon)

As part of this program, each athlete receives financial support and products from General Mills Canada to aid in their vigorous training schedules and quest for gold. Each athlete will also appear, separately, on a minimum of one promotional cereal box and one in-store display piece throughout Canada starting July 14, 2008.

For more information about General Mills Canada, visit www.everydaycelebrations.ca.

About General Mills Canada Corporation
Established in 1954, General Mills Canada Corporation is based in Mississauga, Ontario. The company is best known for the many quality brands enjoyed by Canadian consumers each day. The company's flagship brand is Cheerios*. Additional key cereal brands include Honey Nut Cheerios*, Oatmeal Crisp*, and Lucky Charms*. General Mills also makes Betty Crocker*, Nature Valley*, Pillsbury*, Green Giant*, and Old El Paso* products. With the primary focus being Youth, Nutrition and Fitness, General Mills is dedicated to fostering good nutrition and fitness behaviours amongst young Canadians through the Champions for Health Kids grant program. In other areas, General Mills has been a long time supporter of organizations such as Active Healthy Kids Canada, Concerned Children's Advertisers and Hockey Canada. General Mills is also partner for the 2008, 2010, 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, proudly supporting all participating Canadian athletes.

*Trademarks/Marques Déposée of/de General Mills or its affiliates

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, Bombardier Inc, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canada Post, Canwest Publishing Inc., Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills Canada, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

Olympic and Paralympic athletes join Canadians at the kitchen table

July 15, 2008

General Mills Canada’s sponsorship of the Canadian Olympic Team and the 2010 Winter Games puts athletes on cereal boxes and supports their quest for Gold

	Brent Hayden (Swimming)
	Marie-Hélène Prémont (Mountain Bike)
	Chantal Petitclerc (Wheelchair Track and Field)
	Jane Rumball (Rowing)
	Adam van Koeverden (Kayak)
	Jake Wetzel (Rowing)
	Simon Whitfield (Triathalon)

Newfoundland and Labrador to be Highlighted at Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

July 4, 2008

Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich culture and talented artists will be highlighted on the international stage as a result of an agreement between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister for Tourism Culture and Recreation, and John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), today announced that the province has joined VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP), with a $1.5 million contribution toward Canadian athletes and the staging of the 2010 Winter Games.

Premier Williams said the highlight of the province’s involvement will be a dedicated Newfoundland and Labrador Day held during the 2010 Winter Games. Accompanied by a comprehensive media marketing campaign, the day will feature several activities including a warm-up to that evening’s Olympic Victory Ceremony in Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, a networking event, arts performances and concurrent celebratory activities to be held throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our government is proud to be a partner in the 2010 Winter Games, and we look forward to contributing the rich cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador to this international phenomenon,” said Premier Williams. “Newfoundland and Labrador Day will be a series of highly-promoted activities and events, both in Vancouver and here at home, which will focus the attention of the world on our province and all we have to offer. Events in our province will be designed to bring the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and all they represent, to every Newfoundlander and Labradorian. Newfoundland and Labrador truly arrived on the Olympic scene in 2006 when we brought home Olympic Gold. In 2010, we will share more of our province with the world through this partnership.”

Premier Williams said the high-profile nature of the 2010 Winter Games offers a unique opportunity to showcase Newfoundland and Labrador’s culture, heritage and artistic community to a national and global audience.

“Our presence in Vancouver will enable the province to pursue opportunities for sport development and tourism marketing; and to develop business contacts in a forum where many corporations will be represented,” said Premier Williams.

Mr. Furlong welcomed Newfoundland and Labrador to the 2010 Winter Games team. He noted that while the Gushue Rink’s Olympic gold-medal-winning team brought enormous pride and celebration to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2006, it also provided all Canadians with a truly golden memory.

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s generous commitment to the Games links the country from coast to coast to coast for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase Canada’s great reach and diversity,” said Mr. Furlong. “We look forward to celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador Day in Vancouver and sharing the excitement of the Games, and the story of the province, with the world. It will be the time of our lives!”

Of the $1.5 million investment from Newfoundland and Labrador, $750,000 will go towards the Own the Podium 2010 program, which supports Canadian athletes in their preparation for the Games, and $750,000 will be dedicated to ensuring the province takes full advantage of a wide range of benefits associated with the VANOC partnership.

Those benefits include enabling Newfoundland and Labrador to:

	Organize a Newfoundland and Labrador Day at the 2010 Winter Games to promote the province. This event will focus entirely on Newfoundland and Labrador, feature a warm-up event to that evening’s Olympic Victory Ceremonies, and tie into concurrent celebrations within Newfoundland and Labrador;
	Participate in the Cultural Olympiad, which will include opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador artists;
	Enhance involvement in the Newfoundland and Labrador portion of the Torch Relay, which will arrive in the province prior to the Games;
	Encourage Aboriginal participation in the Games and preceding events;
	Develop plans to promote tourism, trade, and business investment;
	Access VANOC support for planning and promoting Newfoundland and Labrador events and activities associated with the Games;
	Access VANOC promotional materials;
	Use the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Own the Podium 2010 logos; and,
	Promote educational and volunteer opportunities relating to sport and culture, and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Minister Jackman noted that in the past two years, the department released two plans that will be supported by the province’s participation in the Games: in 2007, Active Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador – A Recreation and Sport Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador; and in 2006, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador - The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture.

“These strategies outlined both a financial and philosophical commitment to promoting our culture, providing opportunities for artists, and to encouraging active, healthy lifestyles for all residents,” said Minister Jackman. “Our involvement in the 2010 Winter Games supports and augments the commitments made in those plans.”

Contributing Province/Territory Program
VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP) offers a structured avenue for all provinces and territories to participate in the 2010 Winter Games. Under the CPTP, signatory provinces and territories receive a package of benefits that create a close association with the Games, similar to those of corporate sponsors. In return, participating provinces and territories make a financial contribution towards the success of Canadian athletes in 2010 through the Own the Podium 2010 program; culture and arts, through the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad; and directly, to staging successful Games in 2010. VANOC developed this new program in response to interest demonstrated by Canada’s provinces and territories outside of British Columbia to allow for greater involvement in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

VANOC
VANOC’s government partners provide funding, infrastructure, essential service support and management services to the 2010 Winter Games, which will contribute to lasting economic, sport, cultural and social legacies. VANOC’s government partners include the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. To date, members of VANOC’s CPTP include Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba and Ontario. VANOC’s Venue Cities are Richmond, Surrey and the District of West Vancouver. VANOC has also signed memoranda of understanding with each Canadian province and territory.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador has been called the youngest and coolest province in Canada – hip and contemporary with the best of modern amenities, yet never far removed from the fabled history that resonates in music, crafts, wry stories and colourful accents of the people.

Economically, Newfoundland and Labrador is a province on the ascent, bold and confident in its outlook and primed to rev up the engine of opportunity and growth. As the province comes of age, its people remain among the warmest, most welcoming and friendliest in the world.

For more information, visit: www.newfoundlandlabrador.ca

Canada Post puts a stamp on the 2010 Winter Games

July 3, 2008

2010 Olympic and Paralympic-themed stamps available later this year

OTTAWA, ON (July 3, 2008) — The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and Canada Post today announced that Canada Post has been named an Official Supplier for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. From iconic sports imagery to the beloved Vancouver 2010 mascots — Sumi, Miga, and Quatchi — 2010 Winter Games-themed stamps will grace Canada’s mail starting in December 2008.

As part of the $3 million Official Supplier partnership, Canada Post will supply VANOC with mail delivery services within Canada. In addition, Canada Post — as an authorized user of VANOC trademarks — will design, produce and sell more than half a billion 2010 Winter Games-themed stamps and associated philatelic products, including collectors’ packages and special cancellations. In turn, Canada Post receives sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic team for the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games. Stamps will be issued to celebrate all three Games.

“Canada Post has a natural role to play in delivering images and memories of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to Canadians and customers around the world. Our partnership gives us an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Canada Post’s strengths as a world-class postal operator,” said Stewart Bacon, Canada Post’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. “This investment means we will earn significant revenues from commemorative Olympic stamps and other related products, starting with Beijing 2008 stamps, which launch this month.”

Robert Waite, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chairman of the Stamp Advisory Committee, said, “These specialty stamps will unite Canadians in support of our home-grown Olympic experience. The Games represent competitiveness, commitment, striving for excellence and taking pride in one’s abilities. These are qualities we encourage in our employees and demonstrate to our customers every day.”

“Opening the mailbox to find a letter inside has always been a timeless form of communication – a connection to family and friends, no matter where in the world they may be,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Canada Post’s commitment will connect people across Canada and around the world, and will help Vancouver 2010 deliver the message and spirit of Canada’s Games to the doorstep of every Canadian home.”

Two-time Olympian Steve Omischl from Kelowna, BC (and North Bay, ON), dominated last season’s FIS World Cup Aerials, winning six out of nine competitions and the FIS Overall World Cup title for freestyle. “Competing at the Olympic Games and representing your country at the world’s premier sporting event is an amazing experience,” said Omischl, a Canadian 2010 medal hopeful. “The dedication Canada Post has shown to Canada’s Freestyle Ski Team — a commitment they’ve now extended to Canada’s Games in 2010 — will go a long way to ensuring we deliver the results Canadians are looking for. This team is ready to show the world what we’ve got, and we’re ready to bring it home.”

For more information about upcoming Olympic stamp issues visit www.canadapost.ca/collecting and follow the Canada Post Freestyle Ski Team’s journey at www.canadapost.ca/freestyle

About Canada Post
Canada Post delivers over 11 billion pieces of mail each year to 14 million destinations. Its 60,000 employees and 6,600 post offices the largest retail network in the country serve 32 million Canadians and over 1 million businesses and public institutions from coast to coast to coast. In 2007, net income for Canada Post and its affiliates, which include Purolator Courier Ltd., Progistix-Solutions Inc. and Innovapost (jointly owned by Canada Post and CGI), was CDN$ 54 million on revenues of CDN$ 7.5 billion. Canada Post is a world leader, providing innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions, creating value for our customers, employees and Canadians. Website: www.canadapost.ca.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, Bombardier Inc, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canada Post, Canwest Publishing Inc., Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

Take a Tour of Whistler’s 2010 Winter Games Venues

June 26, 2008

Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park (Dave McColm, VANOC photo)

The Whistler Sliding Centre — home to bobsleigh, luge and skeleton — and Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park — the venue for all 2010 Winter Games Nordic sports — are hosting public tours this summer.

The Whistler Sliding Centre

Beginning Thursday, July 3, The Whistler Sliding Centre on Blackcomb Mountain will be offering self-guided public walking tours Thursdays to Sundays until the end of August. Walking tours provide an opportunity for the public to learn about preparations for the 2010 Winter Games, as well as a glimpse of the venue and an understanding for the sliding sports of bobsleigh, luge and skeleton that will take place there.

High performance track

Nestled in the backyard playground of Whistler Village, the sliding track at The Whistler Sliding Centre is a new addition to the many adventure activities in the area. The track has been certified and approved by International Sport Federations for sliding training camps and Sport Events in the 2008-09 winter season. Post-Games, the facility will be operated by the Whistler Legacies Society as a centre for high performance development, youth and recreational sport programming, tourism (passenger rides and venue tours), and group and corporate events.

One of two sliding tracks in Canada, the Whistler sliding track will elevate the Canadian high-performance sport development program and increase participation specifically in the Sea to Sky corridor.

The Whistler Sliding Centre (VANOC photo)

It’s also an engineering marvel. This May, the BC Ready-Mixed Concrete Association presented the Century Award to VANOC and the project team for The Whistler Sliding Centre’s technically demanding and ultra-fast sliding track.

Fast facts: The Whistler Sliding Centre

	The Whistler Sliding Centre is one of 15 international competition sliding tracks in the world and has the highest vertical drop of all (152 metres)
	Track G-force is expected to reach 5.02 Gs (men’s luge)
	In 2007-08, the track’s inaugural season, the highest speed reached was 147.9 kilometres per hour (four-man bobsleigh)
	The track measures 1,450 metres from start to finish, with an elevation change of over 150 metres
	350 tons of concrete were used to construct the track
	A thin ice surface measuring between two and five centimetres is produced and maintained by hand
	The track has 36 on-track cameras and 42 “timing eyes”
	The track is designed to minimize refrigeration energy by using an ammonia refrigeration system. Ammonia is one of the most energy-efficient refrigerants, producing no chlorofluorocarbons (which contribute to ozone-layer depletion and global climate change)

Summer tours at The Whistler Sliding Centre

Canada Day special access on July 1, 2008

	Following the Whistler Canada Day Parade, all parade participants and spectators are invited to visit: the venue is open from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
	A shuttle service will run from the base of Blackcomb Mountain to the venue and return
	Admission is by donation

Regular tour dates

Every Thursday to Sunday from July 3 to August 31, 2008

Hours of operation

11:00 am to 5:00 pm

General admission

	$5 per person
	Free for children 12 years old and under
	$20 for a family of more than four

Admission includes:

	Wheelchair accessible, self-guided walking tour of the track lower loop and finish stadium (some pathways are steep)
	A brochure map (available in English and French) marking points of interest, including venue history, sport facts, events timeline and sustainability attributes
	Access to the Track Lodge showcase of sport equipment, sport history, photos, venue history and more
	Admission fees go towards pre-Games operations of The Whistler Sliding Centre tour program

Touring The Whistler Sliding Centre. (VANOC photo)

For more information, visit whistlerslidingcentre.com or call 604.964.2401.

Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park

Another tour opportunity lies just 15 kilometres south of Whistler, at Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park, the home of biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park first opened its doors to recreational and competitive skiers during the 2007-08 winter season. Anyone who has yet to cruise through the stunning Callaghan Valley on cross-country skis will have many opportunities this summer to explore the trails and recreational facilities on foot with self-guided tours, guided tours or ski jump tours.

Fast facts: Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park

	For the first time in Olympic Winter Games history, all four Nordic disciplines (biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping) are occurring at the same venue
	Over 13 days of Olympic competition, athletes will compete for a total 24 Olympic medals at The Whistler Sliding Centre
	The venue will host 30 per cent of the Olympic medal events and 50 per cent of the Paralympic medal events
	Athletes will ski an average speed of about 25 kilometres per hour during cross-country ski races, reaching maximum speeds near 60 kilometres per hour
	During the men’s 50-kilometre race, athletes will climb approximately 2,000 vertical metres (more than twice the vertical of the men’s alpine downhill course at Whistler Creekside).
	The only snowmaking system at the venue is used for the ski jump landing hill

Summer tours at the Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park

Dates

Self-guided walking, wheelchair accessible, car or bike tours of Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park are now available during park hours. The venue is open seven days a week. Tour dates and times will vary.

Hours of Operation

Daily, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

General Admission

Tour fees vary depending on tour choice.

Self-Guided Tour

Free, self-guided tours are available seven days a week during park hours, allowing visitors to learn more about Nordic sports by visiting the biathlon, cross-country and ski jumping stadiums. Guests will be given a map that will lead them through the venue by car or bike where they can snap a photo of the towering inukshuk or enjoy a picnic in the breathtaking Callaghan Valley. No pre-booking required.

Guided Tour

For groups of 10 or more, guided tours through the venue provide detailed information about the Nordic sports and the role of the venue during the 2010 Winter Games. Guided tours must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. Transportation during the tour is not provided.

	Groups of 10 to 22 people: $150 plus GST
	Groups of 23 or more: $300 plus GST

Ski Jump Tour

Available on Saturdays and Sundays only, starting July 5, 2008, the ski jump tour is a glimpse of the venue from the athlete’s perspective. This tour includes a ride on the chairlift to the top of the large hill, an opportunity to learn about ski jumping and a unique view of the beautiful Callaghan Valley. No pre-booking required.

	General admission: $12 plus GST
	Group rate (10 or more): $10 plus GST
	Free for children 12 years of age and under
	Entry for drivers/tour company guide is complimentary
	Guided venue tours and ski jump tours can be combined at a 25 per cent discount.

For more information, or to book a guided tour, visit whistlerolympicpark.com or call 604.964.2455 or 1.877.764.2455.

Aboriginal Sport Gallery opening marks historic milestone for sport in BC

June 23, 2008

Vancouver, BC – Media and special guests were invited to witness the unveiling of the Aboriginal Sport Gallery at the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum today — a historic milestone in British Columbia and Canada's sport history. The gallery opens to the public today, just over four months after the February 2008 ground-breaking ceremony.

The Aboriginal Sport Gallery is a first for the province. It is a permanent tribute to the contributions Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) have made to BC’s sport heritage. The gallery also celebrates athletic achievement, showcases sport artifacts and honours Aboriginal sport history.

The Aboriginal Sport Gallery is the result of a partnership between the Province of British Columbia, the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, 2010 Legacies Now, the Four Host First Nations Society (FHFNS), the Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Association of BC (ASRA) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

“This gallery will inspire Aboriginal people across the province to strive to do their best in sport and in life,” said Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. “This gallery, and historic events like the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games this summer, are creating Aboriginal legacies and recording them for future generations.”

Past sport heroes, such as athletes and coaches, will be featured in the gallery displays. These displays provide an important education initiative for the public, and in particular for Aboriginal youth, to learn about and be inspired by BC’s Aboriginal sport heroes.

“Athletic excellence has been a way of life for Aboriginal peoples for centuries. Now is the time to share the incredible and historic accomplishments of our athletic heroes,” said Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the FHFNS. “This gallery will pay tribute to traditional sports such as canoeing, lacrosse and feats of strength. It is our goal to inspire youth with this rich sport history.”

“This gallery is a powerful reminder for Aboriginal children and youth everywhere that sport is all about practicing good values and doing your best every day — that when you do your best you influence others,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Vancouver 2010 is proud to support such an important initiative that will celebrate past Aboriginal sport heroes and help to inspire new champions.”

“2010 Legacies Now is committed to promoting Aboriginal sport development throughout BC and this gallery provides a great opportunity to share meaningful stories of BC’s Aboriginal sport history to inspire athletes and coaches of today and tomorrow,” said Bruce Dewar, Chief Executive Officer for 2010 Legacies Now.

The Aboriginal Sport Gallery is located within the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum at Gate “A” of BC Place Stadium in Vancouver and is an ideal location because of the large number of youth and educators who visit the facility each year.

“In keeping with our vision to honour the past and inspire the future, the Aboriginal Sport Gallery will be a great permanent addition to our inspiring showcase of BC's world-class athletes and heroes,” said Sue Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. “Programs such as these can provide the inspiration that may give Aboriginal youth the courage to follow their dreams and find the passion to succeed.”

“The Aboriginal Sport Gallery is like a traditional Big House where Aboriginal athletes are profiled and honored to encourage, empower, inspire and grow future champions and heroes,” said Alex Nelson, Executive Director for ASRA. “The fire within brings life and new possibilities to Aboriginal youth — what a difference this legacy will make in their lives. Tomorrow will produce more active youth and a healthier people.”

The Aboriginal Sport Gallery is open to the public seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm.

About the Province of BC
The Province of BC recognizes active lifestyles play an important role in the health of individuals and their communities. That's why the Province is working to increase recreation and sport opportunities to Aboriginal people in British Columbia by providing support to Aboriginal organizations in three areas: sport performance; sport participation and capacity/sustainability. For more information about BC’s Sport and Recreation Branch Aboriginal Programs visit www.tsa.gov.bc.ca/sport/programs/aboriginal_programs.htm. For more information about the Province’s efforts to build the new relationship with Aboriginal people in BC, visit www.gov.bc.ca/arr.

About the Four Host First Nations Society
The Four Host First Nations Society is a not-for-profit organization that has been established to coordinate the participation in the 2010 Winter Games by the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. To learn more about the Four Host First Nations Society, visit: www.fourhostfirstnations.com.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

About 2010 Legacies Now
2010 Legacies Now is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport and recreation, healthy living, arts, literacy, accessibility and volunteerism. 2010 Legacies Now assists communities to discover and create inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information, please visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.

About the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
Honouring the Past. Inspiring the Future. The British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring excellence through the stories of British Columbia's sport heroes. Located at Gate “A” of BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver, the inspiration for the BC Sports Hall of Fame is its honoured members and the collection of artefacts and stories of their challenges and triumphs. To learn more about the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, visit www.bcsportshalloffame.com.

About the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of BC (ASRA)
ASRA fosters youth leadership and the adoption of healthy, active, addiction free and positive lifestyles through involvement in summer and winter sports. With an emphasis on participation, excellence, capacity and enthusiasm, we offer programs to improve the quality of life and sport experiences for BC’s Aboriginal people. To learn more, visit: www.asra.ca.

Operational and venue activities on track while procurement activities to increase as expected in coming months

June 20, 2008

Vancouver, BC – With the release of its third quarter financial statements, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) confirms that venue construction and operational activities continue on track while procurement activity for a variety of goods and services will increase as planned in the coming months. VANOC’s management team is also continuing to develop and review operating plans in all functional areas to maintain a balanced budget and to update the budget for Board approval in early 2009 and then public release.

The latest quarterly financial report covers the period from February 1 to April 30, 2008, highlighting operational expenditures largely in sport and technology. VANOC’s focus remains on the substantial completion of all competition venues prior to the Beijing 2008 Games, the confirmation of revenues required to meet budget targets and on advancing its operational planning and preparation for the Games.

“We are entering an important new chapter in the operational and financial planning for the Games,” said John McLaughlin, VANOC’s chief financial officer. “While the venue construction program is nearing successful completion, operations and procurement are ramping up. We are now engaging the marketplace for our needs in infrastructure, technology and other key items required to host 18 successful Sport Events in 2008 and 2009, in addition to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. With the majority of our operating expenditures expected to be committed in the next six to 15 months, it is critical that we remain focused and disciplined financially and that our updated budget reflects that level of vigilance.”

VANOC expects the next two quarters will include increased procurement of a variety of goods and services such as the scaffolding, seating, fencing, flags, flowers and groundwork services needed for temporary overlay at venues, as well as housekeeping, laundry, dining and concessionaires for village accommodation services.

VANOC’s net deferred operating revenue from sponsorship and other sources for the quarter ending April 30, 2008 was $15.3 million. On a project-to-date basis, deferred operating revenues are $279.5 million and are comprised mostly of sponsorship revenues and contributions from the International Olympic Committee. This represents approximately 17 per cent of budgeted operating revenues for the project.

VANOC’s net deferred operating expenses in the current quarter were $47.8 million. Excluding the impact of net foreign exchange losses, deferred operating expenses were $43.4 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2008. On a project- to-date basis, deferred operating expenditures total $305.2 million, or about 19 per cent of the project budget.

VANOC’s total venue construction expenditures for the quarter were $14.6 million, down from $38.4 million in the previous quarter. Project-to-date venue construction expenditures now total $480.8 million, which represents 81 per cent of the venue construction budget. Venue construction expenses can be attributed to areas including the closing of the roof structure and preparation of the curling rink slab at Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park, construction of the remaining building works at Whistler Olympic Park, and installation of the wall panels in the High Performance Centre at Whistler Athletes’ Centre.

VANOC’s workforce continues to grow substantially as the 2010 Winter Games approach – increasing by 93 during the reporting period, to reach a total of 683 full-time staff. A volunteer update was also issued on June 19, highlighting that approximately 45,000 people now having applied to volunteer for the Games in 2010.

The third quarter report can be accessed at www.vancouver2010.com. VANOC’s next financial report will be released in October 2008 and will include audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2008.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Surrey joins Vancouver 2010 family as newest Venue City

Thousands of pre-screening interviews for Vancouver 2010 volunteer positions underway

June 19, 2008

More than 3,600 phone screen and face-to-face interviews per month to begin in July

Vancouver, BC – One of the biggest volunteer recruitment exercises in Canadian history is getting personal. Now that approximately 45,000 people have applied to volunteer for the 2010 Winter Games, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has embarked on a massive team-building exercise that will include phone screen and face-to-face interviews with 3,600 applicants in July alone.

Following its initial Call for Volunteers in February 2008, the Organizing Committee began pre-screening thousands of applicants in May and is moving to the next stage in the recruitment process – in-person interviews with as many as 100 people daily, beginning next month. Screening and interviewing all applicants is a lengthy process that will continue through the fall of 2009 with the goal of building a team of 25,000 volunteers from across Canada and around the world who are ready for an experience of a lifetime in 2010.

“We’re delighted with the response we’ve had from Canadians and people from around the world to our Call for Volunteers. While it’s still possible to apply, we’re moving to the next step,” said Donna Wilson, VANOC executive vice president, workforce and sustainability. “We’ve received applications from hopeful volunteers in every Canadian province and territory and from 96 different countries; it has been truly inspiring to see so many Games enthusiasts step forward. We continue to welcome applicants, particularly those residing in or with access to accommodation in the Sea to Sky corridor.”

Workopolis, Canada’s biggest job site and VANOC’s online recruitment partner, helped support the Call for Volunteers across Canada with a major advertising and public relations campaign. Worldwide information technology partner Atos Origin created and supports the secure volunteer application platform, which collects and processes volunteer data for Vancouver 2010. More than 45,000 people nationwide and internationally visited www.volunteer.workopolis.com for information on opportunities, requirements and, ultimately, to put their names forward to help welcome the world in 2010.

“With an undertaking as enormous as interviewing 100 people per day and 3,600 people per month to build a volunteer team of 25,000 skilled and specialized volunteers, it was critical for us to have the right partners both in terms of resources and technical expertise,” said Dick Vollet, VANOC vice president of workforce. “Atos Origin and Workopolis have been key to our success to date by delivering outstanding solutions and results — I can’t underscore enough the value they have added to this huge exercise.”

Applying to be a Vancouver 2010 volunteer includes a number of steps. Applicants start by registering online at www.vancouver2010.com or through www.volunteer.workopolis.com. Candidates then undergo pre-screening by phone followed by a face-to-face interview, at which time VANOC confirms details such as the applicant’s availability, operational requirements, training times, shift lengths and personal values while also conducting orientation and service excellence training and security clearance. Job-specific and venue-specific training and Games-time scheduling and outfitting will occur in the coming months.

While building a highly capable and well-trained team of volunteers during Games time is critical, the 2010 Winter Games have already benefited from the efforts of hundreds of pre-Games volunteers, many of whom played a significant role throughout the bid process, and continue to contribute to the ongoing planning stages of the Games. Many of these active volunteers are involved in the volunteer phone screening process and upcoming interviews.

“When we call people and say ‘it’s regarding your application to volunteer for the 2010 Winter Games,’ you can almost hear people sit up straight on the other end of the line — you can hear the excitement in their voice,” said Frank Parrotta, a pre-Games volunteer and team lead for phone screening. “Sometimes we’ll phone someone regarding a specific role, for example International Client Services, and they don’t understand what it is. But once you describe it to them, they say, ‘oh yeah I want to do that!’”

Facts and figures about Vancouver 2010 volunteer applicants to date:

Canadians make up 95 per cent of all applicants

Of the total number of Canadians who have applied to volunteer:

	59 percent are from British Columbia
	20 percent are from Ontario
	8 percent are from Alberta

International volunteer applications have been received from 96 countries including Venezuela, Lithuania, Barbados and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

38 per cent of the volunteer applicants who can speak French fluently are from British Columbia

44 per cent of applicants are male and 56 per cent are female

22 per cent of applicants are between the ages of 18 and 24

Although the 2010 Winter Games are still 20 months away, VANOC currently has approximately 430 pre-Games volunteers actively engaged in planning the event

Saskatchewan to participate in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

June 18, 2008

The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). The MOU confirms Saskatchewan’s commitment to involving the people of its province in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to feature all of Canada on the world stage.

The MOU identifies a number of areas of potential collaboration and outlines opportunities to showcase Saskatchewan’s cultural and artistic vitality, and promote the province as a world-class tourist destination. It is also a chance to highlight Saskatchewan’s economic development and trade potential, provide opportunities for local coaches, athletes and volunteers, and participate in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay when it passes through Saskatchewan communities.

“Saskatchewan is a leader in Canada — in both economic prowess and ingenuity,” Premier Wall said. “We are excited to work with VANOC and join with other provinces and territories across this nation to help make the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Canada’s Games.”

“Saskatchewan has a dynamic and modern culture that is rooted deeply in the history of its people, and that is expressed through the creativity and imagination of our artists and performers,” Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. “I am pleased that Canadians and international visitors will have the opportunity to experience Saskatchewan’s art and culture while in Vancouver, and I have no doubt that it will help guide their decision to visit our great province.”

“Our vision is to engage every Canadian in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and today, with the inclusion of Saskatchewan, we are yet another step closer to reaching that goal,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled to see such enthusiasm and engagement in the Games from the people of Saskatchewan and we look forward to learning from your experience and success in hosting major sporting and cultural events.”

About VANOC
VANOC’s government partners provide funding, infrastructure, essential service support and management services to the 2010 Winter Games, which will contribute to the lasting economic, sport, cultural and social legacies for citizens and communities throughout British Columbia and Canada. VANOC’s government partners include the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. To date, members of VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program include Manitoba and Ontario. VANOC’s Venue Cities are Richmond, Surrey and West Vancouver. VANOC has also signed an MOU with each Canadian province and territory.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Bombardier to help Canada’s Games shine bright in 2010

June 17, 2008

Plane and train manufacturer named Official Supporter of the 2010 Winter Games and designer and manufacturer of the torches and cauldrons

Vancouver, BC – What will the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic torches look like and how will the cauldron showcase the Olympic Flame at BC Place Stadium on February 12, 2010? While the answers will remain a surprise for months to come, Bombardier has received the honour of designing and manufacturing the iconic torches and cauldrons for the 2010 Winter Games.

A world-leader in the designing and manufacturing of planes and trains, Bombardier has joined the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) as an Official Supporter of the 2010 Winter Games and the first Signature Supporter of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays.

As part of their sponsorship, Bombardier will design and manufacture the torches for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays and two ceremony cauldrons. The lighting of the cauldron is one of the most anticipated and memorable moments of the Opening Ceremony and Bombardier will build two for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games – one at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver and the other at Celebration Plaza in Whistler. The cauldrons, which are in pre-development, will be unveiled to the world at the Opening Ceremony on February 12, 2010.

A multidisciplinary team from both Bombardier Aerospace and Bombardier Transportation has been collaborating with VANOC for the past six months to develop an original and innovative concept for the torch which was approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 4, 2008. The team includes engineers, industrial designers and specialists who will spend more than 24 months producing the torches and cauldrons for 2010.

“It is a very special honour for Bombardier to be an Official Supporter and produce the torches and the cauldrons for Canada’s Games in 2010. Our commitment to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games reflects our desire to help make this unique event a great success for Canada and for Vancouver,” said Laurent Beaudoin, Chairman of the Board, Bombardier Inc. “We are proud to bring our experience in developing innovative high-tech products to the design and production of the torches and cauldrons – two important symbols embodying the very essence of the Olympic and Paralympic spirit.”

“Bombardier’s story is one of great Canadian success, and we are delighted to welcome them to our team as an Official Supporter,” said John Furlong, VANOC chief executive officer. “Vancouver 2010’s torch and cauldron will be magnificent, technically stunning pieces, and we are confident they will inspire Canadians and the world – in 2010 and for generations to come.”

VANOC, in partnership with Bombardier will unveil the selected torch design in early 2009. Twelve-thousand Canadians will carry the torch over 35,000 kilometres – the longest single-country relay – bringing it through up to 1,000 communities in over 100 days.

In addition to partnering with VANOC, Bombardier has consistently shown its commitment towards Canadian teams. It is notably a sponsor of Alpine Canada Alpin and has shared its engineering and aerodynamic expertise with Canada’s bobsleigh team for the design of their equipment. “As a Canadian company, Bombardier is very proud to support and sponsor Canadian athletes and Canadian Teams that, just like us, compete and win against the best on the world stage,” added Mr. Beaudoin.

As part of the agreement, Bombardier receives exclusive rights in the aircraft manufacturer and total passenger transit systems vehicle manufacturer product category for the 2010 Winter Games. The company also receives sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic team for Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012.

About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, Bombardier Inc, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canwest Publishing Inc., Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay is presented by Coca-Cola and RBC Financial Group.

West Vancouver joins Vancouver 2010 family as a Venue City

June 16, 2008

West Vancouver, BC – The District of West Vancouver and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced today that West Vancouver has become a Venue City for the 2010 Winter Games.

The focus of West Vancouver’s participation in the Games is to engage residents of all ages – youth, families, seniors, and to support the values inspired by sport, recreation, arts and culture. As a Venue City, West Vancouver will receive many benefits, including use of the Vancouver 2010 Venue City logo. The District welcomes the opportunity to improve upon existing community events, in celebration of the Games, along with developing new concepts for the Cultural Olympiad and Torch Relay celebration. West Vancouver plans to reach out to community members for support with planning and hosting, encouraging volunteer participation in an array of activities that accompany Venue City status.

West Vancouver community leaders have embraced the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games and come forward with $1 million – funding that has enabled West Vancouver to participate as a Venue City. These privately raised funds will go towards staging the Games in 2010 and will also support snowboard and freestyle World Cup events scheduled to be held at the Olympic venue on Cypress Mountain in 2009.

“This contribution demonstrates solid community support for the 2010 Winter Games. Council is very pleased that West Vancouver is now officially part of VANOC’s planning effort – we look forward to being part of the team,” says Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones.

Cypress Mountain, located in West Vancouver, is the official freestyle skiing and snowboard venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Freestyle skiing events include aerials, moguls and ski cross, while snowboard events include half-pipe, parallel giant slalom and snowboard cross. Linda Swain, General Manager of Cypress Mountain, was pleased with West Vancouver’s new status, saying, “We are excited that West Vancouver will be joining us as a full partner in the 2010 Winter Games and look forward to working together to create a memorable experience for everyone on our local ski mountain.”

West Vancouver’s new Community Centre at the Civic Site will be a key feature and venue for events. The site recently received $500,000 from the Provincial Government towards the construction of a 325-square-metre Spirit Square atrium, providing a covered outdoor celebration space for special events and serving as a natural community meeting place for residents using recreation facilities. The Spirit Square will showcase West Vancouver ‘s heritage through public art. “Positioned between the mountains and the water, our Spirit Square captures the essence of West Vancouver’s spirit,” says Josie Chuback, Deputy Director of Parks and Community Services.

“We are tremendously grateful to the citizens of West Vancouver who have joined together and made an unparalleled personal commitment to the Games and their community,” says John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “From Cypress Mountain’s snowy peaks, to the Spirit Square’s unique display of art and culture, West Vancouver will help us welcome the world in 2010. The entire community will benefit from the resulting legacies.”

About VANOC
VANOC’s government partners provide funding, infrastructure, essential service support and management services to the 2010 Winter Games, which will contribute to the lasting economic, sport, cultural and social legacies for citizens and communities throughout British Columbia and Canada. VANOC’s government partners include the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. To date, members of VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program include Manitoba and Ontario. VANOC’s Venue Cities are Richmond, Surrey and West Vancouver. VANOC has also signed an MOU with each Canadian province and territory.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

About West Vancouver
West Vancouver is a seaside community of 44,000 residents, nestled on the lush south-facing slopes of the Coast Mountains on the North Shore of Burrard Inlet, in British Columbia. The community is known for its beaches, mountains, recreation facilities, and cultural activities. West Vancouver combines small-town charm with cosmopolitan amenities in several unique village business areas. The natural setting and proximity to downtown Vancouver completes the desirable setting.

VANOC launches Real 2010 consumer-protection campaign

June 12, 2008

Consumers encouraged to buy carefully to ensure authentic purchases; marketing community encouraged to respect Vancouver 2010 Official Sponsors’ rights

Vancouver, BC — The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is taking aim at pretenders by launching a national advertising campaign next week to raise consumer awareness about the importance of buying authentic Games merchandise and tickets. This month, VANOC is also launching a targeted marketing industry awareness campaign on the associated marketing rights of 2010 Winter Games Official Sponsors — companies that are making the 2010 Winter Games possible through their support.

The Real 2010 advertising campaign — starting June 17 in The Globe and Mail and select Canwest newspapers — focuses on two important consumer issues: the integrity of official Olympic and Paralympic goods and, as the launch of VANOC’s ticketing program approaches, authorized 2010 Winter Games ticket sales. The launch of the campaign also coincides with the 29th Kestenberg Siegal Lipkus LLP Annual Anti-Counterfeit Training Conference taking place in Vancouver, BC from June 17 to 19. VANOC will participate in the conference and introduce its online trademark enforcement manual, a new tool that helps law enforcement agencies, such as customs officers and police, identify counterfeit 2010 Winter Games goods.

Real 2010 Merchandise
The trade in counterfeit merchandise is not only illegal, but also puts consumers at risk. Consumers should be assured that official Vancouver 2010 merchandise is produced according to strict safety and quality assurance standards and to a high level of ethical sourcing and social responsibility.

“By purchasing official Vancouver 2010 merchandise, consumers can feel confident that the product is safe, ethically sourced and supports both the staging of the 2010 Winter Games as well as Canadian athletes,” said Caley Denton, VANOC vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing. “The Real 2010 campaign will help consumers make informed decisions about the 2010 Winter Games products and merchandise they purchase.”

VANOC encourages consumers to always check for the unique hologram affixed to each item, which is designed to assist in identifying the product’s authenticity. These holograms feature 2010 Winter Games emblems and several layers of security designed to prevent unauthorized copying, protect consumers and assist customs officers. VANOC has also established an internal anti-counterfeit team that is working closely with law enforcement authorities and the Canada Border Services Agency to address this issue.

Real 2010 Tickets
VANOC is also taking significant measures to address the issue of secondary ticket sales. With the support of the International Olympic Committee, these measures include deploying “secret shoppers” to purchase tickets from unauthorized dealers, tracing the origin of these tickets and disabling all tickets from unauthorized sources. VANOC is also considering establishing an authorized, centralized ticket resale and distribution resource where members of the public can safely exchange and purchase tickets.

“Consumers should buy directly from vancouver2010.com or Jet Set Sports/CoSport, our official hospitality services provider to ensure the authenticity of their ticket purchases,” continued Denton. “Our message to consumers is simple: for your own protection you should question the authenticity of tickets bought from any other source but our website or our authorized ticket agents. They may not be valid and may not be accepted for entry to 2010 Winter Games venues.”

Real 2010 Sponsors
VANOC has developed an overall strategy to recognize Official Sponsors and Partners who are making the 2010 Winter Games possible through their support, and to educate the Canadian business community about how it protects their rights. The first educational component is a booklet targeted at Canadian marketing agencies and marketers. The booklet outlines VANOC’s reasons for, and approach to, protecting the Olympic and Paralympic Brands in Canada, and provides examples of what could be considered both authorized and unauthorized use of the Olympic and Paralympic Brands. The booklet will be distributed at industry conferences and events, and sent directly to a range of marketing agencies and advertisers starting this summer.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Quatchi, Miga and Sumi celebrate six-month anniversary with more fun and games at vancouver2010.com

June 11, 2008

Vancouver, BC – Quatchi, Miga and Sumi, the trio of mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, are celebrating their six-month anniversary and over 130 live appearances with more mascot fun and games at www.vancouver2010.com.

The new features on the mascot website include an interactive desktop download, 3D paper “print and fold” mascots that create small model versions of each of the characters and a new video game, Quatchi’s Shutout Shootout. The game features Quatchi, whose dream is to be an Olympic goalie, practicing blocking shots from Miga and Sumi while Mukmuk referees. Quatchi’s Shutout Shootout follows up on the popular website launch game Operation Recycle that featured the sport of curling.

The site also includes interviews with children and the mascot designers from Meomi Design, who share some of their original sketches of the characters and their idea of Mukmuk as the mascot’s sidekick. Mukmuk has proven so popular that the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is exploring ways to respond to the strong public interest as part of the celebration of the mascot’s first birthday on November 27.

The mascot website has been immensely popular in its first six months with more than 1.8 million page views; over 230,000 views of the video page; more than 52,000 plays of the Operation Recycle game; and 6,000-plus mascot e-cards sent.

During their first six months, the mascots have been busy making new friends throughout British Columbia and the rest of Canada. Quatchi, Miga and Sumi have made 136 appearances (more than 20 per month), visited 26 communities across Canada and made one international visit to the US.

Highlights of their travels include meeting and being photographed with thousands of Canadians, including Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Premier Gordon Campbell and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In February they had three particularly exciting adventures: celebrating the two-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Games and kicking off the volunteer recruitment program; arriving at the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games 20-year anniversary celebrations by dogsled; and snow tubing at the Quebec Winter Carnival. A selection of their favourite photos from their visits across the country is available for viewing at www.vancouver2010.com.

One of their early trips was a visit to Prince George as companions for John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Their presence was a highlight of our day with John,” said Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley. “Miga, Sumi and Quatchi truly embody the warmth and open-hearted friendship of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and we would love to have them come and see us again before 2010.”

The upcoming adventures of the Vancouver 2010 mascots include at least seven Canada Day celebrations and a visit to the BC Summer Games in Kelowna — just some of the approximately 30 live appearances planned to date during the busy summer season. All public mascot appearances are listed one to two weeks in advance at www.vancouver2010.com.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Game Plan for 2010 Venue Communities

June 10, 2008

Together with municipal governments and transportation and security partners, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will host a series of informational sessions for the venue communities, called Game Plan 2008. Sessions run from early June through mid-July.

Game Plan 2008 will help citizens better understand the daily operations of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Sessions will provide a snapshot of daily life for those who live or work near a venue leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games. Some areas, for example, may see an increase in public transit use, changes to pedestrian access or extended operating hours for surrounding businesses.

“Citizens living and working near a Games venue have a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic experience,” said Terry Wright, VANOC Executive Vice President, Services and Games Operations. “Game Plan 2008 offers the community an overview of current Games planning and insight into how a venue operates before, during and after the Games.”

Game Plan 2008 sessions will begin with a presentation focused on current planning specific to each venue neighbourhood, informing citizens about the venue’s operational phases leading up to the Games, and its daily operating cycle before and during the Games. Presentations will cover transportation, public safety, security and municipal operations during the planning stages. There will also be opportunities for community members to ask questions of venue specialists and other planning teams.

It's also an opportunity for citizens to learn about the many exciting ways they can participate in the Games, such as volunteering and attending events.

“We look forward to providing those who live, work and play near the venues with the information and tools they need to have an exciting and memorable 2010 Winter Games experience,” continued Wright.

Game Plan 2008 sessions run from early June through mid-July, but the program will also be presented in the spring and fall of 2009 as new information becomes available. View the full schedule of Game Plan 2008 sessions.

Game Plan 2008 comes to 2010 Winter Games venue communities

June 10, 2008

VANOC and partners host first information session June 17 in Whistler

Vancouver, BC - The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), together with their municipal governments and transportation and security partners, today outlined details about Game Plan 2008. Members of the public are welcome to attend this series of free information sessions for the 2010 Winter Games venue communities which kick off with the first presentation in Whistler on June 17.

Game Plan 2008 will help key stakeholders and citizens better understand the daily operations leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games. Though Games-time operational plans are still being developed, these information sessions will provide an overview of current plans, a snapshot of daily life for those living or working in a Games-venue neighbourhood and provide a forum for community members to offer feedback.

“Citizens living and working near a Games venue have a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic experience,” said Terry Wright, VANOC executive vice president of services and Games operations. “Game Plan 2008 offers the community an overview of current Games planning and a first look at how Games venues will operate before, during and after 2010. We look forward to beginning the process of providing those who live, work and play near the venues with the information and tools they need to have an exciting and memorable 2010 Winter Games experience.”

Game Plan 2008 will begin in Whistler on June 17 at 5:00 pm with a public presentation at Maurice Young Millennium Place. The first half of the meeting will focus on Whistler venues, transportation, public safety, security and municipal operations. The second half of the meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to speak directly with venue specialists and other planning teams as well as view more detailed information displays.

Game Plan 2008 continues in Richmond on June 18 at 6:30 pm at City Hall, and in Vancouver with dates through June and July. Details and dates for Game Plan 2008 sessions in Vancouver and Sea to Sky Communities will be posted at www.vancouver2010.com.

The series of Game Plan sessions will continue through 2009 and up until Games time, offering an increasing level of operational detail to stakeholders and citizens as new information becomes available. For more information, visit www.vancouver2010.com.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

The Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic Park to open for public tours

June 5, 2008

Community invited to learn about venues and sports

Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today announced that The Whistler Sliding Centre will open its doors for tours this summer, providing the public with the first opportunity to personally touch and feel one of the 2010 Winter Games venues. Located on Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler BC, The Whistler Sliding Centre will be home to bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions in 2010. It is one of only 15 international competition sliding tracks in the world, and one of four in North America.

Whistler Olympic Park will also host tours this summer, offering members of the public the opportunity to explore the trails and recreational facilities that make up the venue, and a first-hand look at one of the world’s most sophisticated ski jumps. During the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler Olympic Park will be home to biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping. Located 15 kilometres south of Whistler, the facility opened its doors to both recreational and competitive skiers during the 2007-08 winter season.

“Tours are a great opportunity for the public to get a first-hand look at some of the most spectacular facilities of the Games and to learn about the sports they will host,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC executive vice president, sport and Games operations. “Visitors will leave with a great sense of anticipation for the thrilling competitions that will take place there this winter, and in 2010. This is also a great chance for residents to familiarize themselves with the world-class facilities that are now in their own backyard, and what will be an important part of their community for years to come.”

Canadian athletes who have driven The Whistler Sliding Centre track have said it is one of the fastest and most challenging in the world. After participating in the christening of the track in December 2007, Pierre Lueders, four-time Olympian, and the most decorated slider in Canadian history, noted: “It’s definitely the fastest track in the world and that’s what makes it so difficult.” Canadian skeleton racer Michelle Kelly agreed, stating, “It’s an exciting track and what’s hard about it is that it has crazy speed, but any loss of concentration and you can get in trouble because it is technical as well.” Over 13 days of Olympic competition, athletes will compete for a total 24 Olympic medals at The Whistler Sliding Centre.

Self-guided walking tours of The Whistler Sliding Centre will begin on July 3 and continue until the end of August. Admission for these tours is $5.

Beginning June 15, free, self-guided walking, car or bike tours of Whistler Olympic Park will be available during park hours. Visitors interested in guided tours or tours of the ski jumps, however, must book in advance at www.whistlerolympicpark.com or by calling 604.964.2455. Admission fees for guided tours of Whistler Olympic Park will vary depending on tour choice. Proceeds from the tours will be directed towards general administration and overhead relating specifically to the summer 2008 venue tour programs. Both The Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic Park are wheelchair accessible.

After the 2010 Winter Games, The Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Olympic Park will provide sport and recreation legacies as well as economic opportunities under the direction of the Whistler Legacies Society.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

QUICK FACTS

The Whistler Sliding Centre

	One of only 15 international competition sliding tracks in the world
	Highest vertical drop of any track in the world: 152 metres
	Track G-force is expected to reach 5.02 Gs (men’s luge)
	Highest speed reached in inaugural 2007-08 season: 147.9 kilometres per hour (four-man bobsleigh)
	A thin ice surface measuring between two and five centimetres is produced and maintained by hand
	The track measures 1,450 metres from start to finish, with an elevation change of over 150 metres
	350 tons of concrete were used to construct the track
	The track has 36 on-track cameras and 42 “timing eyes”
	Energy-efficiency initiatives, designed to minimize refrigeration plant energy use, include an ammonia refrigeration system. Ammonia is one of the most energy-efficient refrigerants, producing no chlorofluorocarbons (which contribute to ozone-layer depletion and global climate change).

Whistler Olympic Park

	First time in Olympic Winter Games history that all four Nordic disciplines (biathlon, ski jumping, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing) are occurring at the same venue
	The only snowmaking system at the venue is for the ski jump landing hill
	The venue has approximately five kilometres of paved rollerski trails and six kilometres of lit trails to enhance training opportunities
	The venue will host 30 per cent of the Olympic medal events and 50 per cent of the Paralympic medal events
	Athletes will ski an average speed of just under 25 kilometres per hour during cross-country ski races, reaching maximum speeds near 60 kilometres per hour
	During the men’s 50-kilometre race, the athletes will climb approximately 2,000 vertical metres (more than twice the vertical of the men’s alpine downhill course at Whistler Creekside). The winning time for this race is expected to be approximately 2 hours, with an average speed of almost 25 kilometres per hour
	Sustainability initiatives include an on-site waste water treatment plant to use leading technology (tertiary membrane filtration and ultraviolet disinfection) for high-quality discharge to local surface water. During Games-time, as with other outdoor venues, temporary wastewater collection infrastructure will be in place to accommodate high user numbers.

Garrett Metal Detectors to provide 2010 Winter Games with metal detection security products

June 5, 2008

Vancouver, BC (June 5, 2008) - The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today welcomed Garrett Metal Detectors as an Official Supplier of the 2010 Winter Games. Garrett will provide 1,650 metal detection products including 550 walk-through and 1,100 hand-held metal detectors for security use at 2010 Winter Games venues.

The 2010 Winter Games will mark the 11th time that Garrett has provided security products to Games venues since supplying walk-through and hand-held metal detectors to the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games. This marked the first extensive use of metal detection products in the history of the Games.

“Garrett Metal Detectors is proud to partner with VANOC and share in their passion to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for the athletes, officials and spectators of the 2010 Winter Games,” said Henry Tellez, Vice President of International Sales and Marketing for Garrett Metal Detectors. “We have worked closely with many Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committees since 1984 and are pleased to work with VANOC which is both highly capable and fully committed to the safety of the 2010 Winter Games.”

Ensuring the Games are safe and secure is the responsibility of the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (V2010-ISU), led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). VANOC works closely with VISU to ensure security is integrated into Games planning. Under the partnership, VANOC supplies certain infrastructure such as Garrett security products for use during the Games. Garrett will, in turn, provide the equipment, accessories, training, assembly and installation, and servicing during Games time.

“Our goal is to stage Games that are about sport, celebration, culture and nation building and we are committed to providing our security partners with world-class support,” said Guy Lodge, VANOC Vice President of Services and Overlay. “From the Olympic Games to airports around the world, Garrett has the knowledge, experience and products that our security partners need to help ensure all participants enjoy an Olympic and Paralympic experience of a lifetime.”

As part of the agreement, Garrett receives exclusive rights in the metal detector product category for the 2010 Winter Games and sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic team for Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012. The first installation of Garrett metal detectors for the 2010 Winter Games will occur in the Main Media Centre in January 2010.

In addition to the Vancouver 2010 and Beijing 2008 Games, Garrett has supplied security products for nine Olympic Games including Torino 2006, Athens 2004, Salt Lake City 2002, Sydney 2000, Nagano 1998, Atlanta 1996, Barcelona 1992, Seoul 1988 and Los Angeles 1984.

About Garrett Metal Detectors
Garrett Metal Detectors is a leading manufacturer of metal detection products for security and law enforcement applications worldwide. The company was chosen to develop the equipment for a comprehensive metal detection checkpoint screening system for the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, California, in 1984. This was the first use of metal detection equipment at an Olympic Games. Since that time Garrett has continued to improve techniques for large event checkpoint screening while supplying metal detection products and training for both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Garrett is International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001:2000 certified. For a complete listing of Garrett Metal Detectors’ products and services visit www.garrett.com.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canwest Publishing Inc., Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

Sleep Country Canada to provide the best night’s sleep for athletes and officials at the 2010 Winter Games

May 28, 2008

VANCOUVER (May 28, 2008) – When settling in for an important night’s rest at the 2010 Winter Games, athletes and officials will enjoy the comfort and quality of a Sleep Country Canada bed.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today announced that Sleep Country Canada has been named as the Official Supplier of bed frames, box springs and mattresses for the 2010 Winter Games. The sponsorship provides VANOC with the delivery and assembly of 5,800 twin sleep sets for athletes and officials who will be housed in the Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver and the Olympic and Paralympic Village Whistler.

As a post-Games legacy, beds will be provided to families in need and charitable organizations across Canada, through Sleep Country Canada’s Donated Bed Program.

“Sleep Country Canada understands the benefits that a good night’s sleep have on optimal performance, and we are extremely proud that VANOC approached us to supply the beds for the Villages,” said Christine Magee, President, Sleep Country Canada. “Our quality Serta sleep sets will provide both the necessary support and comfort to Olympic and Paralympic athletes and officials. Sleep Country Canada’s support will extend beyond the Games when the sleep sets are distributed to families in need all across the country after 2010.”

“One of the most important conditions for any athlete’s successful performance is restful sleep,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted to have Sleep Country Canada on the Vancouver 2010 team so that we can be the best possible hosts for world class athletes in 2010. Through the Donated Bed Program, our partnership with Sleep Country Canada also helps us meet our goal of ensuring lasting legacies of the Games.”

As part of the agreement, Sleep Country Canada receives exclusive Official Supplier sponsorship rights in the bed frame, box springs and mattresses product category for the 2010 Winter Games, as well as for the Canadian Olympic team for the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games.

About Sleep Country Canada
Sleep Country Canada Income Fund is the largest retailer of mattresses in Canada with 133 corporate owned stores in nine regional markets under the Sleep Country banner, and 25 stores in Quebec under the Dormez-Vous banner. The fund also owns Sleep America, a large mattress retailer in Arizona with 42 stores. Sleep Country was again recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Employers in 2008.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canwest Publishing Inc., Dow Canada, EPCOR, General Mills, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

May 26, 2008

Games Preparation Centre to become post-Games recreational facility for Surrey residents

The City of Surrey and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced today that Surrey, BC has become the newest Venue City for the 2010 Winter Games.

Surrey will be home to the Games Preparation Centre from February 2009 until the end of the Games; it will then become a multi-purpose recreational facility for Surrey residents. Leading up to the Games, the Centre will service a variety of Vancouver 2010 workforce needs including:

	the recruitment and casting of Ceremonies participants
	general recruitment and training for volunteers from the Fraser Valley and potentially other targeted regions within British Columbia
	the processing and recruitment of short-term temporary Games staff
	functioning as a Volunteer Drop-In Centre providing information and resources

The Games Preparation Centre will be a new facility, built and outfitted by Surrey. In addition Surrey is making a $2 million contribution towards the successful staging of the 2010 Winter Games.

As a Venue City, Surrey will receive a host of benefits including use of the Vancouver 2010 Venue City logo. BC’s second-largest city will also play a key role in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay celebrations, in addition to hosting several significant cultural events through the Cultural Olympiad — with a specific focus on engaging youth and reflecting Surrey’s diversity and creativity.

“By becoming a Venue City, the 2010 Winter Games will leave a lasting legacy in Surrey,” said Mayor Dianne Watts. “To be a part of the Games in such a significant manner is very exciting for our city. I am sure our residents will be amongst the volunteer leaders in helping make this event a great success.”

"Surrey has eagerly anticipated the Olympic Games since they were announced,” said Councillor Linda Hepner, Chair of the Surrey Spirit of BC Committee. “Through efforts like our ‘Ahead of the Game’ strategy, we have been doing everything we can to be ready for the Games’ arrival. Becoming a Venue City will provide us with new opportunities for us to be even more involved than we already are.”

“A true ‘community of communities,’ Surrey is a tremendously valuable addition to the Vancouver 2010 family and will help us welcome the world in 2010,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “As host of the Games Preparation Centre, Surrey will play a key role in recruiting many Games volunteers. Beyond the Games, Surrey residents will benefit enormously as the centre is transformed into a recreational facility.”

The Games Preparation Centre will be strategically located at the corner of West Whalley Ring Road and 107 Avenue, just one block from the Gateway SkyTrain station. Surrey, BC is located in close proximity to Vancouver, BC and other 2010 Winter Games venues.

VANOC Board of Directors receives business plan update, endorses updated plans to engage public in the 2010 Winter Games

May 21, 2008

Vancouver, BC – With only a few months remaining until the Beijing Games conclude and the eyes of the world turn to Vancouver 2010, the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) met today in Vancouver for its third meeting of 2008. Included in today’s meeting was an update on the business plan and ongoing measures being taken by VANOC management to review key functional areas to ensure a balanced budget. VANOC’s updated business plan is being developed this year and will be taken to the Board for approval in late 2008/early 2009.

The meeting also included the Board’s endorsement of a number of anticipated programs that will further engage the public in the coming months. Included was a new and earlier date of October 3, 2008 for the sale of Olympic tickets, updates on the torch relays, plans for public tours of The Whistler Sliding Centre this summer and a dynamic new version of www.vancouver2010.com.

“This is a tremendously important time in the development of our plans to welcome the world in 2010,” said Jack Poole, Chairman of the Board. “VANOC management continues to apply rigorous discipline to ensure every expenditure and purchase is strategic and that processes are in place to maintain a balanced budget and healthy contingency. This is critical as operations ramp up and procurement moves into high gear.”

Poole also noted that “We are up next after the Beijing 2008 Games, and the Board was also highly encouraged to see today that VANOC and its partners are focused on a multitude of programs — everything from tickets to tours — that will inform, and engage the public, and continue to heighten and enhance excitement and awareness of the Games.”

Highlights of additional public engagement programs that are underway or planned are the following:

• Tickets on sale — October 3, 2008
Originally planned for October 11, 2008, VANOC has been able to move up the on-sale date for tickets to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, to October 3, 2008. This will give ticket buyers as much time as possible to place their orders before the first phase of ticket sales closes, on November 7, 2008. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to review and officially approve the detailed competition schedule session times at its August 2008 Executive Board meeting in Beijing; a ticket- planning guide will be made available to the public in mid-September.

• Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Route Announcement — Fall 2008/Winter 2009
VANOC is currently considering dates to announce the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay route and share with Canadians how they can apply for the opportunity to be involved as torchbearers. Possible timeframes being explored for the announcement include late fall 2008, or an early 2009 option, in conjunction with the period leading up to the countdown celebrations marking one year until the Games begin.

The first half of the approximately 200 communities identified as potential participants in VANOC’s regional celebrations program, as part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, have been contacted. The second group of communities will be contacted in the coming weeks. This process of engaging communities across Canada is an important step in ensuring a maximum number of Canadians will experience the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. In addition to the 200 communities that host lunchtime and evening celebrations, approximately 800 additional communities are expected to be on the torch relay route.

• Public Tours of The Whistler Sliding Centre — July 2008
This July and August, The Whistler Sliding Centre will open its doors to public self-guided walking tours. A $5 fee will be charged (with free admission for children under 12); proceeds will go to the pre-Games operation of the venue.

• Look of the Games and the Vancouver 2010 pictograms — Fall 2008
The next stage of the Vancouver 2010 identity will be unveiled this fall, including sport pictograms traditionally used at Games to represent each Games sport on maps, signage and merchandise. In addition, elements of the graphic identity that will unify and beautify the host region and venues at Games time, referred to as the Look of the Games, will also be unveiled this fall. Merchandise and souvenirs featuring these new design elements will be available for Christmas 2008.

• Redesign of the vancouver2010.com website — mid-September 2008
In September 2008, a dynamic new version of www.vancouver2010.com will be unveiled. The new-and-improved site will make it even easier to access a wealth of information as the Games approach. The revamped site will include tools such as:

- enhanced video and photo features
- podcasts and vodcasts (video podcasts)
- user ratings and comments for website content
- biographies of Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games legends

February 2008 was the busiest month ever for traffic to www.vancouver2010.com, with the site registering nearly 700,000 total visits and producing more than 6.4 million page views. More than 115,000 people have subscribed to receive Vancouver 2010 general e-mail updates, while more than 100,000 have subscribed to receive e-mail updates on ticketing.

• Volunteer Update — over 45,000 to date
Since launching the Call for Volunteers on February 12, VANOC has attracted applications at an encouraging rate, with a 92 per cent of the responses coming from Canadians. VANOC has received more than 45,000 completed applications overall from 95 different countries, from as far afield as Senegal, Venezuela, Lithuania and Barbados. Volunteer applications are still being accepted, including specific specialty areas and locations — such as the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.

• Game Plan 2008
VANOC, together with its partners, is developing plans to visit Games-region communities to hold stakeholder meetings under a program called Game Plan 2008. While a number of operational plans are still being developed, the purpose of the meetings is to continue dialoguing with key stakeholders and citizens so they can better understand the day-to-day operations of the Games and what they may experience if they live and work in a Games-venue neighbourhood. A series of 2010 Winter Games information sessions will continue through 2009, and until Games time, offering an increasing level of operational detail to stakeholders and citizens as the Games approach. Details of the sessions will be announced in the coming months.

CEO and Senior Management Reports
In addition to those items noted above, the CEO Report to the Board included the following items:

• A sponsorship update: To date, 40 sponsors have been signed, for a total value of $719 million. Since the last Board Meeting on March 19, 2008, VANOC has welcomed the Millennium Development Corporation, Molson, CanWest, The Globe and Mail and Aggreko to the sponsor family.

• An update on the anti-doping laboratory: VANOC is nearing finalization of a viable location for the anti-doping laboratory that will meet the needs of both the IOC and VANOC. VANOC’s anti-doping mission is two-fold: a) to implement a state-of-the-art testing program at Sport Events and during the Games that will detect and deter doping behaviour, and b) to provide an extensive information and awareness program to educate and inform athletes about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to anti-doping rules and procedures. The IOC requires that VANOC obtain the services of a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory during the 2010 Winter Games.

• An update on French language television broadcasting of the Games: In April, John Furlong appeared before both the Senate and House of Commons Standing Committees on Official Languages. Discussion continued regarding the question of French language television broadcasting of the Games. VANOC, with the support of the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, has offered to facilitate meetings with the respective parties to help find a solution.

• An update on the Olympic Truce Program: An action plan for Olympic Truce Program activities — one of VANOC’s commitments in the build-up to the Games — is being developed by a Truce Program Working Group comprised of VANOC and its non-commercial partners.

Report of the Finance Committee
The Board received reports from two meetings of the Finance Committee, held on April 7 and May 5, 2008. A number of contracts were approved for negotiation during the meetings; VANOC will disclose information once the contracts are finalized.

Venue Construction Update
• The third and final of three arenas at the UBC Winter Sports Centre — this one with seating for 7,200 — is on track for completion by the end of June 2008.
• Substantial completion of the Richmond Oval is on track, to be completed by September 2008.
• The construction of the curling rink slab at Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park is ongoing.
• Completion dates for the training venues, Killarney Centre (short track speed skating) and Trout Lake Centre (figure skating), will be spring 2009 and summer 2009 respectively, rather than winter 2008 due to technical and ground condition issues. The new timeline continues to meet VANOC’s Games-time training needs.
• Discussions are continuing on the possible use of Britannia Centre as a training venue for hockey. Several alternate locations have been identified should Britannia choose not to participate.
• Key elements of the Whistler Athletes’ Centre (WAC) High Performance Centre are nearing completion.

Venue Contingency Update
The Board approved the transfer of $2 million from the Venue Construction Central Contingency account to the General Venue Construction account to support an Aboriginal Art at Venues program. A detailed announcement, including a call for Expressions of Interest, will take place within the next month, inviting Aboriginal artists from across Canada to participate in the program. The Venue Construction Central Contingency has been amended from $23.6 million to $21.6 million.

Report of the Strategic Communications Steering Committee
The Chair reported on the last meeting of the Strategic Communications Steering Committee, held on May 13, 2008. Good progress is being made on key design projects and the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays. Ceremonies planning is also progressing well. With the signing of two print media partners, VANOC has started to execute print advertising and is developing a comprehensive media advertising campaign for fall 2008 that will support numerous public engagement initiatives.

Background:
The VANOC Board of Directors is made up of 20 members nominated by: the Canadian Olympic Committee (seven); the Government of Canada (three); the Province of British Columbia (three); the City of Vancouver (two); the Resort Municipality of Whistler (two); the Canadian Paralympic Committee (one); a joint appointment by the Band Councils of the Lil'wat and Squamish Nations (one); and one member nominated by the other 19 members.

The Board is scheduled to meet six times per year, and more often at the call of the Chair as required. The meetings are generally held at the Vancouver 2010 offices in Vancouver, although they are occasionally hosted by our Games partners in other locations. The Board’s responsibility is to oversee the conduct of the business of VANOC as it works toward achieving its Mission, to touch the soul of the nation and inspire the world by creating and delivering an extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic experience with lasting legacies.

As part of its commitment to public transparency and accountability, the VANOC Board of Directors has made today’s agenda, discussion topics and decisions available to the public on www.vancouver2010.com, subject to conditions of confidentiality related to personal information and/or competitively sensitive or privileged information. VANOC is also committed to hosting media briefings following each Board meeting with the Board Chairman, the CEO and other director(s) or members of the VANOC senior management team to elaborate further on matters.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the VANOC Board of Directors is scheduled for July 16, 2008.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC welcomes BC Place Stadium plans: Upgrades for 2010 and retractable roof post-Games for premiere Olympic venue

May 16, 2008

Vancouver, BC — The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) welcomed today the Province of British Columbia’s decision to upgrade BC Place Stadium facilities before the 2010 Winter Games, and to move ahead with a retractable roof, in the facility’s life beyond the Games.

The announced pre-Games upgrades — including renovations to suites, seating, washrooms and concession stands, and the enhancement of the existing roof liner — will ensure the facility is in top form in time for the 2010 Winter Games. VANOC’s financial contribution towards the stadium upgrades will be used in large part to upgrade access for people with disabilities. The new retractable roof, to be constructed after the Games have concluded, will ensure BC Place remains a premium venue long after the Games are over.

“BC Place Stadium has always been the perfect stage for spectacular ceremonies in 2010, offering the opportunity to stage special effects and spectator comfort unique to these Winter Games. The upgrades announced today will help ensure a great spectator experience," said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. He also commended BC Premier Gordon Campbell and PavCo (BC Pavilion Corporation) for plans to complete a retractable roof at BC Place after the 2010 Winter Games. “We support the decision to complete the new roof after the Games, and are very familiar with the savings that can be found when construction is undertaken under the right timing.” Continued Furlong, “Outside of the sport venues, BC Place Stadium is where many of the most spectacular and inspiring moments of the 2010 Winter Games will happen. Memories will be made there and BC Place Stadium will permanently gain a special stature as a premiere Games venue. With the global exposure afforded by the 2010 Winter Games, a new retractable roof, post-2010, and as home to the Vancouver Whitecaps and the BC Lions, BC Place Stadium will clearly attract world-class professional sport and celebration events for years to come.”

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony will take place in the 60,000-seat BC Place Stadium on February 12, 2010. The Closing Ceremony, to take place on February 28, 2010, will also be held at BC Place Stadium. During the Games period, Nightly Victory Ceremonies will also be held there. This will be the first time in Olympic Games history that the Olympic Ceremonies will be staged in the comfort of an indoor venue. The Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony will be held at BC Place Stadium, on March 12, 2010.

In addition to the in-stadium spectators, an estimated three billion television viewers are expected to watch the Opening Ceremony on February 12.

Aggreko to help power 2010 Winter Games

May 12, 2008

VANCOUVER (May 12, 2008) – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) welcomed Aggreko, the world’s leading supplier of temporary power and temperature control solutions, to its team as an Official Supplier.

Aggreko will provide Vancouver 2010 with temporary power and temperature control equipment at all of the venues throughout the Games, including BC Place Stadium for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies; various celebration sites; the International Broadcast Centre; the Whistler Broadcast and Press Centre; the Olympic and Paralympic Villages in Vancouver and Whistler, as well as all competition venues.

“Successfully staging the 2010 Winter Games requires an enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work and equipment including the temporary power and temperature regulation. With Aggreko’s vast experience providing temporary power to past Olympic Games and other major events, we can’t think of a better company to help us deliver smooth, seamless Games that will inspire our nation and a global television audience of three billion,” said Dave Cobb, VANOC executive vice president, Revenue, Marketing and Communications.

To ensure temporary power and temperature control at all 2010 Winter Games venues, Aggreko will supply and maintain an estimated:

	Minimum of 34 megawatts of generators and power distribution
	31 megawatts of electric heat
	750 distribution panels
	250 miles of cable
	A crew of approximately 100 dedicated Aggreko employees, approximately 20 of whom will be recruited locally for the installation and operation of the equipment

“Aggreko has a rich history with the Olympic Games, including the successful Atlanta 1996 Summer Games and the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Games. We are currently installing the temporary power infrastructure for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games,” said George Walker, Aggreko’s President of North America. “Our experienced team is working with the Organizing Committee and other suppliers to put together an outstanding plan that will ensure uninterrupted power, comfort and security for the 2010 Winter Games, its broadcast and surrounding events.”

Aggreko’s team of experts will begin the lengthy process of installing the complex array of temporary power and temperature control equipment beginning in September 2009. The dismantling is expected to take another two months following the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Closing Ceremony.

Aggreko has a wealth of experience providing power and temperature control to high-profile events, including the presidential inauguration, the US Open, the Ryder Cup, the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race.

About Aggreko
Aggreko plc is the global leader in the rental of power, temperature control and oil-free compressed air systems. We help customers in many different industries to improve and safeguard their operations by solving problems, creating opportunities and reducing risk. Aggreko provides 24/7 availability and service support with approximately 3,000 employees operating from over 120 locations in 31 countries. In 2007 we served customers in 100 countries, and had revenues of approximately $1.4b. Aggreko plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (AGK.L) and headquartered in Scotland. For more information, please access the company website at www.aggreko.com/northamerica. Aggreko has been providing power and temperature control services in Canada for over 18 years, and has service centers in Toronto, Ontario and Edmonton.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canwest Publishing Inc., Dow Canada, EPCOR, The Globe and Mail, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sun Microsystems of Canada, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

Vancouver 2010 Looks to Engage Canadian Communities in the Olympic Torch Relay

May 12, 2008

Calgary 1988 Olympic Torch Relay. (Getty Images)

When the Olympic Torch threads its way through Canadian cities and towns, it delivers the message that big dreams can be realized, no matter where you’re from, and whatever your goal is in life. It inspires belief.

For Calgary’s 1988 Olympic Torch Relay, Dr. Suzette Cooke (née Smith) ran part of the leg from Sparwood, British Columbia, across the provincial divide to Alberta. She had recently competed in the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Summer Games as a volleyball player, but that experience couldn’t compete with the emotion of connecting with an entire Canadian community, including hundreds of children. Local schools were let out. Parents with strollers looked on. Cooke was followed by a police motorcade while a flurry of Canadian flags guided her path. All those people had braved brutally cold temperatures to catch a glimpse of the flame.

Igniting dreams

“You get the sense of the kids being very much a part of this — kids starting to become aware of the Olympics, what it means, and this dream that people have for reaching a certain level in sport,” said Cooke. “So to me, that was the most important part of it. To think about what they were dreaming about and the hope that they would have for their own dreams.”

At the time of the Calgary 1988 relay, Cooke, a native of Calgary, was transitioning from the life of an athlete to the life of a coach, student and university professor. Running with the Olympic Flame was one of the ways she could give back to the world of amateur sport.

“I think every athlete at that level has a sense of inspiring others to reach that level. They ask themselves, ‘How can I pass something on or how can I give back?’” said Cooke. “You realize you are part of a cycle. You’re not at the beginning or the end. Somehow you’re supposed to give something back.”

Torino 2006 Olympic Torch Relay. (Getty Images)

Stories like Cooke’s inspire the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to touch as many Canadians as possible during the Olympic Torch Relay. With that mission in mind, VANOC has been in regular dialogue with the federal, provincial and territorial governments since fall 2007.

Planning for the Olympic Torch Relay

VANOC is now entering into discussions with up to 200 municipal governments regarding regional celebrations across Canada. It’s an important step in the process to ensure that a maximum number of Canadians will experience the Olympic Torch Relay.

“For 100 days, during the largest continuous celebration our country has ever seen, the Olympic Flame will travel from coast to coast to coast, spreading a message of peace, friendship and respect,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer.

Will the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay come to your hometown?

While the communities on the relay route won’t be unveiled until later this year, the route will be comprised of approximately 1,000 communities. Additionally, some 200 of these select communities along the relay route will be offered the chance to host one of two daily celebrations. The celebrations, at midday and in the evening, will be a gathering point for the host municipality and neighbouring communities to highlight the people, history and personality of the region while celebrating Canada’s Games.

While not every city and town will have the opportunity to host the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, VANOC is committed to find as many means as possible to share the relay with Canadians through television coverage and interactive content on vancouver2010.com.

“Our goal is to finalize a relay plan that will bring the Olympic Flame to as many Canadians as possible through the overall route and the daily celebrations along the way,” added Furlong. “Our challenge now is to finalize the route with not only the daily celebration communities but also the hundreds of other locales Canadians call home.”

Also this year, VANOC plans to share details on how Canadians can apply to become one of 12,000 torchbearers through programs operated by VANOC and Torch Relay Presenting Partners, Coca-Cola and RBC. In 2010 the Olympic Flame will make a historic 35,000-kilometre, 100-day journey to connect Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

In addition to the Olympic Rings, the Olympic Flame is one of the most universally recognized symbols of the Games. That’s what makes the Torch Relay a beacon of the arrival of the Games. The journey of the flame will culminate at BC Place on February 12, 2010 with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, signaling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

As is true for athletes competing in the Games, the journey to the Olympic and Paralympic Games is as important as the sporting events that unfold.

Canadian Companies Connect with the Games

May 9, 2008

VANOC sponsorship agreement with Teck Cominco, Official Mining and Metals provider for the 2010 Winter Games. (VANOC photo)

One of the success stories on the road to the 2010 Winter Games is the tremendous support of Canadian companies. In fact, domestic sponsorship for the Games has surpassed the $700 million mark, achieving 90 per cent of the overall sponsorship target set by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

“Canadian companies are showing incredible enthusiasm for the 2010 Winter Games,” said Dave Cobb, VANOC executive vice president of Revenue, Marketing and Communications. “They share our vision of hosting the best possible Games and they want to play a role.”

VANOC announced its first sponsorship agreement with Bell in November 2004. To date the Organizing Committee has officially announced 40 domestic sponsors and raised $715 million. Combine this with the $200 million in support garnered from the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) worldwide partners, and VANOC’s total sponsorship commitment approaches the $1 billion mark — an unprecedented sum for Canadian sport sponsorship.

Connecting with the Games

VANOC sponsorship agreement with Workopolis, Official Supplier of Online Recruitment Services for the 2010 Winter Games. (VANOC photo)

Corporate funding through cash, products or services covers the bulk of VANOC’s operating costs. In return VANOC offers Vancouver 2010 sponsors a five-year opportunity to associate with both the Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Vancouver 2010 sponsors also receive a range of domestic rights and benefits relating to: the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; the Canadian Olympic Committee; and the Canadian Olympic teams participating in Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012.

Existing sponsor agreements have included:

	Priority access to tickets and hospitality opportunities
	Brand development and enhancement
	Business-to-business networking
	Developing employee incentive and motivational programs
	Setting a new standard of excellence for employees
	Unique Olympic and Paralympic-themed marketing activations
	Networking with other world-class organizations supporting the Games
	Ability to showcase products or services on a global stage
	Contributing to a patriotic, nation-building opportunity
	Supporting Canada’s Olympic team and amateur athletes

Diverse sponsor categories

VANOC sponsorship agreement with The Aquilini Investment Group extending the partnership beyond the existing venue agreement for General Motors Place, ice hockey venue during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. (VANOC photo)

VANOC’s approach to acquiring sponsors has varied greatly from category to category. A collaborative approach to developing a partnership has proven to be most effective since the objectives of potential sponsors are so diverse.

“VANOC is creative in its approach with sponsors,” added Cobb. “Whether it’s telecommunications equipment, wine, beds or building supplies, we are looking for energetic partners who can fill our needs before, during and after the Games in 2010.”

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are still available as VANOC expects to have the majority of sponsors and suppliers secured by the end of 2008. Companies interested in becoming a Vancouver 2010 sponsor or supplier can send VANOC an e-mail at sponsorship@vancouver2010.com.

Related stories:

	2010 Licence Plates - Driven to Support the Games
	Jackson-Triggs Esprit Cultivates Olympic and Paralympic Champions
	Leading by Example - Haworth Supplies Sustainable Workspaces
	Sponsors – Supporting the Games, Building Legacies

Training at The Whistler Sliding Centre

April 9, 2008

A skeleton athlete preparing to start a run (photo courtesy of VANOC)

At the close of this years sliding season, 2217 test and training runs were taken on the new Whistler Sliding Centre track. Taking the majority of these first runs was the Canadian bobsleigh, luge and skeleton teams, who really took advantage of the first Canadian Team Training Camps at The Whistler Sliding Centre.

“The more runs you take, the more mistakes you make, the better you are on the track. That is the training philosophy we are going for,” said Team Canada luge athlete and Torino 2006 Olympian Jeff Christie. “Come Games time, we are going to feel that we can handle anything that this track throws at us.”

With two years to go until the 2010 Winter Games, Christie and his teammates will have plenty of time to refine their skills on the track and become confident in their abilities to own the podium come 2010. Over the summer, the final touches on the venue will be completed, ensuring that The Whistler Sliding Centre is fully operational for the 2008-09 season and the two World Cups in February 2009.

Homologation

Getting the track ready for pre-Games training has been a methodical process. Beginning with site clearing in 2005, the new track layout was plotted and concrete poured during the summer of 2006, and the track and refrigeration systems were completed in 2007. With the external buildings and final touches on the ice completed, the new track was homologated and officially certified for operation the first week of March 2008.

“Homologation is sport technical word which really means certified or sanctioned by our international sport partners, the International Luge Federation (FIL) and the International Bobsleigh and Tobogganing Federation (FIBT),” said Craig Lehto, director of The Whistler Sliding Centre for VANOC.

The Whistler Sliding Centre (photo courtesy of VANOC)

Over the first week of March, top bobsleigh, luge and skeleton sliders from seven countries (Canada, Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Russia and the United States) tested out the track from every angle. For the athletes, the homologation process is more than just track testing; it is also their first chance to test out the venue, staff, as well as the host location of Whistler, BC.

“The homologation process is a really exciting but also interesting experience for the sliders,” said Helen Upperton, bobsleigh pilot of the Canada #1 sled and Torino 2006 Olympian. “We show up and have no idea what we will expect. We do not know what speeds we will reach, or what the corners are going to do to us. We have to work closely together with the pilots, the coaching staff and the really great track crew [to learn the course].”

The athletes use this combined knowledge to learn and anticipate the slight changes in the ice, ensuring a faster run time from top to bottom.

For Lehto, homologation was one of the final steps in the construction process and the first step towards standard operations. “An immense amount of work, time and effort have gone into testing and getting this track homologated.”

“We knew we were working on a very special sliding track. This track was designed and built to be a world-unique sliding sport venue and these runs, along with the feedback from the athletes, coaches and the technical officials from international sport federations, have proven that we are well on our way to reaching this goal. I think that we are representing the construction crew very well. We had an incredible variety of people from across the entire country build this track and it is an honour to stand on their shoulders now to get it operational and have athletes finally here. The homologation process is a major milestone towards hosting spectacular sliding competitions during the Games in 2010.”

1,458 metres of concrete curves

A luge athlete on corner 15 (photo courtesy of VANOC)

With 16 corners and a total length of 1,458 metres, The Whistler Sliding Centre has the newest sliding track in the world, and may soon boast the title of being the world’s fastest. “By the time [a luge athlete] exits curve one he is going 70 kilometres per hour, when he exits curve two, he is going 90 kilometres an hour, and by the time he crosses the finish line he is going 145 kilometres an hour,” said Christie.

“I am pleased to say that VANOC has built a very challenging and fast track which is going to test our skills mentally, physically and technologically. Not just for Canada’s athletes, but for the world’s best athletes,” said Christie. “This is a very challenging track — it’s fast, and that’s very good for our team because it’s a great contrast to Calgary.”

Canadian chances

As Canada’s second sliding centre, the new facility gives Canadian athletes an amazing opportunity, not only to prepare for 2010, but to help build a stronger sliding program in Canada. One of only 15 tracks in the world, the new Whistler Sliding Centre is already working on recruiting the next generation of athletes. The Track Club, currently has a membership of more than 280 future athletes, officials and supporters.

In addition to its legacy use, The Whistler Sliding Centre track gives the current Canadian sliding teams a tremendous home field advantage. For Vancouver 2010, Canadian athletes from all three disciplines, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton, will have a full two years to train on the facility, something Christie believes is important: “It means a lot because it gives us a lot of confidence that we can succeed and that we can eventually own the podium come 2010.”

VANOC Releases 2006-07 Sustainability Report for the 2010 Winter Games

March 31, 2008

Vancouver, British Columbia - The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today released its second corporate Sustainability Report, re-affirming its commitment to deliver a socially, economically and environmentally responsible Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The report covers the 12-month period between August 1, 2006 and July 31, 2007, and can be viewed at www.vancouver2010.com.

Based on Vancouver 2010 Bid commitments and sustainability reporting guidelines established by the internationally recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the report tracks VANOC’s performance to date on its sustainability objectives. It also discusses the Organizing Committee’s challenges and future plans on sustainability issues within its decision-making authority.

“Sustainability touches everything at VANOC,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “It is a consideration in all our planning and daily activities. With just under two years remaining until the 2010 Winter Games, this report details the steps we are taking to live up to our commitment to convene sustainable Games and to produce enduring benefits locally and globally.”

VANOC’s 2006-07 Sustainability Report takes a comprehensive look at outcomes in six performance areas under VANOC’s direct control: accountability; environmental stewardship and impact reduction; social inclusion and responsibility; Aboriginal participation and collaboration; economic benefits; and sport for sustainable living.

This is the second of five sustainability reports that VANOC intends to issue during the course of the project. It reflects input from the general public, VANOC’s own workforce, and representatives from inner-city, environmental, sustainability, persons with a disability, labour and human rights organizations. While developing the report, VANOC also consulted with its government partners, corporate sponsors and a special multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee it has established to advise its Board of Directors on sustainability performance issues.

“Our team underwent extensive consultation with close to 100 individuals from 40 different organizations about what should be in this report,” said Ann Duffy, VANOC’s corporate sustainability officer. “The feedback and collaboration we received helped guide content as well as selection of the 31 key performance measures used in our second report.”

Two versions of the Sustainability Report are available this year; a shorter ‘snapshot’ version for readers interested in a summary, and a longer, more technical version for those who want more detail. Both versions are available in French and English on the VANOC website.

Areas indicating progress by the Organizing Committee in the 2006-07 report include:

	building venues on compact sites that minimize waste from construction
	building venues that:
	conserve water and energy
	reduce greenhouse gas/carbon emissions
	provide barrier-free accessibility
	compliance with environmental regulations
	training opportunities for inner-city youth
	support for housing legacies
	ethical sourcing and sustainable purchasing
	economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples
	raising awareness about sport among Aboriginal communities
	raising awareness about Paralympic sports locally
	workforce safety

Sustainability performance areas VANOC says it is aiming to improve and/or focus on during the next 12 months include:

	transportation planning
	avoiding disruption or displacement in inner-city communities during Games-time
	additional reductions in carbon emissions and development of a program for neutralizing or offsetting the carbon footprint of the Games
	food and beverage services
	diverting further waste from landfill
	training, recruitment and business opportunities for inner-city residents and businesses, Aboriginal communities, persons with a disability, and social and environmental enterprises
	public participation opportunities that increase awareness of sustainable living choices

The word sustainability can mean many things to many people. For the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), sustainability means managing the social, economic and environmental impacts and opportunities of our Games to produce lasting benefits — locally and globally. By taking responsibility for reducing negative impacts and generating benefits for the natural environment, people and target communities, Aboriginal people, and the economy, we are walking our talk and focusing on raising awareness and promoting sustainable living choices.

Today, VANOC released the second of five public Sustainability Reports detailing its progress on a wide range of sustainability initiatives. This latest report specifies VANOC’s goals, interactions with key stakeholder groups, sustainability performance and highlights some of the challenges the Organizing Committee faced between August 1, 2006 and July 31, 2007. The Report also highlights some of the success stories that have stemmed from the sustainability initiatives of VANOC and its related partners, sponsors and stakeholders.

“The Organizing Committee has taken its sustainability commitments to heart and the report features many of the large and small actions taken. It’s exciting for our team to be able to profile the innovative solutions and developments so many have come together on,” said Ann Duffy, VANOC’s corporate sustainability officer. “We heard from our stakeholders about what they liked and didn’t like about our first report and made changes to better serve their interests.”

Snapshot on sustainability

For a quick read, VANOC has also produced a snapshot, or summary, of the 2006-07 Sustainability Report. The snapshot features performance highlights and shorter stories for those interested in getting a flavour for what VANOC is up to on the sustainability front.

From carefully uprooting and relocating plants in construction areas of Cypress Mountain (freestyle skiing and snowboard venue), to reusing waste heat at Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park (home to curling and wheelchair curling) and the Olympic and Paralympic Villages in both Vancouver and Whistler, VANOC is seeking ways to minimize its environmental footprint.

Volunteers moving plants on

By fostering entrepreneurial spirit, the Four Host First Nations (FHFN), the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada hosted the Tourism British Columbia 2010 Aboriginal Business Summit in Vancouver, in February 2007. More than 400 First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders and business people attended the workshops on construction, procurement, arts and culture, retail and licensing, and Aboriginal tourism opportunities. As a natural next step, in early March VANOC and the FHFN launched the Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising Program aimed at showcasing original works of Aboriginal art and products.

While other Organizing Committees have integrated green policies into their procurement frameworks, VANOC is the first to fully incorporate environmental, social, ethical and Aboriginal criteria. Additionally, VANOC established a Licensee Code of Conduct procedure and program to ensure licensed merchandise is produced in a socially-responsible manner, anywhere on the planet.

Impactful programs

VANOC is furthering its sustainability initiatives and learning what can be achieved going forward. When the sport and cultural events of Vancouver 2010 have come and gone, today’s sustainability initiatives will ensure a better tomorrow for future generations.

“Our world is changing every day, and while the 2010 Winter Games are just a dot on the landscape, in the overall scheme of things, we believe they can demonstrate how sport and sustainable practices can advance well-being — environmentally, socially and economically,” wrote John Furlong in his Message from the CEO. “By 2010 we want to be able to show the world what’s possible when people come together on critical issues.”

Aquilini Investment Group expands partnership with 2010 Winter Games

March 30, 2008

Local family business reinforces its commitment to sport, youth and the Games

Vancouver, BC (March 30, 2008) – With only 688 days until the opening faceoff of the Olympic hockey tournament at General Motors Place, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today welcomed the Aquilini Investment Group (AIG) as an Official Supplier for the 2010 Winter Games.

The sponsorship extends the partnership between VANOC and the Aquilini Investment Group beyond their existing venue agreement for General Motors Place —the ice hockey venue during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The Official Supplier sponsorship falls within the diversified development company product/service category, supplying VANOC with value-in-kind goods and services that will provide important venue use and services in preparation for staging the Games. It also provides AIG with an enhanced and unique opportunity to contribute directly to the success of the 2010 Winter Games.

“Hockey is part of the fabric of our country and as Canadians, our family is honoured to provide an Olympic venue that will host some of the most historic, most watched hockey games in our nation’s history,” said Francesco Aquilini, Managing Partner, Aquilini Investment Group. “The hockey played at General Motors Place will have the unique power to inspire our youth, and we are pleased to support VANOC’s commitment to deliver an event that will leave lasting legacies for children and sport in our province and country beyond 2010.”

The sponsorship supplies VANOC with use of General Motors Place and its professional services leading up to the Games including broadcast facilities for sport production. VANOC will also receive use of the venue for special pre-Games and post-Games events as well as seconded staff to help prepare for and stage the Games. Additionally, VANOC will have access to advertising opportunities during events leading up to 2010. In turn, the Aquilini Investment Group receives Official Supplier rights for the 2010 Winter Games and sponsorship rights to the Canadian Olympic team for Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games.

“Planning and staging an event of this magnitude requires great partnerships and great venues and our relationship with the Aquilini Investment Group provides us with both," said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. "The Aquilini family’s commitment to the Games continues to grow and the new partnership will provide us with enhanced access to facilities, equipment and expertise at General Motors Place that will assist us greatly as we continue preparations to host the world in 2010."

The Aquilini Investment Group is a diversified family business that, among other initiatives and businesses, owns General Motors Place and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Vancouver Canucks. The Vancouver-based company owns and manages a national real estate portfolio that includes commercial properties, office buildings, golf courses, and cranberry and blueberry farms, as well as the development and sale of multi-family residences and condominiums.

The announcement is being made on the same day as an NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames, representing the link between the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and the Calgary 1988 Winter Games. Special appearances will also be made during the game by Cassie Campbell, Olympic gold and silver medallist, ice hockey; Pat Quinn, head coach of Team Canada’s gold medal men's ice hockey team, Salt Lake City 2002; and the Vancouver 2010 mascots Miga, Quatchi and Sumi.

About the Aquilini Investment Group
The Aquilini Investment Group is dedicated to supporting the community through the team's charity the Canucks for Kids Fund and its programs and partner foundations; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, BC Children's Hospital Foundation, the Centre for Childhood Research in Diabetes at BC Children's Hospital, Phoenix Academy for Learning Society (for Autism) and Canucks Autism Network (CAN). The Aquilini Investment Group was the primary sponsor of the Italian Gardens at Hastings Park, and helped conserve the Fraser Valley’s Blaney Bog, which has been named as the Aquilini Land Conservatory.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Millennium Development Corporation, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sun Microsystems of Canada, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

Feature Stories

March 31, 2008

Sustainability and the Games

March 21, 2008

Paralympic Perspectives: Ann Cody

Ann Cody has more than 25 years of experience in the Paralympic Movement. She is a Paralympian in wheelchair basketball and athletics. From the local level to the Paralympic Games, Cody has organized sports programs and competitions for athletes with disabilities. Recently, she was a senior advisor to the New York City team bidding to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games. Currently, Cody serves on the International Paralympic Committee Governing Board. She is also director of

March 20, 2008

Paralympic Perspectives: Karolina Wisniewska

At her first Paralympic Gamesin 1998 in Nagano, Japan, Karolina Wisniewska of Calgary won two silver medals in the women’s alpine events. Four years later at the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, she won medals in all four alpine disciplines. She became the first Canadian athlete to win four medals in a single Paralympic Winter Games. She began adaptive alpine skiing at age six, racing against able-bodied skiers. Amazing Experiences by Karolina Wisniewska I grew

March 19, 2008

Paralympic Perspectives: Chris Daw

Chris Daw has represented Canada in adaptive track, marathon, basketball, rugby and curling. He was the skip for Canada’s gold-medal winning wheelchair curling team at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. Daw returned to the Elderton Curling Club near London, Ontario, with his gold medal. He is a sitting member of Athletes Canada and the program development officer for Curling Newfoundland. A Dream Lived by Chris Daw I have had the opportunity and privilege of being able to

March 18, 2008

Paralympic Perspectives: Jeff Snyder

Jeff Snyder of Elmira, Ontario, has been head coach of the Canadian Ice Sledge Hockey team since the 2002-03 season. Previously, he was a head coach for Ontario Junior A, B and C able-bodied hockey players before he discovered ice sledge hockey. Snyder coached the Canadian team to its gold medal win at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. A New Kind of Hockey by Jeff Snyder Sledge wasn't in my vocabulary when I began coaching junior hockey in 1989. I had only heard of it because my

Vancouver 2010 operational expenses in line with business plan projections - Cash balance positive at $56.5 million and strong sponsor revenue received

March 14, 2008

Vancouver, BC – Operational activities are ramping up, venue construction continues to wind down, and the second quarter financial statements of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) released today reflect this stage of planning for the Games. In addition VANOC is in a favourable cash balance position, at $56.5 million.

VANOC’s financial reporting reflects the two components of its business: 1) venue development activities, and 2) operating revenues and expenses. The quarterly report includes a management discussion and analysis and interim financial statements for the second quarter ended January 31, 2008. It is available at www.vancouver2010.com.

“Financially, we’re in a positive position with a cash balance of $56.5 million and a sound contingency on the capital construction side,” said VANOC Chief Financial Officer John McLaughlin. “These factors will help us as we meet the inevitable challenges that all organizing committees face in the final two years. VANOC’s operational spending in the past quarter was largely in areas such as sport and technology, all of which occurred in line with our business plan projections.”

VANOC’s net deferred operating expenses in the current quarter were $57.3 million as compared to $6.4 million for the period ending October 31, 2007. Excluding the impact of unrealized foreign exchange losses and gains, deferred operating expenses were $43.1 million for the quarter ended January 31, 2008, and $25.7 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2007. The $17.4 million increase over the preceding quarter is the result of higher spending across all divisions as activity increases organization-wide in the move from a planning phase to an operational phase.

Said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer, “While we’re pleased with the progress to date, we also know that many tests lie ahead, as is expected in the normal course of staging the Games. With construction at the mountain venues substantially complete and our first Sport Event under our belt, our team is moving deeper into the operational phase. We’ve already had to quickly adapt to different weather conditions and make adjustments following feedback from athletes and our sport partners. It’s an important time for our team as we learn valuable lessons that will ultimately prepare us to stage extraordinary Games in 2010.”

VANOC’s net deferred operating revenue from sponsorship and other sources for the quarter ending January 31, 2008 was $43.1 million, as compared to $6.7 million in the last quarter.

Domestic sponsorship revenue increased significantly over the prior quarter, from $4.3 million to $43 million, as several large cash milestone payments were received, and $4.1 million in domestic value-in-kind (VIK) revenue was recorded during the quarter. VANOC has now entered into domestic sponsorship agreements worth approximately $709 million in total, or over 90 per cent of the overall target of $760 million.

VANOC’s total venue development expenditures for the quarter were $38.4 million, as compared to $63.3 million in the previous quarter, and now total $466.3 million. VANOC’s venue development central contingency remains adequate to protect against the remaining $125.5 million in the venue construction budget.

The venue construction timeline ensures venue readiness through Sport Events and other training and competition in advance of the Games. In particular, VANOC completed its field-of-play testing at the first official VANOC Sport Event for alpine skiing – the recently completed FIS Alpine World Cup, at Whistler Creekside.

VANOC’s workforce continues to grow substantially as the 2010 Winter Games draw near – increasing by 87 during the reporting period, to reach a total of 590 full-time staff.

In accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, all operating revenues and expenses are deferred prior to Games time. VANOC’s next quarterly report, covering the three months ending April 30, 2008, will be available in June 2008.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

March 2008 Search for a Cultural Olympiad 2008 Event http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/CulturalEventsSearch Bi-weekly Update: March 14 to March 21, 2008 With 300 performances and 10 exhibitions created by a bold spectrum of local, national and international artists, Cultural Olympiad 2008 offers an exhilarating program of contemporary talent and creative collaborations. Here's a snapshot of events during the week of March 14 to March 21, 2008. Treasures of the Tsimshian from the Dundas Collection March 14 to 21 - Tuesdays, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver Treasures of the Tsimshian is an exhibition of 48 spectacular cultural artifacts collected in 1863 by the Reverend Robert J. Dundas in the northern community of Metlakatla, BC. The artifacts have not been displayed in public for more than a century. Developed by the Royal BC Museum and the Chiefs and elders of the Allied Tsimshian Tribes of Lax Kw'alaams and Metlakatla, this is the last stop on the exhibition's cross-country tour, which began in 2006 in Tsimshian territory. Following their display at the UBC Museum of Anthropology, the objects will be returned to the present owners and will likely never again be exhibited publicly as a collection. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711262215-951 Vancouver International Dance Festival - Various March 14 to 21 - - various times and locations, complete details at www.vidf.ca ( http://www.vidf.ca ) From butoh to hip hop to adrenaline-fueled modern dance, the Vancouver International Dance Festival is well-known for its eclectic offering of groundbreaking performances by local, national and international dance artists. The 2008 edition includes more than 15 dance troupes as well as a wide selection of workshops, master classes, art exhibitions and post-show chats. Highlights include Margie Gillis' M.Body.7 (March 14 and 15), created by a Canadian dance icon celebrating her 35th season of dance with her first-ever group work and Abattoir by Kaeja d'Dance (March 19 and 20). Abattoir is Kaeja d'Dance's newest dance creation, a work that intertwines the disciplines of dance, new opera, music and theatre. The performance explores the imaginary world and thought processes of a young boy as he attempts to come to terms with the persistent cycles of disassociation and dehumanization that have existed between cultures throughout history. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/95675_0711231246-612 Once Upon A Time. . . Québec - Various March 14 to 21 - Monday to Saturday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm Evergreen Cultural Centre Art Gallery, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam Free event Once Upon A Time. . . Quebec commemorates the 400th anniversary of Quebec City with an exhibition of traditional French Canadian arrow sashes and artifacts curated by Quebec artist and collector France Hérvieux. The arrow sash was first worn in the late 1700s by French Canadian voyageurs for practical reasons, such as providing an emergency rope. In the 1800s, it became a symbol of identity - a mark of distinction and origin, with geographic regions represented by different colours. This exhibition displays different traditional sashes, enabling visitors to learn more about French Canadian and Métis cultures and better understand this part of Canada's history. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/95675_0711231651-805 Avatar Circus Project ( ) - CirKids School of Circus Arts March 14 to 16 - 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm Performance Works, Granville Island, 1218 Cartwright Street, Vancouver CirKids' brings its unique blend of acrobatics, physical theatre, dance, new media and comedy to its latest venture, the newly-created Avatar Circus Project. The contemporary circus show features an ensemble of eight professional and emerging circus artists, many of whom are launching their careers. The Avatar Circus Project focuses on the world of video games and virtual reality, where avatars take our place as onscreen stand-ins endowed with powers we can only dream of. Infused with dynamic choreography that combines a number of circus disciplines, the show explores what can happen when we ignore the humdrum walls that confine us, flirt with avatars and bring our passions to life. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/95675_0711231032-659 One Icy Urban Spire - Aeriosa Dance Schedule Update: Please note that open rehearsal and performance times for One Icy Urban Spire have changed as noted below: Open Rehearsals: March 14 - 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm Performances: March 15 - 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver Look up, look way up and enjoy the spectacular flying patterns of Aeriosa artists. For 10 days in March, these brave performers will inhabit the outdoor ledges and colonnades of Library Square, turning architect Moshe Safdie's signature Vancouver landmark into a vertical stage. Using only ropes and harnesses to suspend themselves from the building, the dancers transform athletic leaps into inspired dances of gravity-defying splendour. The company's residency culminates on March 15 with free public performances and a 'meet-the-artists' talkback session presented by the Vancouver Public Library. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/95675_0711231044-588 Beijing Stories -Various March 14 to 21 - Various times, check www.vifc.org ( http://www.vifc.org/ ) for details Vancouver International Film Centre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver Beijing Stories is an engaging film series reflecting on the recent history and culture of Beijing, China, Host City of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games. The series includes a selection of rarely screened films, many created during one of the most productive periods of contemporary Chinese mainland cinema, when traditional filmmaking gave way to a more independent-minded, somewhat anti-romantic life view. Highlights include Wang Xiaoshuai's groundbreaking indie The Days; Jia Zhangke's The World, the first above-ground film from one of China's greatest contemporary filmmakers; and two Vancouver premieres: Zhang Yang's popular hit Sunflower and Guo Xiaolu's award-winning How Is Your Fish Today? http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711262105-363 Paradise and Kuba -Kutlug Ataman March 14 to 21 - Daily 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays until 9:00 pm Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver The Vancouver Art Gallery presents a newly-commissioned video installation, Paradise, by Turkish visual arts master Kutlug Ataman. Paired with his 2004 prize-winning installation, Kuba, the two works provide a stunning portrait of contemporary realities in different parts of the world. In Paradise, Ataman explores the lives of 24 residents of Southern California - a land of perpetual spring, lush vegetation, social tolerance and fantastic dreams. Kuba, in contrast, is a communal portrait of an Istanbul shantytown whose residents include criminals, drug addicts, teenage delinquents, religious radicals and the very poor. Together, the two works offer unique insight into the social contract that binds a society, and ask what common beliefs, actions and conditions are needed for its development and sustainment. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/95675_0711231636-149 New Music in New Places As part of its fourth New Music in New Places, the Canadian Music Centre ventures to conventional and unconventional venues, presenting free concerts of contemporary Canadian repertoire performed by some of Vancouver's top players. Events include: Echos Fideles (A Spatial Flute Chior Project) - Redshift Music March 14 - 12:00 pm Sinclair Centre Atrium, 757 West Hastings Street, Vancouver Free event Sinclair Centre's glass-covered heritage atrium will be transformed into an exquisite acoustic chamber as the sounds of the Tempest Flute Choir echo throughout this unique public space. Acclaimed flutist Mark McGregor has assembled 10 of Vancouver's leading flutists to perform music specially composed to showcase the atrium's superb acoustics and architectural features. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711231045-728 Erato Ensemble Trio - Erato Ensemble Trio March 16 - 2:30 pm Whistler Public Library, 4329 Main Street, Whistler The Erato Ensemble Trio (tenor, soprano and piano) presents nature-inspired vocal and keyboard music by BC composers in Whistler's new iconic public library. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711231048-172 Mined Over Matter -Various March 16 - 2:00 pm British Columbia Museum of Mining, Britannia Beach, Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) Mined Over Matter takes the audience on a metaphysical - and literal - journey underground at the British Columbia Museum of Mining. Mines and gems, caverns and caves, reality and prophecy are explored in this program of classical, contemporary Canadian repertoire. The highlight of the program is the world premiere of Vancouver composer Leslie Uyeda's quartet, Oracle Stories. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711231144-297 5 x 5 - Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver March 14 - 8:00 pm Maurice Young Millennium Place Theatre, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler March 20 - 8:00 pm Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver 5 x 5 brings together musical artisans and artists from Quebec and British Columbia. Designed to train and promote the next wave of Francophone musicians, the project will welcome a delegation of producers, coaches and music industry experts from the Quebec region, who will produce a concert of original music to be performed by five singers from British Columbia. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711231351-943 The Armed Man and The Houses Stand Not Far Apart -Vancouver Bach Choir, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Bruce Pullan, conductor With Richard Eaton Singers; Katherine Domoney, soprano; Jennifer Enns Modolo, mezzo-soprano; and Aaron St. Clair Nicholson, baritone March 15 - 8:00 pm The Orpheum Theatre, 884 Granville Street, Vancouver This highly-anticipated music event brings together two of Canada's leading choirs - the Vancouver Bach Choir and the Richard Eaton Singers - to perform the specially-commissioned, world premiere of Canadian composer's John Estacio's new choral work The Houses Stand Not Far Apart. A concert devoted to exploring the theme of peace and reconciliation, the program also includes Karl Jenkin's acclaimed mass, The Armed Man, A Mass for Peace. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711231557-680 BC Concentrate - Turning Point Ensemble March 15 - 8:00 pm Ryerson United Church, 2195 West 45th Avenue, Vancouver During its fifth anniversary year, the Turning Point Ensemble turns its lens to BC composers. In BC Concentrate, the acclaimed 18-member classical music group re-visits works from its outstanding and inventive repertoire of new music, showcasing some of the province's emerging and venerable composers: Rudolf Komorous, John Korsrud, Bradshaw Pack, Stefan Smulovitz and Owen Underhill. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711231549-658 SAM2 Performance and Workshop - SAM2 March 15 - Performance: 7:00 pm, Workshop: 2:00 pm British Columbia Museum of Mining, Britannia Beach, Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) SAM2 combines high energy dance with powerful percussion. The instruments are crafted out of scrap metal and materials, each one a unique sculpture that creates its own unusual sound. The concert will be held in the British Columbia Museum of Mining's concentrator building, under the large industrial metal beams and open rock face of the mountain. The acoustics are large and loud - like the band. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711231311-436 Legoland - Atomic Vaudeville March 18 to 21 - 8:00 pm Performance Works, Granville Island, 1218 Cartwright Street, Vancouver Legoland is Jacob Richmond's fictional account of the infamous and equally eccentric Lamb siblings, who were extradited to Canada after a brutal attack on one of America's most beloved pop stars. In this award-winning production and a 2006 Fringe Festival favourite, the strange brother-sister duo recount their harrowing odyssey at their local high school. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/95675_0711231512-945 Messa di Gloria: A Celebration of Puccini's 150th Birthday - Vancouver Chamber Choir, Jon Washburn, conductor with Luc Robert, tenor; Olivier Laquerre, bass-baritone; Trinity Western University Choirs; and Vancouver Chamber Orchestra March 21 - 8:00 pm Orpheum Theatre, 884 Granville Street, Vancouver To mark the 150th birthday of the great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, the Vancouver Chamber Choir joins with the Trinity Western University Choir, Vancouver Chamber Orchestra and soloists to Luc Robert and Olivier Laquerre to perform his Messa di Gloria, a brilliant but relatively unknown masterpiece. Written as his graduation thesis from the Institute Musicale of Lucca, Italy when he was only 22 years old, the work remained unperformed for more than 70 years, despite its merits and initial warm reception. http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/2007/11/79781_0711231609-090 For more information event details or to view the comprehensive Cultural Olympiad 2008 program guide, please visit vancouver2010.com ( http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/CulturalOlympiad/2008Celebration/About2008 ). SEND TO A FRIEND http://www.vancouver2010.com/fr/emailpage?emailThisPage=http%3A//www.vancouver2010.com/resources/html/enews/culture_ceremonies_education/co_update_feb222008.html SUBSCRIBE http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CommSignup?cmfSubscription=GeneralUpdates+%7C+ArtsEducation+%7C+&hiddenSub=-&CBcmfSubscription=GeneralUpdates&CBcmfSubscription=ArtsEducation © 2008 The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Flight 2010 Cleared for Landing at Vancouver International Airport - YVR Named Official Airport for 2010 Winter Games

March 13, 2008

Richmond, B.C. (March 13, 2008): The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today welcomed Vancouver Airport Authority as an Official Supplier of the 2010 Winter Games. This partnership marks the first time in Olympic Games history that an airport has been named an Official Supplier.

As an Official Supplier, the Airport Authority has sponsorship rights in the airport category for the 2010 Winter Games and is committed to providing world-class operations and services prior to, during and after the Games. In addition, the Airport Authority receives the sponsorship rights to the Canadian Olympic team attending the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games. The sponsorship commitment includes:

dedicated airport amenities and services for VANOC and 2010 Winter Games activities

accreditation processing and departure screening facilities

expedited passenger arrivals and baggage services

specialized training for airport staff

parking and ground transportation services

office space

“As an Official Supplier, we will provide many athletes, officials, media and visitors with the first and last impression of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games,” said Larry Berg, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Our goal is to provide a smooth, seamless and exceptional travel experience to every passenger that visits our airport for the Games or any other reason. We are enhancing our facilities, passenger services and customer care program to ensure we meet this goal before, during and after the 2010 Winter Games.”

“YVR provides the perfect opportunity for us to welcome the world in 2010. Today, YVR has made history, becoming the first ever airport authority sponsor of the Games and we’re pleased to have the support of their operations and customer service,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “For visitors stepping off the plane, it will be like arriving in the middle of a Games venue. YVR is one of the most beautiful and accessible airports in the world, and it captures the spirit of Vancouver, BC and Canada.”

“Yesterday, we celebrated the two-year countdown to the Opening Ceremony for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler. Athletes are two years away from arriving in this airport with their specialized equipment,” said Todd Nicholson, captain of Canada’s Paralympic Hockey team, “YVR is a leader in its commitment to providing accessible facilities and staff training. This can only enhance every Paralympic athlete’s experience at the Games.”

The Airport Authority’s long-established working relationship with VANOC also includes separate, but complementary agreements covering terminal advertising opportunities and six dedicated Olympic Stores in the International and Domestic Terminals featuring Vancouver 2010 Winter Games merchandise.

The sponsorship announcement was made at a community event held in YVR’s new Link building, which connects the Domestic and International Terminals, provides additional check-in and baggage facilities, and will be the final stop for Canada Line trains heading to the airport. In attendance at the announcement were employees of Vancouver Airport Authority, local airport business partners, VANOC representatives, elected officials and other Games sponsors who marked the start of this partnership by signing a large-scale commemorative banner that will be displayed in the terminal.

About Vancouver Airport Authority
The Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada’s second busiest airport, YVR expects to welcome 17.9 million passengers in 2008. The Airport Authority is undertaking a $1.4-billion capital program that will ensure the airport meets the growing demand for air travel and continues to be developed as a premier global gateway and economic generator for British Columbia.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC’s marketing program is focusing on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s International Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC’s National Partners are Bell Canada, HBC, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Birks, Britco, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sun Microsystems of Canada, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis

Paralympic Perspectives : Colette Bourgonje

March 13, 2008

Colette Bourgonje of Canada on her way to winning a bronze medal in the women's 10-kilometre cross-country sit-ski race during the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. (Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)As an able-bodied athlete, Colette Bourgonje of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, rose to the national level in cross-country running. She became an athlete with a disability in 1980 after an accident. She then took up wheelchair racing and later cross-country skiing in the sit-ski class. This elementary physical education teacher has competed in five Paralympic Winter Games: Tignes-Albertville 1992, Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002 and Torino 2006. She has also competed in three Paralympic Summer Games, including Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. A member of the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, she has a career total of eight medals — four from the Summer Games and four from the Winter Games.

Paralympic Journey by Colette Bourgonje

Competing in eight Paralympic Games since 1992 has been an amazing life fulfilling experience. It all started in a small town in Saskatchewan called Porcupine Plain. From playing hockey with the boys in grade four to running at the national level in grade 10, I was able to enjoy all the sports our small town offered.

The wonderful coaches like Harley Dalke, Joi Belyk, and many more, drove us all over the province to compete in basketball, volleyball, badminton, and track and field. Sport was a big part of our lives in this small, friendly community.

Life support

The support was phenomenal and totally amazing in April of 1980 when a car accident changed my life forever. With Lions Club members lighting the air strip so a small emergency plane could land and fly Mom and me to Saskatoon, the journey was about to become even more interesting. I survived the first couple weeks in critical care to then discover that I would no longer run or walk.

It is now nearing 28 years since the accident and they have been amazing, wonderful years filled with experiences I never thought possible.

The first thing to do was to fulfill the goal I had set in grade 10. The goal was to become a physical education teacher. With the amazing support of Barb Dorsey and Pat Lawson, getting my physical education degree was accomplished in 1984. In 1985, a bachelor of education was achieved, and becoming a teacher became a reality. Staying in shape was possible by pushing a heavy everyday chair around the track and all over campus.

Paralympic dreams

Hearing about the Paralympics in 1988 piqued my interest. I seriously got into wheelchair racing in 1989. By 1991, I was also made aware of cross country sit-skiing and life as an athlete became much more enjoyable.

My first Paralympic Games started in Albertville, France in 1992. As a rookie it was an interesting experience and I found I had lots to learn. Later that same year Barcelona [Summer Games] occurred and I won two bronze medals in the sprints. It was a busy year of traveling and I had to quit my part-time teaching job in order to compete.

Lillehammer in 1994 would prove to be frustrating with a poorly designed sit-ski and fourth place finishes in the 2.5-kilometre, 5-kilometre, and 10-kilometre races. Improving the sit-ski design became a focus for our small group of Saskatchewan skiers. With the amazing support of Pat Procopchuk, Kaspar Wirz, Jeff Whiting and Joe Harrison, ongoing sled development occurred until 1998. In the meantime, life was busy with wheelchair racing in the summer and skiing in the winter.

While some security and organization issues at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Games proved challenging at times, I managed to leave those Games with two bronze medals. It was nice to be going home from those Games.

Nagano in 1998 would prove to be a turning point for the Paralympic Movement. Fortunately the Japanese people embraced the movement with an energy and enthusiasm that has been hard to duplicate since. With the same Organizing Committee for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, everything ran smoothly. All the venues were sold out and thousands of people packed the Hukaba cross-country stadium. The athletes were treated like superstars and the millions of paper cranes that flowed all over the stadium and around athletes necks will always make these Games memorable in many ways. Finally getting on the podium in the Winter Paralympics with two silver medals, and being chosen to walk the flag out of the Games was a major triumph in my sport career. Interestingly, both Canadian Paralympic and Olympic teams would each see 15 medals on the medal count tally by the end of the Nagano Games.

Sydney would be my last Summer Games. With my passion for wheelchair racing fading, the marathon was about to be my last race. It ended at the 28-kilometre point with the biggest crash in my career. Flying on a downhill with another athlete, I was unable to make the sharp turn and crashed into an aluminum barrier that snapped off the front wheel and had me sliding on my back on the pavement. It was a slow long ride back to the village in an ambulance, and the end of my Summer Paralympic journey.

Change of seasons

With skiing being my passion, all energy soon became focused on winter sport. A special sit-ski was built in Newfoundland for the Salt Lake City Games — it would be lighter but balancing it proved to be very difficult. After breaking lots of skis and poles, making it into fourth place was a highlight.

Receiving corporate sponsorship by being named to Team Visa the year before Torino would be another highlight of my career that I never thought possible. Making commercials and being paid to train provided an extra incentive that got me back on the podium for two bronze medals in the 5 kilometre and 10 kilometre. Walking out with the flag for the last time in my career was an honour and memory I hope the athletes selected in 2010 treasure as much as I have.

For the first time in history, the Paralympic Movement will see Paralympic athletes promoted beside Olympians during commercials for 2010. The movement is gaining momentum and once people get the opportunity to see Paralympians in action they are able to see ability first and foremost.

To all my teammates aiming for 2010, may your hopes and dreams come true in sport and in that other big game called life. All the best. Enjoy the journey.

Paralympic Perspectives

Paralympic Perspectives is a celebration of the two-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. This \series comprises personal stories written by Paralympians and leaders passionate about the Games. Visit vancouver2010.com every weekday from March 12 through March 21 for a new story of personal triumph and fierce competition.

In Their Words: Sir Philip Craven

　

Flight 2010 Cleared for Landing at Vancouver International Airport - YVR Named Official Airport for 2010 Winter Games

March 13, 2008

dedicated airport amenities and services for VANOC and 2010 Winter Games activities

accreditation processing and departure screening facilities

expedited passenger arrivals and baggage services

specialized training for airport staff

parking and ground transportation services

office space

　

Paralympic Perspectives: Sir Philip Craven

March 12, 2008

Sir Philip Craven, President of the Governing Board of the International Paralympic Committee. (photo courtesy of IPC)International Paralympic Committee president, Sir Philip Craven, is a five-time Paralympian for Great Britain in wheelchair racing, wheelchair basketball and swimming. Sir Craven has many Olympic affiliations as well: he is a member of the International Olympic Committee; on the executive board of the British Olympic Association; a board member of the London 2012 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games; and a founding board member of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Salt Lake 2002 — What an Eye Opener!

By Sir Philip Craven

The Salt Lake City 2002 Paralympic Winter Games were my first experience of winter sports. My wife Jocelyne, being French, had frequently vacationed to the French Alps during her childhood but not since being married to me.

I had only been elected to President of the IPC [International Paralympic Committee] some three months before Salt Lake City 2002 and had no knowledge whatsoever of ice sledge hockey, cross-country skiing, biathlon or alpine skiing. The previous 35 years of my life had been devoted to the sport of wheelchair basketball as a player and as an administrator.

When I was a young boy I loved sports and I also loved reading about sports. One of my favourite characters in my weekly comic, The Victor, was Alf Tupper “the tough of the track”. Maybe I saw myself as one of the toughs of the court when playing basketball but I can tell you that Salt Lake City put a completely new perspective on the meaning of the word “tough.”

In Salt Lake I could relate to the ice sledge hockey players and also maybe to the cross-country skiers because I was a great believer in stamina training in preparation for international wheelchair basketball tournaments.

But it was the alpine skiing that blew me away. During the Paralympic alpine competitions at Snow Basin, my wife and I were fortunate enough to be taken up the alpine downhill course. We were accompanied on this journey by Spencer Eccles who was mayor of the Paralympic Winter Village in Salt Lake City and also a most adept alpine skier.

As we rode up the course on the ski lift I was amazed at the angle that Paralympians came down that slope. It wasn’t 45 degrees. At times it must have been 60 or 70 degrees. And then when we got to the top of the lift we went on a static lift to near the top of the mountain from which we could look down upon the start of the downhill. I can tell you my first thought was that alpine skiers are nuts because it appeared as if at the start they threw themselves off the side of the mountain.

I spoke previously in this article about the redefinition of the word “tough.” Seeing the alpine skiing events, also redefined for me the word “athletic” and even the word “mad.”

The Salt Lake City Games was an incredible experience. This impression continued at the IPC World Alpine Skiing Championships in Austria in 2004 and at the Paralympic Winter Games in Torino, which again were fantastic.

Looking forward to Vancouver and to Whistler in March 2010, we know the runs on Whistler will be death-defying and I can assure you that I will be leaving them to the toughest of the tough — Paralympic alpine skiers.

Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games; countdown to small-town spirit, big-city facilities, world-class exposure

March 12, 2008

Vancouver – Two years from today, British Columbians and Canadians will welcome some of the world’s top and most inspiring winter athletes for the start of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

To celebrate the two-year countdown the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) released the 2010 Paralympic daily Competition Schedule. VANOC is also hosting celebrations today in Vancouver and Whistler that include Paralympic athletes, the Vancouver 2010 mascots, the launch of a new and inspirational Paralympic video, and in Whistler, a performance by 2008 Canadian Indie Awards nominee, Justin Hines.

“Today we are reminded of the exciting and unique opportunity before us. In 2010, British Columbia and Canada will host some of the most memorable and inspirational moments in sport history by showcasing the extraordinary achievements of Paralympic athletes from around the world,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Between the Paralympic Sport Events taking place in the winter of 2009, and the staging of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in both Vancouver and Whistler, the world will be introduced to a new group of heroes who will change perceptions of sport and create role models for future generations.”

The 2010 Paralympic daily Competition Schedule released today has been approved by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and gives a day-by-day account of sporting activities over the nine days of Paralympic competition. Also available is the complete calendar of 2008-09 Olympic and Paralympic Sport Events. Both the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Competition Schedule and the 2008-09 Sport Event calendar are available at www.vancouver2010.com.

The new Vancouver 2010 Paralympic video, shown at each of the celebrations today, showcases the preparations being made for Vancouver 2010 by Paralympic athletes and coaches from around the world, and by VANOC, volunteers and Canadian sport fans. The streaming web-based video is available for screening at www.vancouver2010.com.

“Each of us reaches a point in our lives when we are faced with something that requires a truly extraordinary effort,” said Paralympic gold medallist, Paul Rosen (ice sledge hockey, Torino 2006), who is featured in the video. “We have, in front of us, one of those moments — an opportunity for each and every one of us to step up and become something better and to inspire a younger generation. The world will be watching us, and with that comes a responsibility — to our team, to our communities and to our country.”

2010 Paralympic Winter Games countdown activities taking place today include:

Ottawa:
Statement in the House of Commons
James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, will deliver a statement in the House of Commons today declaring the 2010 Winter Games as one festival, two events and 60 days of celebration, recognizing the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as the first to fly the Olympic and Paralympic Flags side by side.

Vancouver celebration:
Paralympic School Day with Queen Victoria Annex School and media access
Time: 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Location: Trout Lake Community Centre, 3350 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC.

VANOC staff and four-time Paralympic medallist Todd Nicholson (ice sledge hockey, Torino 2006, Salt Lake 2002, Nagano 1998, Lillehammer 1994) will join students and staff of Queen Victoria Annex school today for a presentation on the Paralympic Games and sport demonstrations (ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling, sit-skiing). The team will be joined by the Vancouver 2010 mascots, led by Paralympic mascot, Sumi. Media are invited to both participate in and cover this exciting and interactive workshop that teaches children the values of the Paralympic Movement.
Please note that the presentation is limited to students and staff of Queen Victoria Annex school and the media. The event will include media availability with Todd Nicholson and Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC executive vice president, Sport and Games Operations.

Whistler celebration:
Two years to go Paralympic Winter Games celebration
Time: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: Whistler Public Library

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games countdown event takes place at the new Whistler Public Library today from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Today’s celebration in Whistler is an opportunity to showcase some remarkable, inspiring achievements by Canadians with a disability. The event will include folk/pop singer/songwriter and 2008 Canadian Indie Awards nominee, Justin Hines, along with remarks by local athletes including Tyler Mosher (Para cross-country skiing) and Paralympian Donovan Tildesley (swimming, Athens 2004). The Vancouver 2010 mascots will be in attendance, the new Vancouver 2010 Paralympic video showcasing the Paralympic Winter Games will be screened and a ceremonial countdown cake cutting will take place at 5:30pm.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Two Years to Go – Paralympic Countdown Celebrated

March 12, 2008

Ice sledge hockey star Todd Nicholson carrying the Canadian flag at the Opening Ceremony to the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games (photo courtesy of Getty Images)Today marks the two-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, and a major milestone for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). Among the celebrations, the official Competition Schedule and a new video for the Paralympic Winter Games are being unveiled. James Moore, Member of Parliament for the riding of Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam, issued a statement in Ottawa in the House of Commons announcing the two-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

For VANOC’s Paralympic planners, the two-year countdown marks a shift in momentum. “This is a very exciting day for us,” said Dena Coward, VANOC director of Paralympic Games. “Over the next two years you will start to see some exciting Paralympic announcements, amazing sport events, unique cultural activities and unparalleled community engagement — all leading up to 10 exciting days of the Paralympic Winter Games.

“The 2010 Paralympic Winter Games has the potential to inspire the world as Vancouver and Whistler come alive with powerful small town spirit, big-city facilities and world-class athletic achievements.”

Paralympic countdown celebrations

Today, Whistler will be the centre of excitement as it hosts the two-year countdown celebrations. Held at the Whistler Public Library, the event includes a special performance by singer/songwriter and 2008 Canadian Indie Awards nominee Justin Hines, an appearance by the Vancouver 2010 mascots, and, of course, a big cake. Paralympic cross-country skier Tyler Mosher and Paralympic swimmer Donovan Tildesley will talk about their anticipation and excitement for Vancouver 2010.

“As a winter athlete, you only have so many days to practice, so the two-year countdown means that I only have another couple hundred training days left,” said Mosher, a local resident and 2010 Paralympic hopeful. “It means that I have to be out there every day preparing, so that I can stand on the podium in 2010.”

Mosher is encouraged by the community’s excitement about the upcoming Games and support for the various Paralympic athletes training in the Whistler area: “In Whistler, and Canada in general, there’s a lot of support and excitement about the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games. It’s great to see.”

Two years of sport and athleticism

For athletes like Mosher, today’s announcement means more than a milestone — it signifies a training deadline. Results from the next two athletic seasons will position athletes to qualify for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. International standings and upcoming World Cup competition results will help determine which athletes and teams will qualify to compete for their countries coming to Vancouver in 2010.

Cross-country skier Tyler Mosher training for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games (photo courtesy of Rich Glass)

Several World Cup events will be taking place at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games venues as part of the 2008-09 Sport Event Schedule. For spectators, these Sport Events are opportunities to experience Paralympic calibre sports during the lead up to the Games. Close to 90 per cent of athletes competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will attend a Sport Event. Some of the major events on the Paralympic Sport Event calendar in 2009 are wheelchair curling, ice sledge hockey, Paralympic alpine and Paralympic Nordic World Cup events.

For Mosher, hosting these upcoming World Cup races in Whistler means more than just the chance to experience great sport events . He sees the World Cups and the Olympic and Paralympic competition as a Games legacy, inspiring children to get involved in sport: “Hosting World Cups brings in new spectators, but you really see the interest with kids who come out and see the sports like biathlon, cross-country skiing and ski jumping, and they want to get involved and try it out.”

Fans wave to the German ice sledge hockey team in Torino 2006 (photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Competition Schedule

Another high point of today’s celebration is the release of the Paralympic Competition Schedule. During the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Whistler, there will be multiple medals awarded every day, as women’s and men’s alpine, cross-country skiing and biathlon events will host medal events in sitting, standing and visually impaired categories. Vancouver-based highlights from the program include nearly daily wheelchair curling events at the Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park venue and an equally frequent ice sledge hockey schedule, with the eight-team tournament hosted at the UBC Winter Sports Centre.

With Competition and non-Competition Events in Whistler and Vancouver, March 12 to 21, 2010 is shaping up to be an awe-inspiring experience for sports enthusiasts.

The Whistler Sliding Centre homologation process complete

March 10, 2008

World’s 15th sliding centre praised by international federation technical officials

Whistler, BC – The homologation process for The Whistler Sliding Centre concluded over the weekend, achieving another milestone in the timeline to ensure the venue for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions is complete for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The four days of testing and evaluation by the International Bobsleigh and Tobogganing Federation (FIBT), the International Luge Federation (FIL) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will allow the venue operators to move ahead with the next phase of planning to have the facility fully operational in the coming months.

“From design, to construction and through start-up, we knew we were building a very special sliding track. This track was designed and built to be a world-unique sliding sport venue and this week’s runs, along with the feedback from the athletes, coaches and the technical officials from international sport federations, have proven that we are well on our way to reaching this goal,” said Craig Lehto, VANOC’s director, The Whistler Sliding Centre. “The homologation process is a major milestone towards hosting spectacular sliding competitions during the Games in 2010.”

Over the duration of the homologation, more than 200 runs were taken at The Whistler Sliding Centre. Athletes from seven countries (Austria, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Russia and the USA) representing the three sliding disciplines completed runs from six different start positions on the track. Working from the bottom to the top, a detailed evaluation was completed to ensure the 1,450 metre track is safe for all athlete ability levels.

“This is a great track that will challenge all the skills of the modern sliding athletes. It is fast, technical, demanding and interesting,” said Bob Storey, President, FIBT. “The Whistler Sliding Centre is an example for the new tracks of the future as well as a great sporting legacy.”

“There are lots of technical tracks around the world, but this one is so unique because of the speed — that is what makes it so challenging,” said Walter Plaikner, technical delegate, FIL Track Commission. “The homologation went very well and there is almost nothing to change. This is because of the great work by the construction crew, the ice crew who had the ice in great condition and the entire team of people here in Canada which have done such a great job and made the homologation a success.”

With the homologation process complete, VANOC will now review the recommendations made by the FIBT and FIL that will determine the remaining work required to fine-tune the track in preparation for international competition. The Whistler Sliding Centre will host Canadian national teams for training and testing through to March 20.

BACKGROUND – The Whistler Sliding Centre

Located on Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, The Whistler Sliding Centre is the venue for the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and is one of only 15 sliding tracks in the world. The Whistler Sliding Centre consists of a 1,450-metre competition-length concrete sliding track through 16 corners, refrigeration facilities, support buildings and access road. This new sliding track is integrated into Whistler’s long-term resort development plan. Post-Games, The Whistler Sliding Centre will be operated under the direction of the Whistler Legacy Society, supported by an endowment trust established by the federal and provincial governments.

At this time, the facility’s technical and operational infrastructures are in the final stages of development. Until the track is officially open, VANOC is operating the facility with limited services and systems, and access to the venue will remain limited to those expressly invited to participate in activities at the venue.

World Championship Ice Sledge Hockey

March 7, 2008

Canada's Billy Bridges reaches for the puck against Sweden’s Marcus Holm during the bronze medal match in Salt Lake City 2002 Paralympic Winter Games. (Getty Images)With only two years left to go before the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, excitement is already starting to build as sports fans focus on the major tournaments leading up to the Games.

For ice sledge hockey, the New England Sports Centre in Marlborough, Massachusetts will be the centre of attention at the end of March when it hosts the 2008 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championships.

The 10-team round robin tournament will take place from March 29 to April 5, 2008 and will feature two divisions: six teams in group A and four teams in group B. With highlights shown on the new www.paralympicsport.tv, the series is expected to be particularly spirited as the Canadian team looks to follow up their gold medal performance from the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games with a world championship crown.

2008 World Championship

Team Canada — a team that has only been defeated once in overtime, once in a shoot out and remains undefeated in regulation playing time this season — will face Italy in the opening round of the tournament, followed by games against Germany, Japan, the United States and Norway. While among the favourites to win, the Canadian team, which finished fourth at the previous Ice Sledge Hockey World Championship in Örsköldsvik, Sweden in 2004, is still preparing for a tough competition, particularly against their Norwegian rivals.

This high level of international competition is just one of the reasons that ice sledge hockey has quickly become a fan favourite since it debuted at the 1994 Paralympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway.

Team Canada celebrates its gold medal win in Torino 2006. (Getty Images)

A spectator sport

Played with the same rules as hockey, ice sledge hockey is looking to win over hockey fans leading up to Vancouver 2010. It’s a fast paced and physical game.

“There is tipping, there are slapshots, there are one timers,” said Billy Bridges the current top scorer for Team Canada. “Body checks, wrist shots, penalty shots; there are battles in the crease. When people see that it is like hockey, then we can keep fans, that’s for sure.”

The main difference between ice sledge hockey and able body hockey is the equipment and the manoeuvring. Ice sledge hockey is played on a low-lying metal sledge (sled) and athletes use two short hockey sticks with spikes attached at the end to propel themselves around the ice surface. While the different equipment does not take away from the speed of the sport, it definitely adds a new dimension with athletes being able to hit each other and peg opposing players into the boards with their sledges.

Looking to recruit

For Bridges, broadening awareness of the sport doesn’t just mean adding fans, it also means getting new competitors.

“I am always looking to recruit,” said Bridges. “When we are playing in a league and able-bodied people come out, it raises the level of the sport. It puts it to where we want it to be. As well, as a different discipline of hockey, sledge hockey uses different muscles, so it is a great workout.”

At an international level, male athletes with a physical disability in the lower part of the body are able to compete, but at the regional level, many clubs welcome all players and often have trial sledges available.

Purolator Courier to help deliver the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

March 6, 2008

Canada ’s largest courier commits to sending excitement of the 2010 Winter Games and event tickets directly to Canadians from coast to coast to coast

VANCOUVER (March 6, 2008) – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today welcomed Purolator Courier Ltd. to its Official Supplier category as the exclusive supplier of courier services for the 2010 Winter Games. As part of the Official Supplier partnership with VANOC, Purolator will also be the official courier for the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Olympic team at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Purolator will use its expertise and network of more than 12,500 employees, 3,000 trucks, 140 operations locations and more than 1,300 shipping locations across Canada to ship event tickets, as well as an estimated 130,000 packages containing merchandise ordered through the Vancouver 2010 website (www.vancouver2010.com). Purolator will also provide courier and distribution services to support the day-to-day operations leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games, including working with VANOC to provide services from the Athletes’ Villages and Media Centres.

“Purolator’s support of Canada’s dream to host the 2010 Winter Games started five years ago when we first helped deliver the Vancouver 2010 Bid Books to the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland,” said Bob Johnson, Purolator president and Chief Executive Officer. “It was an honour for us to play a part in the successful bid process that brought the 2010 Winter Games to Canada and today we are delighted to announce that we will continue to apply our distribution expertise and network of resources to help ensure the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are a model of excellence and efficiency.”

Purolator will support VANOC’s commitment to delivering sustainable Games through its fleet of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), fuel optimization policies and recyclable packaging. Purolator will also promote the Games with uniquely decorated trucks and by placing the Official Supplier logo on packaging.

“Our goal is to share the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games with all Canadians and Purolator is the perfect partner to make that happen. Purolator employees will be personally delivering the excitement of the Games in the form of event tickets and Games merchandise to large and small communities throughout Canada,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to have a partner like Purolator that clearly shares VANOC’s values of excellence and sustainability by investing in environmentally-friendly technologies.”

The Vancouver 2010 mascots, Miga, Quatchi and Sumi, will also rely on Purolator’s network to support their travels to each province and territory across Canada. Purolator’s Calgary, Toronto and Montreal depots will occasionally serve as temporary homes for the mascots over the next two years as they fulfill their commitments as ambassadors of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“As Canada’s largest courier, we come into contact with millions of Canadians from coast to coast as part of our daily business operations. This makes us well-suited to help make the 2010 Winter Games truly Canada’s Games,” said Paul Merrick, General Manager of Purolator in British Columbia. “Our dedicated employees will play a big role in helping to spread the spirit of 2010 and by delivering the Games to Canadians’ doorsteps across the country.”

Today’s announcement was made in front of 100 Purolator employees and guests at an event held at Purolator’s facilities in Richmond, BC, hosted by Purolator president Robert C. Johnson and VANOC CEO John Furlong. The event also featured Olympic speed skater Brock Miron, Paralympic wheelchair curler Sonja Gaudet and guest appearances by Vancouver 2010 mascots Miga, Sumi and Quatchi.

About Purolator

As the leading provider of integrated distribution solutions to, from and within Canada, and one of Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures ^TM (2007), Purolator Courier Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario is committed to its customers. From automated solutions to 24-hour pick up and delivery, Purolator provides customers with the services and customized solutions required to get their shipments across town or around the world. Purolator operates Canada's largest dedicated air express fleet. Purolator has an extensive service network, with more than 12,500 employees, including 3,500 couriers, 140 operations locations, 150 Shipping Centres, 800 Authorized Shipping Agents and more than 350 drop boxes. Purolator has also implemented a company-wide Quality Leadership Process that provides the necessary framework for continuous improvement and operational excellence. As part of its commitment to helping alleviate hunger, Purolator works closely with the Canadian Association of Food Banks. Since 2003, Purolator has helped collect more than 1.5 million pounds of food for local food banks across Canada. For more company information please visit www.purolator.com.

About VANOC

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint, and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Birks, Britco, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Nortel, Purolator, Saputo, Sun Microsystems, tickets.com, TransCanada, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

Vancouver 2010 and the Four Host First Nations Society announce historic Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising Program for the 2010 Winter Games

March 5, 2008

Vancouver, BC – Authentic Aboriginal art from Canada will to be showcased to a worldwide audience and Aboriginal youth will directly benefit from a historic Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising program agreement between the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) Society. VANOC and the FHFN welcomed the Development Corporation of Nunavut today as the first participating licensee in the program outside of British Columbia.

The agreement provides the framework for the parties to cooperate on developing licensed retail products in four key areas: authentic Aboriginal art and products; the integration of Aboriginal graphics into Vancouver 2010 branded merchandise; a series of products featuring the Four Host First Nations logo; and numerous other products featuring Aboriginal themes and icons, such as canoes, paddles and drums.

The first of its kind in Olympic history, the licensing and merchandising partnership will result in one third of VANOC’s royalties from sales of these products being contributed directly to a fund for Aboriginal youth, supporting education, sport and cultural initiatives for youth within the Four Host First Nations, as well as First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.

“Today is an important day for our people. Together with VANOC and our Aboriginal partners we are writing history by celebrating our diversity. Our young people are our future and we hope to inspire and support them as they build their dreams,” said Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer for the Four Host First Nations.

Joseph celebrated this program last week in participating with VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong in a private signing ceremony witnessed by International Olympic Committee President, Dr. Jacques Rogge.

“We are committed to achieving unprecedented Aboriginal participation in the planning and hosting of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and we are pleased to have authentic licensed merchandise that represents the culture of the Four Host First Nations and Aboriginal peoples from across the country,” said Furlong.

The announcement today was highlighted by the participation of members of the Government of Nunavut who signed on as the first program participant from outside of British Columbia. The Nunavut Development Corporation, a Crown corporation of the Nunavut territory, will facilitate the development of authentic, hand-carved inuksuit from across Nunavut that will be showcased as part of the 2010 Winter Games retail product line. More than 1,200 Inuit artists are expected to participate in the program, carving inuksuit in one of 11 distinct community styles or forms.

“Today’s agreement for the licensing of made-in-Nunavut inuksuk carvings will guide consumers to authenticity,” said Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik. “It allows us to share the story of the inuksuk, our communities and our world-class artisans. The program respects the origin and cultural importance of inuksuit and opens the doors for Inuit to experience, first-hand, the wonders of the Games.”

"I'd like to thank Premier Okalik and the people of Nunavut for joining us in welcoming the world to the traditional territories of the Four Host First Nations, and helping us articulate the soul of the Games through their unique Inuit culture of which the inukshuk is a central element," said Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell. "This is a wonderful example of collaboration and we look forward to connecting with all regions of Canada to truly capture and showcase the strength of Canada's diversity."

“The Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising Program is a wonderful example of how VANOC is living up to its commitment of including Aboriginal peoples across Canada and ensuring Aboriginal participation in all aspects of the Games,” said the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics. “This program is an excellent way to showcase the diversity of Aboriginal arts and culture from across the entire country.”

In addition to creating a monetary legacy for Aboriginal youth, the Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising Program is also intended to raise awareness about the Aboriginal peoples of Canada and their cultures — one of a number of shared focus areas for both VANOC and the FHFN. Other shared focus areas include: cultural involvement; economic development; sport and youth; and a focus on partnerships and collaboration such as building relationships with other Aboriginal peoples, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, across Canada, .

The Games spotlight provides a unique opportunity to increase the profile and understanding of the Aboriginal community, including its diversity, history, talents and skills. As such, the FHFN and VANOC have been working in partnership to develop opportunities for Aboriginal people in Canada. Today’s announcement is one example of how Aboriginal arts and culture has become part of the Games experience.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

The Four Host First Nations Society is a not-for-profit organization that has been established to coordinate the participation in the 2010 Winter Games by the Lilwat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

　

IOC gives high mark to Vancouver’s Games preparations

February 28, 2008

On his second visit to Vancouver since the city was awarded the 2010 Olympic Winter Games five years ago, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, praised the progress that the Organising Committee (VANOC) is making. The President was in town at the same time as the Coordination Commission, the group of IOC members and experts monitoring preparations and guiding VANOC throughout the challenging journey leading to the staging of the Olympic Winter Games in 2010.

“The work that is being done here by the VANOC team and its partners is of a very high standard and I would like to thank everyone involved in Games preparations for their professionalism and dedication”, said the IOC President during the press conference wrapping up the three days of meetings.

”I am glad to see that athletes are already enjoying brand new sports facilities and are speaking highly about them. Sporting venues will be one of the many legacies that the Games will leave behind and we know that VANOC is doing its best to deliver a strong heritage to local communities,” he added.

“The next two years will be busy but I have no doubt that our friends in Vancouver will keep up the good work to achieve their goal, drawing from the advice and knowledge that the IOC and its very experienced Coordination Commission are putting at their disposal,” Rogge concluded.

The IOC President was able to see the Richmond speed skating oval and the UBC Winter Sports Centre during his visit. He also discovered the Vancouver Olympic Village, where the athletes will live during the Games. The Village will truly be a home away from home for the athletes, creating a true sense of community for all who stay there at Games time. The Village will also be a model for sustainable development with environmental, social and economic principles being taken into consideration across the entire project, becoming a great legacy to the city of Vancouver once the Games are over.

Meetings with local leaders also took place. Rogge met the Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell, and with the mayors of Vancouver, Whistler, and Richmond. He also received strong support from the Chiefs of the Four Host First Nations who symbolically gave him the name of “Spall”, which means Raven – one who is wise, clever and carries messages.

"With under two years to go to the 2010 Winter Games, this visit by the IOC Coordination Commission and President Rogge, are invaluable opportunities to take a pulse check and to make sure we are on track,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We are honoured to have had the opportunity to host President Rogge and, in particular, to showcase our progress on sustainability and Aboriginal participation.

"It has been a highly productive three days and we are buoyed by the IOC's feedback as we move into the heavy lifting ahead: testing venues, building up our team, raising the remaining required revenue and exercising discipline in our expenditures. We will be out in the community more than ever before in the coming months, inviting participation and truly engaging Canadians and the world in the project and the endorsement of the IOC of our work to date is a welcome boost."

　

Tools for Life and the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop Video

February 28, 2008

Official opening of the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop on November 19, 2007. (VANOC photo)Louie Naknakin has a personal connection to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Not as an athlete, not as a sports fan, but as a carpenter who builds items such as ski racks, wheelchair ramps and medal podiums for the Games.

Naknakin, 25, is one of 16 carpentry trainees at the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication (Fab) Shop, a 30-week carpentry skills and work experience program that began in November, 2007. For people who have had difficultly attaching to the workforce, the Fab Shop equips them with tools for life.

By 2010, 64 trainees will have received Fab Shop skills training and job experience. The first of four training groups focuses on urban youth.

“This Fab Shop program is a real good thing especially if people aren’t in the workforce and they’re looking to get into it,” said Naknakin. “It’s the perfect learning step.”

The Fabrication Shop is also an essential woodworking facility for the Games — it’s where all the extra items that bring the Games venues to life will be built. By 2010, the Fabrication Shop and its carpentry trainees will have produced more than 8,000 Games-time items.

RONA, a National Partner of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), took a leading role in planning the Fab Shop and provided skilled labour to retrofit what was previously a storage facility into the workshop space. RONA also hired the supervising carpenters, covers the lease costs and provides all equipment and materials.

The program is taught by a Red Seal-certified carpentry instructor, three supervising carpenters and will be certified by the Industry Training Authority (ITA), the agency overseeing BC's industry training and apprenticeship system. Hours worked in the Fabrication Shop will apply towards first year carpentry qualification requirements.

Naknakin and his older brother Albert Naknakin, who is also a trainee of the Fab Shop, hope to eventually complete their four-year Red Seal certification in carpentry and together build homes for themselves on Vancouver Island.

Building a future

Tradeworks Training Society — a non-profit organization located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that provides job and life skills training — recruited the first 16 program participants and will assist graduates in securing apprenticeship positions.

Rod Paynter is the Tradeworks job and life skills coach for the Fab Shop. He helps trainees to gain the confidence and focus on goals in and out of the workshop. And as the program progresses, Paynter sees students making changes for a healthier lifestyle.

“I notice people are eating more regularly than they were when they first got here,” said Paynter. “Some of them are getting into better housing than they had — and they can afford better housing since they’re receiving steady income during the program.”

VANOC’s Overlay team manages the Fab Shop and built flexibility into their own production schedules to accommodate a complete change of trainees approximately every seven months.

ACCESS — a non-profit agency delivering services to the urban Aboriginal community — will recruit and support the second group of 16 Fabrication Shop trainees.

Pride in Accomplishment

For Naknakin the idea of seeing his finished pieces being put to use during the 2010 Winter Games inspires a sense of pride.

“It will be cool to see the stuff that we made for the Olympics during the Games,” said Naknakin. “Like, for instance, the gun racks for the biathlon and that kind of stuff — you can actually point at it when it’s on television and say, ‘Yeah, I made that.’”

A Fab Shop Video

In November 2007, 16 young people walked into the new RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop and strapped on tool belts to help build the Games. Fab Shop is not just a workshop though; it’s a classroom where participants solve math problems and learn the nuts and bolts of carpentry. The goal is to build skills for long-term employment.

To help tell their story in video, VANOC contracted Intersections Media, an organization providing mentoring, training and experience in film and video production for youth with limited access to resources. With mentoring from professional filmmakers, Intersections Media participants narrated and edited the Fab Shop video and provided camera and sound support.

Nothing Goes To Waste

The Fabrication Shop will have a permanent impact on the lives of all the people who work and learn within its walls. But Games products are built for specific Games-time purposes and will be removed and reused, or recycled, after the Games. Even the screws will be reused. Nothing will go to waste.

“Sustainability is very big at VANOC,” said Mark Hetherington, RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop Manager. “We’re always thinking how we can reduce or reuse materials and, for that reason, we’re screwing everything together. We’re not gluing it, we’re not nailing it unless we really have to, so that everything can be taken apart and all the materials are recycled and reused elsewhere.”

In Their Words: Keith Sashaw

February 28, 2008

Keith Sashaw, President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA). (photo courtesy of VRCA)Keith Sashaw is president of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA). On behalf of the VRCA, Sashaw works with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and Building Opportunities with Business Inner-City Society to deliver construction-readiness training. This training is co-located with VANOC’s carpentry training program at the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop.

That Momentous Day by Keith Sashaw

Like thousands of other British Columbians, I remember well that momentous day of July 2, 2003 — it was announced that Vancouver won the right to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Prior to the announcement, there was a general air of discontent because we had suffered through a decade of lagging economic performance. For me, it seemed that the province was destined to be mired in the doldrums forever. No so.

Following the thrill of seeing Vancouver announced as the host for the 2010 Winter Games, I remember walking from BC Place Stadium and feeling the energy and the confidence that was palpable in the air. This announcement restored confidence in the province and sent a message that BC is capable of great things on the world stage — it was probably the most impactful message of any single announcement.

Having been raised in Vancouver, and having lived through the excitement of Expo ‘86, I have seen first-hand what hosting a world-class event can do to a city in terms of instilling confidence and pride. I savoured the opportunity to welcome once again people to Vancouver with typical Canadian hospitality.

Following the announcement about the 2010 Olympics, I was excited about having visitors come to a city in which I take great pride.

Looking back on Calgary’s Games

When Vancouver was selected as the Host City, I remembered back to 1988 and the sense of anticipation and excitement I felt when my wife, two kids and my in-laws jumped in our mini van and drove from Vancouver to Calgary to watch my wife’s cousin compete in bobsleigh for Canada. Once in Calgary, I was taken with the overwhelming sense of community and support that was extended, not only to our athletes, but also to every visitor attending the Games.

We had the privilege of going to Canada House in the evening to celebrate those Canadians who had competed that day in the Olympic Games. The most moving part of that experience was recognizing the parents and supporters of those athletes that made their success possible.

Events like Expo and the Olympic and Paralympic Games build communities. Successful events are the result of groups of people coming together to work for a common cause. We are already seeing that with Vancouver 2010.

Opportunity for business and communities

Already, the 2010 Winter Games have provided an opportunity for the construction industry to come together with community groups to address issues. The present issue facing the construction industry is the urgent need for construction workers. The issue for community groups is to find meaningful employment for their clients.

By harnessing the synergy created by Vancouver 2010, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association is working closely with the Building Opportunities with Business organization to work with people from Vancouver’s downtown eastside — people who may have particular employment challenges. One such outreach program — The RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop — is helping individuals work towards a career in carpentry or construction. Clearly, this initiative builds on the strengths of all the parties in the agreement.

I am proud to be part of an initiative where industry and community agencies are working together to provide a helping hand to those who want to develop skills and to provide opportunities for life-long careers. The Games in 2010 are a catalyst for community improvement.

What a great legacy to leave.

In Their Words: Davey Barr

February 27, 2008

Davey Barr of Canada celebrates winning the World Cup ski cross event on February 2, 2008 at Deer Valley Resort in Deer Valley, Utah. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)Whistler’s Davey Barr, a Canadian national team ski cross athlete, began racing in 2002. Initially, he entered local competitions in British Columbia, and as his skills advanced, Barr began travelling to the United States in search of international competition. Among his top accomplishments, Barr won the United States ski cross championships in 2004 and again in 2006. More recently, this February he won a gold medal at the World Cup race in Deer Valley, Utah — the first-ever FIS World Cup ski cross event held in North America.

On Home Turf by Davey Barr

I got into ski cross because I really like the head-to-head action it offers. You never know who is going to win on any given day.

When I heard that ski cross was being inducted into the 2010 Winter Olympic Games as a full-medal sport, I considered it a huge opportunity to showcase the sport in front of the whole world. Not only do I see it as a chance to compete on home turf, but I am also going to be part of history. This has really given me a huge focus in my life.

I think the worldwide audience will be hooked when they see what the action-packed sport of ski cross is all about. It's a very spectator-friendly sport.

Here’s what happens: once the fastest 32 racers have been selected from an individual timed run on the course, they are seeded into heats of 4 according to their times. After that, it is just straightforward racing. The fastest two racers in every heat advance into the next round. To make it to the finals you must make it through the initial rounds of 32, then 16, then 8. Only then can you secure your place in the final heat. No matter how you ranked getting there, your place in the final round is your final result. It comes down to skill, split-second strategizing, confidence and a little bit of luck.

At the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, I can’t wait to show the world what this sport is about, and what the Canadians are made of!

In Their Words Series

In Their Words is a celebration of the two-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This 17-part series is comprised of personal stories written by Olympians and leaders with a passion for the Games. Visit vancouver2010.com every day from February 12 to 28 for a fresh story of inspiration, triumph and hope.

　

In Their Words: Joannie Rochette

February 26, 2008

Canada’s Joannie Rochette performs during the women's free skating program at the 2006 Winter Games. (Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images)Figure skater Joannie Rochette of Montreal, Quebec is the reigning female Canadian national singles champion. She is the first Canadian female figure skater to have won Nationals at all three levels (novice, junior and senior ladies) and she is one of Canada’s medal hopefuls for Vancouver 2010. In her first Olympic Winter Games, Torino 2006, Rochette claimed fifth place.

Those Five Rings by Joannie Rochette

I started figure skating when I was a young child who could barely walk on the ice. From day one I enjoyed sports, but I quickly fell in love with figure skating after my first time on the ice.

In the beginning, competing was my favourite aspect of the sport. I wanted to win, I liked to win. I entered many regional championships despite not being favoured to win: I lacked a certain new jump in my arsenal that was the key to success. However, typically, I would often only land that new jump for the first time during practice the week before. Though I often cut it close, I loved the adrenaline of competition, and liked to perform so much that I landed the tough jumps when it counted the most. It’s that passion for performance that led me to win my first provincial championship at age 11, as a pre-novice.

Adrenaline

That same passion for performance led me to win Canadian novice, junior and senior titles. It is that exact same passion that helped me place fifth at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games; I achieved my goal of a top-10 finish. It is my enduring love for performance that pushes me toward 2010.

Speaking of Torino, my discipline of ladies’ free skating was one of the last events held at those Games. I arrived there one week before the Opening Ceremony, so when I started competing with my short program, I had been there for almost three weeks. And for 10 days, I had seen many fellow athletes celebrating the results of their Olympic adventure. I was patiently waiting for my turn to compete, and finally celebrate, too.

Four minutes

You train all your life for Olympic competition, and, in the end, four minutes means everything to you. If you mess up, you have to wait another four years! It is all about delivering at the right time, peaking at the right time. Then, when you’re in front of the noisiest crowd, and all eyes are on you to deliver — it’s important to feel like you gave everything you had.

That is exactly how I felt in Torino. After a ninth-place finish in the short program, I entered the long program with the objective of climbing a bit in the standings. After my name was announced, “Representing Canada, représentant le Canada, Joannie Rochette,” I skated onto the ice to take my starting pose. I saw the rings, those five Olympic rings. I started thinking about where I was, about what was going on. I thought about that little girl who could barely walk on the ice at one time and who was now at the Olympic Winter Games. Then, I woke up. I could not let those emotions take control of the situation.

I ended the night in fifth place, which was amazing! I was “on” that night, the most important night so far in my career. I had the third-best technical score of all the ladies — of all the best ladies competing in figure skating from around the world!

For me, and Canada as a nation, the 2010 Winter Games mean a lot. For many of us, the Games mean pride, accomplishment, challenge and excellence, and hopefully, a fantastic experience highlighted with the very best performances of a generation.

In Their Words Series

In Their Words: Frank King

In Their Words: Kristi Richards

In Their Words: François-Louis Tremblay

In Their Words: Cassie Campbell

In Their Words: Kati Wilhelm

In Their Words: Cristobal Huet

In Their Words: Mike Moffat

In Their Words: Bill Demong

In Their Words: Brad Gushue

In Their Words: Jeff Pain

In Their Words: Dominique Maltais

In Their Words: Lascelles Brown

In Their Words: Johann Olav Koss

In Their Words: Tewanee Joseph

In Their Words: Davey Barr

In Their Words: Keith Sashaw

　

　

In Their Words: Tewanee Joseph

February 25, 2008

Tewanee Joseph, Chief Executive Officer of the Four Host First Nations, speaks at the Vancouver Countdown Clock unveiling on February 12, 2007. (VANOC photo)

Tewanee Joseph is a member of the Squamish First Nation of Canada. He grew up on the Capilano Reserve in North Vancouver, British Columbia, where he excelled at a number of sports including lacrosse. Now, as the chief executive officer of the Four Host First Nations Society, Joseph works on behalf of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations — on whose shared traditional territories the Games will be held — to ensure that the Nations’ traditions and protocols are recognized and respected in the planning and hosting of the Games.

As Official Partners in the 2010 Winter Games, the Four Host First Nations played an integral role in Vancouver’s successful Games bid, and will continue to have a key role in hosting and staging extraordinary Games in 2010.

Canadians will be Proud by Tewanee Joseph

As we celebrate the two-year mark in the countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, I’m reminded of just how much we’ve accomplished since Vancouver won the bid to host the Games in 2003. In fact, I first started on this project in 2003, working on behalf of the Four Host First Nations.

From early on, the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation welcomed the participation of the Four Host First Nations in the planning process. It was a partnership based on mutual respect, understanding and the desire to bring the world’s most dynamic sport and cultural celebration to Vancouver and Whistler.

The Nations’ support for the Games was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as an important factor in Vancouver’s successful bid.

Today, we work with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and our partners to ensure that the Games are successful, that an unprecedented level of Aboriginal participation is achieved, and that a positive legacy is left for future generations.

As John Furlong [VANOC Chief Executive Officer] so often says, “these are Canada’s Games”. In that spirit we are reaching out to invite First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples from across Canada to be a part of the 2010 Winter Games experience — either here in Vancouver, or within their own communities. We are building partnerships with national and regional Aboriginal organizations so that we can share the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal peoples in Canada with the rest of the world.

My fondest memory so far is witnessing my 20-month-old son's excitement as he met the Olympic Mascots (which are First Nations-inspired) for the first time. His favorite mascot is Quatchi which has also become one of his first 30 words in life. It's moments like this that I will never forget.

Looking back, I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished as Official Partners so far — not only on behalf of the Four Host First Nations, but for all Indigenous peoples. I believe we are building an Olympic Games that future Host Cities can learn from and that all Canadians will be proud of.

On behalf of the Four Host First Nations, and in the spirit of friendship, we welcome you to our traditional territories.

In Their Words Series

In Their Words: Frank King

In Their Words: Kristi Richards

In Their Words: François-Louis Tremblay

In Their Words: Cassie Campbell

In Their Words: Kati Wilhelm

In Their Words: Cristobal Huet

In Their Words: Mike Moffat

In Their Words: Bill Demong

In Their Words: Brad Gushue

In Their Words: Jeff Pain

In Their Words: Dominique Maltais

In Their Words: Lascelles Brown

In Their Words: Johann Olav Koss

In Their Words: Joannie Rochette

In Their Words: Davey Barr

In Their Words: Keith Sashaw

　

Top Minds Gather for 2010 Winter Games Ceremonies Symposia

February 1, 2008

Vancouver, BC – Over 100 respected leaders in Canada’s artistic scene, representing some of the country’s most influential artists, cultural and theatrical practitioners, directors, writers, designers and community leaders, will gather in Vancouver over the course of the next three weekends – starting February 1 to 4 – to participate in six Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Ceremonies Symposia.

Designed to ensure the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games present a new vision and understanding of contemporary Canada to the world, the symposia will inform participants – both about the Ceremonies themselves, and the venues where they will be staged. The symposia will also offer a chance to gather pan-Canadian views of the country that can be translated into general themes, images and highly memorable performances.

Conducted under strict confidentiality to encourage open, unencumbered discussion and a free exchange of ideas, each weekend of two symposia will engage between 25 and 35 different participants, selected to represent different artistic milieu and also to represent each Canadian province and region. The program includes briefings on the VANOC brand and the required elements of Olympic Ceremonies (such as the Lighting of the Olympic Flame, the parade of athletes, the Raising of the Olympic Flag), as well as other spectacular elements (such as pyrotechnics, costumes, music and anthems). Each symposium will include a visit to BC Place Stadium and a session to present feedback and ideas.

“The 2010 Winter Games Ceremonies Symposia give Canada’s cultural and artistic community an opportunity to directly engage, inform, and actively contribute to the Ceremonies process,” said David Guscott, executive vice president, Celebrations and Partnerships with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) “By participating in the symposia, contributors are helping us reach our goal of portraying the essence and soul of Canada to a worldwide television audience of up to three billion . . . no small feat,” said Guscott, adding, “We’re grateful for their help.”

On September 20, 2007, VANOC announced David Atkins, of David Atkins Enterprises (DAE), as Opening/Closing Ceremonies Executive Producer to lead a world-class team of Canadians. Atkins is the producer of numerous global events, including the acclaimed Sydney 2000 Olympic Summer Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. He and his team will use feedback and ideas from the symposia to inform the unique story of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. “In our experience, this process of gathering input has been the most important step in ultimately developing a Ceremonies concept that resonates both nationally and internationally,” said Atkins. “Input and contributions from the talented and respected symposia participants are critical to helping us identify the themes, concepts, icons and ideas that best reflect Vancouver, Whistler, British Columbia and Canada.”

Following the symposia, Atkins and the Canadian creative team will use the feedback and input to help build a creative concept that truly captures the spirit of Vancouver/Whistler, Canada and Canadians through innovative, engaging and, ultimately, spectacularly memorable Ceremonies. The detailed final outcome of the symposia will remain a confidential ingredient of the Ceremonies’ design and development, so as to retain the elements of surprise and theatricality of the Ceremonies.

“Every great show begins with several great ideas,” said Atkins. “With our first symposia starting today, the creative process for the 2010 Winter Games Ceremonies is now well and truly under way.”

More information about the Ceremonies team, including the biographies of all the Canadian team members and a highlight video reel of past ceremonies produced by DAE can be viewed online at www.vancouver2010.com.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the
XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com for the latest information.

Coca-Cola Canada and RBC join VANOC in sharing the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay with communities Canada-wide

January 28, 2008

Halifax, Nova Scotia—Today in Halifax, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced that Coca-Cola Canada and RBC will join VANOC as the exclusive Presenting Partners of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. VANOC also unveiled the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Emblem that will become iconic in the lead-up and operation of the cross-Canada event preceding the 2010 Winter Games.

Next to the Olympic Rings themselves, the Olympic Flame is the most universally recognized symbol of the Games. For the public, the Torch Relay is often the first and most tangible evidence of the arrival of the Olympic Games.

“The vision of the 2010 Games is to encourage Canadians to ‘Celebrate the Possible’. This principle is embedded in the very essence of the Torch Relay and the tremendous opportunity it presents to unify and inspire people across the country and around the world,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of VANOC. “We will see over 100 days of light shining on the people and places that define our national character while inspiring Canadians to be the best they can be.”

“Coca-Cola and RBC represent the importance of partnerships to the success of the 2010 Winter Games. Their exceptional commitment will help us to ensure that every Canadian has the opportunity to be touched by the spirit of the Olympic Flame and make a very personal connection to our Games,” he continued.

As Presenting Partners of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola Canada and RBC receive exclusive marketing rights and an agreed upon number of torchbearer slots to be allocated through a public process designed in collaboration with VANOC. They will also work in collaboration with VANOC on the overall development of the Olympic Torch Relay.

“Our Olympic legacy will focus on inspiring Canadians to make a lifelong commitment to active living, environmental conservation and bringing the Olympic values to life in communities across the country,” said Vince Timpano, President, Coca-Cola Canada.

“From town to town, the Olympic Torch Relay will connect all Canadians to Vancouver 2010 and what it stands for,” said Gordon M. Nixon, RBC President and CEO. “RBC is honoured to help bring millions of Canadians and their communities a chance to participate in the celebration and excitement of the Games through the Olympic Torch Relay.”

As reported in the VANOC business plan (May 8, 2007) the cost of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays is approximately $31 million CDN, the majority of which is expected to be funded through a number of corporate sponsors in addition to the two exclusive Presenting Partners being announced today.

The Official Emblem of the Olympic Torch Relay

Called “A Path of Northern Lights”, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Emblem incorporates a stylized flame atop a band of white representing both the torch and the path it will take across the country. On either side of the band are ribbons of blue and green drawn from the unique Vancouver 2010 colour palette reflecting the landscape of the host region.

Contained within a stone shape that mirrors the elements of the 2010 Olympic Games Emblem — the inukshuk — the bilingual emblem also incorporates the Vancouver 2010 wordmark and the Olympic Rings. The emblem will appear in conjunction with the Presenting Partners’ logos, except on the Olympic Torch and on the Olympic Torchbearer uniforms.

“The emblem embodies the Torch Relay as it moves across Canada and ignites the fire of the Olympic spirit within the people and communities that it touches. As the torch makes its way through this country, sparks of pride will turn into flames. As one holds the Olympic Torch they will literally hold the beauty of the Olympic Games in their hands,” said Furlong.

About the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Flame will travel 35,000 kilometres over approximately 100 days and visit every province and territory in Canada. The flame will be carried on its remarkable journey by some 12,000 torchbearers. Up to 120 people will have the opportunity to carry the flame each day, selected through a public process to be shared with Canadians in November 2008.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will be highlighted by hundreds of community celebrations and will leave an enduring legacy that will continue well after the flame is extinguished in 2010.

“When the Olympic Flame arrives on the shore of a host nation, what was once just an abstract idea becomes very real. There is a surge of emotion that is genuine and undeniable when one is in the immediate presence of the flame. It is the inspiring power of this moment that we want to capture and share with Canadians from coast to coast to coast and with the world,” said Furlong.

Today’s event builds excitement for major Torch Relay announcements planned for fall 2008, including the launch of the relay route, the unveiling of the 2010 Olympic Torch design, the official torchbearer uniform and information on the torchbearer application process.

Those interested in news and updates on the Olympic Torch Relay can sign up at www.vancouver2010.com to receive this and other 2010 Winter Games-related information.

Comments from Vancouver 2010 Government and Four Host First Nations Partners.

Coca-Cola and the Olympic Movement

The Coca-Cola Company has been associated with the Olympic Games since 1928 — almost 80 years — and is the longest continuous corporate supporter of the Olympic Movement. The company’s sponsorship supports National Olympic Committees in more than 200 countries to help athletes train and compete. P roducts of the Coca-Cola Company refresh athletes, volunteers, officials and spectators during the Olympic Games. Supporting programs such as the Olympic Torch Relay allow the Coca-Cola Company to help share the Olympic spirit around the world. The Coca-Cola Company is the exclusive nonalcoholic beverage provider to the Olympic Games through 2020. Visit www.thecocacolacompany.com or http://www.coca-cola.ca/.

RBC and Amateur Sport

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) sponsors amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport associations that support the development of amateur athletes who compete at home and abroad. RBC has sponsored the Canadian Olympic Committee since 1947, making it Canada's longest-standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team. RBC continues this sponsorship through the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. RBC is also a Premier Sponsor of Hockey Canada, the Canadian Snowboard Team, the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team, Athletics Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Visit www.rbc.com/sponsorship.

About VANOC

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint, and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Birks, Britco, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Nortel, Saputo, Sun Microsystems, TransCanada, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

Tickets.com selected as Official Supplier of ticket services for the 2010 Winter Games

January 24, 2008

Vancouver, British Columbia – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced today that it has selected Tickets.com as its official supplier of ticket services within Canada for the 2010 Winter Games.

The five-year partnership provides Tickets.com with Official Supplier sponsorship rights in the ticket service provider category, in addition to the sponsorship rights to the Canadian Team participating at the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

“The sale and distribution of tickets in Canada will be key to the success of the 2010 Winter Games and we have selected a ticketing service provider that will help us offer a user-friendly, fair and equitable system for the distribution of tickets with excellence in customer service,” said Caley Denton, vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing at VANOC. “Tickets.com has an impressive track record and extensive Games ticketing experience, having managed the successful ticketing programs for the Atlanta 1996 Summer Games, and the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Games. Tickets.com’s Olympic ticketing engine was also the backbone for ticket sales and distribution for the Sydney 2000 Summer Games and the Torino 2006 Winter Games.”

The majority of tickets to the 2010 Winter Games will be sold to the Canadian public through vancouver2010.com using Tickets.com’s user-friendly and leading-edge technology. While the vast majority of ticket sales will occur online, VANOC will also work with Tickets.com to offer alternate purchase systems, such as phone and local ticket outlets.

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to continue our long tradition of supporting the Olympic and Paralympic Games” said Larry Witherspoon, Chief Executive Officer of Tickets.com. “This opportunity allows us to continue our record of providing best-of-class solutions to the unique ticketing needs of the Olympic Games, and also serves as a solid platform for growing our presence in the Canadian market.”

Tickets.com also offers VANOC the technology and tools necessary to develop an online ticket redistribution system that will allow ticket holders to redistribute their tickets to other spectators if they can’t attend an event. The ticket redistribution system, which is supported by a barcode-based access control system at each venue, will expand the public’s access to tickets, help ensure that venues are full at Games time and will discourage the production and purchase of counterfeit tickets.

“The ticket redistribution and access control technology will give Games spectators confidence they have purchased legitimate tickets with valid bar codes while helping us in our goal of achieving full venues,” said Denton. “Buying valid Olympic and Paralympic Games tickets will ensure that the spectator has an experience of a lifetime and avoids disappointment. Our message is simple: buy directly from Vancouver 2010 or our authorized agents to ensure authenticity.”

Tickets.com will soon expand its current operations in Canada by bringing ticketing solutions to various performing arts venues and sports arenas. The Vancouver 2010 ticketing contract represents an opportunity for economic growth for British Columbia through the installation and development of local infrastructure to support Tickets.com operations.

Tickets will be available for purchase beginning in October 2008. VANOC’s Official Supporter, Jet Set Sports, and its affiliate company CoSport, is the only company authorized to develop and supply official Vancouver 2010 hospitality packages in Canada that combines elements including Games tickets, accommodation and ground transportation. All other tickets will be sold through VANOC directly or outside of Canada, through the National Olympic Committees of individual countries. Tickets for events are priced as low as $25. To keep up to date with news and next steps on ticketing, visit vancouver2010.com and sign up to receive e-mail updates.

About Tickets.com
Tickets.com is a leading business-to-business ticketing solutions provider for live events. The company, with its corporate office in Costa Mesa, Ca. and other offices around the United States and the world, facilitates the sale of tickets by enabling venues and entertainment organizations with proprietary and cutting edge software, retail outlets, kiosks, call centers and an interactive voice response (IVR) systems.
Tickets.com builds private label Ticketing GatewaysSM to enable live entertainment organizations with e-commerce distribution platforms. The company also sells tickets directly to consumers at www.tickets.com, as well as offering related products and services. Tickets.com's automated ticketing solutions are used by thousands of entertainment organizations such as leading performing arts centers, professional sports organizations and various stadiums and arenas in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and Latin America.

Priestner Allinger Honoured for Positive Impact on Canadian Sport

January 18, 2008

Priestner Allinger is currently executive vice president, responsible for sport, Paralympic Games and venue management for VANOC

The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) recently named Cathy Priestner Allinger to the 2007 CAAWS list of Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity.

Priestner Allinger is executive vice president responsible for sport, Paralympic Games and venue management for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

Twenty women were named to the 2007 list which recognizes women who have made significant impact on Canadian sport in academics, athletes, administrators, advocates, broadcasters, coaches, executives, fundraisers, managers, politicians, physicians and volunteers.

The following story about Cathy Priestner Allinger was originally published on vancouver2010.com on March 21, 2007.

Leading the way for women in sport, Cathy Priestner Allinger reflects on 30 years of change

Priestner Allinger competes at the Innsbruck 1976 Olympic Winter Games

In 1976, Canadian speed skater Cathy Priestner Allinger became the first woman the Calgary Booster Club ever invited to their prestigious “Athlete of the Year” award dinner. She was also the first woman to turn them down.

“I found out that it was a stag dinner, so only men were allowed. I told my dad ‘I am not going, I’d be the only woman there,’” Priestner Allinger said. “And darned if they didn’t have to tell me I’d already won [the Athlete of the Year award] in order to get me to show up.”

The following year, the Calgary Booster Club opened its doors to women.

Priestner Allinger’s success as the first Canadian women to medal in speed skating was part of a larger movement of women going faster, pushing harder and competing more fiercely than ever before. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) website states that the1970s were watershed years for women competing in elite athletics. This reflected a growing international acceptance that participating in sport was as beneficial for women as men.

Enjoying success

Greater encouragement for women to be active in sport has fostered unprecedented athletic achievement. In 2006, Canadian women swept the Torino Olympic Winter Games, taking twice as many medals as Canadian men – a direct result of female athletes who led the way and taught a generation of young girls to celebrate their athletic potential.

“In the past, you often found it was only the tomboys that were involved in sport. Now, that’s not the case,” Priestner Allinger said. “It’s acceptable to exert yourself, to be really physical, strong and competitive. Today, all girls feel they can participate in sport.”

Priestner Allinger didn’t set out to be a pioneer for Canadian women in sport, yet her career has demanded exactly that of her. When she joined the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, she became the first woman to head the sports function at an Olympic Games, summer or winter. She continued on, becoming managing director of sport for the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Today, as executive vice president, sport, Paralympic Games and venue management with Vancouver 2010, Priestner Allinger continues to lead by example.

Making progress, one step at a time

While more and more women are showing up at playing fields and sports rinks across Canada, Priestner Allinger said the executive board rooms of sport federations and major venues haven’t changed greatly since she stood on the Olympic podium in 1976.

“I pretty much live in a man’s world. It really still is a guys’ business,” said Priestner Allinger. “It can be a tough world to break into. Every time you go to a meeting, you’ll probably be the only woman in the room.”

Priestner Allinger credited the scarcity of women CEOs and coaches to a lack of exposure, as well as the challenges women face in trying to balance careers and family life.

“The demands of a career such as coaching aren’t conducive to a more traditional lifestyle that includes getting married and raising kids – unless you have a heck of a supportive spouse, which I’ve been lucky enough to have.” Priestner Allinger continued, “If you don’t have that kind of support system, it could be very difficult to balance family with what you want to accomplish professionally.”

Ultimately, Priestner Allinger believes more women will choose careers in sport as they see the spotlight shine on professional women in leadership roles.

Then and Now: Priester Allinger’s historic win blazed the way for Canadian speed skating stars such as Cindy Klassen (right)

“We have to feature and show off women who are doing the things many girls would probably like to do – to inspire them and suggest that a career in sport is a very real option,” said Priestner Allinger.

For its part, the IOC is also working on improving the participation of women in sports and the Olympic Games. Since 1991, all new sports considered for the Olympic Program must contain women’s events. Furthermore, beginning in 2000, the IOC has awarded a person or organization the World Women and Sport Trophy, created to promote women in the sport world. Winners are selected by the IOC’s Women and Sport Commission.

Today, these efforts, and the success of trailblazers such as Cathy Priestner Allinger, are ensuring that women are able to soar to even greater heights – whether it’s on the field of play, in the board room or anywhere else they might choose.

Britco to build Olympic and Paralympic lodge and townhouse accommodation at Whistler Athletes’ Centre and joins Vancouver 2010 as Official Supplier

January 17, 2008

LANGLEY, British Columbia - Britco Structures has been awarded a contract by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to design and build accommodations for the Whistler Athletes’ Centre, a significant component of the Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Village and home to athletes competing in events at Whistler Olympic Park, The Whistler Sliding Centre and Whistler Creekside. It will also be a legacy training facility for Canadian athletes long after the 2010 Winter Games.

Under the terms of the contract, Britco will design and build a 100-room lodge and a 20-unit townhouse complex, both to be permanently located in the Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Village, a development being undertaken by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) in collaboration with VANOC. Britco will also supply temporary rooms to accommodate up to 690 team officials staying in the Whistler Athletes’ Centre.

The contract’s estimated value is approximately $32 million and the projects will provide upwards of 200,000 labour hours of work for Britco’s employees at their two BC plants in Agassiz and Penticton along with Britco’s workers in the Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Village.

The lodge and townhouse complex are both scheduled for completion one year in advance of the opening of the 2010 Winter Games. After the Games, the lodge and the townhouse complex will be an accommodation legacy for athletes in training.

In addition to the Whistler Athletes’ Centre contract, Britco has also joined the VANOC sponsor family as an Official Supplier of modular structures products and services for the 2010 Winter Games. Their financial contribution also provides Britco with the sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic teams participating at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, the 2010 Winter Games and London 2012.

“We want the world’s best athletes to feel that the Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Village is their home away from home. A positive experience in the Village will help them prepare for the rigours and excitement of competition,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to have Britco on our team to provide a key element in the athlete experience in 2010 and to incorporate their innovative and quality design into the Village, which will be an important legacy for athlete training after the Games.”

“Everyone at Britco is very excited to be part of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Britco’s modular manufacturing approach to building construction incorporates sustainable and environmentally-friendly construction techniques and we are proud that this will help VANOC build a sustainable legacy well beyond 2010,” said Rick McClymont, Managing Partner and co-founder of Britco.

The announcement was made at Britco’s Langley head office and included the participation of students from Langley Montessori, a school designed and built by Britco in 2007. Other special guests and dignitaries included Gary Cormack, gold medalist on the Canadian Paralympic Curling Team at the Torino 2006 Winter Games; the Honourable Rich Coleman, MLA, Minister of Forests and Range; Kurt Alberts, Mayor of Township of Langley; Peter Fassbender, Mayor of the City of Langley; Dianne Watts, Mayor of the City of Surrey, and David Esworthy, Chair of the Langley Spirit of BC Community Committee.

About Britco

With over 300 employees and manufacturing facilities in Agassiz and Penticton, Britco is a top-ten BC-based construction-related company. Britco’s lease fleet of office complexes, construction site buildings and storage containers is the largest in BC.

Britco was founded by Rick McClymont and David Taft in 1977 and was recently honoured for outstanding achievement at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2007 awards for best manufacturing company in the Pacific region. In 2006, Britco’s success internationally was recognized when it was selected as one of BC’s top exporters at the BC Export Awards.

Britco designs and manufactures a wide variety of building types, including workforce accommodations for remote locations, office complexes, school classrooms, and custom-designed buildings including daycares and sales centres.

About VANOC

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada, and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint, and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Birks, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Nortel, Sun Microsystems of Canada, TransCanada, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

Raising the Oval Roof

January 16, 2008

The Richmond Oval roof nearing completion (photo courtesy of VANOC)

Marking another milestone on the road to the 2010 Winter Games, the last section of the unique “wood wave” roof of the Richmond Oval was put into place. Spanning 6.5 acres, the roof, primarily constructed of BC pine beetle kill wood, will become one of the most noticeable features of the Richmond Oval and an integral part of the Richmond skyline.

To celebrate the roof raising, Premier Gordon Campbell, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Olympic Secretariat James Moore, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and the Richmond City Council joined VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong and other guests in signing the last panel of the fifteenth and final section of the roof before it was lifted into place.

For four time Paralympic wheelchair basketball player and Beijing 2008 hopeful Jennifer Krempien, signing the roof was especially poignant. “It is exciting to watch the Oval blossom into a state-of-the-art facility with the needs of the community and athlete at the heart of the design. The Oval will be a tremendous facility to support Canada's high performance Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Having a facility that is accessible to all athletes and community members is just one more example of how Canada strives to be a world leader in supporting our athletes.”

The community celebration

The dignitaries weren’t the only ones to commemorate the event. Over the weekend, 8,000 members of the community, including many members of the construction team, came out to celebrate and sign their names to the final panel of this unique structure. The event turned into a large community celebration with Paralympic swimmer Donovan Tildesley and Olympic freestyle mogul skier Chris Wong on hand to sign autographs. Hot chocolate, live music, a magic show and face painting rounded out the event.

The Richmond Oval roof (photo courtesy of VANOC)

Many residents also took the opportunity to tour the site and see for themselves the venue’s progress. For those unable to make it to the signing, the City of Richmond has installed a live construction cam of the building site.

A community facility

The large turn out is the start of a tradition of community involvement for the Oval. Located on the banks of the Fraser River, the Oval will host the 12 speed skating events during the 2010 Winter Games including the popular men’s and women's team pursuit events. Post-Games, the Richmond Oval will transition into a show-case multi-purpose facility.

“The Oval will provide great benefits for our community for generations to come,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “With its twin focus on sports and wellness, it will have programs and services that will appeal to the entire community, regardless of their age, fitness or physical ability.”

Designed to transition between a speed skating facility, elite athlete training zone, international sports venue, neighbourhood recreation centre and elderly rehabilitation area, the Richmond Oval will be a centre for sports of all kinds and a lasting testament to the Olympic spirit. In its legacy mode, the facility will house two international-sized hockey rinks, eight indoor gymnasiums, an indoor track and field facility, and numerous other health and wellness areas. Additionally, the City of Richmond recently announced that four large gymnasium floors will be installed inside the 400-metre skating track for pre-Games community use.

An artistic rendition of the Richmond Oval activity level in legacy mode

An artistic rendition of the interior of the Richmond Oval during Games time

To learn more about the construction, the roof and future plans for the Richmond Oval, visit the City of Richmond website at richmond.ca.

Connecting with Canadians in 2008

January 14, 2008

Construction of the Richmond Oval will be complete in the fall of 2008.

With support from the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, athletes, fans, sponsors and partners, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is on the right track for 2008.

With most venues competition-ready two years before the Games, 2008 will be an action-packed year brimming with opportunities for Canadians to participate.

“Last year was marked by many exciting milestones and we look forward to many more in 2008," said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “In particular, we’ll begin to welcome the world’s best athletes to train and compete on what are truly spectacular fields of play. Their presence will breathe life into the venues and will be a visible reminder that the Games are fast approaching.”

In December 2007 venue construction was substantially complete for alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, Nordic combined, ski jumping, snowboarding and short track speed skating. And in 2008, the last of the Games venues — including curling and wheelchair curling, ice sledge hockey and speed skating — will be complete for high-performance athlete training and recreational use for all sports.

Added Furlong: “As we move into the New Year, we will continue to work diligently to deliver the experience of a lifetime for all Canadians — and the world — in 2010.”

Groundbreaking event for the curling and wheelchair curling venue of Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park in 2007.

In addition to the venue construction accomplishments, VANOC continued to receive enthusiastic support from visionary Canadian corporations who pushed VANOC past its 2007 sponsorship goal of $65 million to an impressive $102.5 million for the year. With just two years to go VANOC has entered into domestic sponsorship agreements worth approximately $691 million in total, or 90.5 per cent of the overall $760 million target.

Look ahead to 2008

VANOC has many more celebrations in store for 2008.

For starters, those wishing to volunteer for the 2010 Winter Games should mark February 12, 2008 on their calendars. VANOC will make the official call for 25,000 volunteers to apply through an online process exactly two years before the Games begin. It’s a rare opportunity to become part of the team that welcomes the world to Canada in 2010.

You don’t have to be a sports fan to get excited for the 2010 Winter Games either. The Cultural Olympiad 2008, running February 1 to March 21, will include more than 300 performances and 10 exhibitions delivered in partnership with 60 arts and cultural organizations.

And with memoranda of understanding (MOU) now signed by most provinces and territories, the spirit of the Games is spreading across the country. These MOUs represent commitments between VANOC and the provinces and territories to not only expand the excitement of the Games, but to showcase every region of Canada with the goal of creating lasting legacies in each province and territory. In 2008, VANOC will continue to identify areas of collaboration so all Canadians may be inspired by the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“The Vancouver 2010 Games are Canada’s Games,” said Furlong. “This is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity for Canadians to come together and show the world who we are as a country.”

Fun and Games

Introducing the mascots at a launch event on November 27 in Surrey, BC.

They’re not just for kids. Vancouver 2010 mascots Quatchi, Miga and Sumi were introduced to the world in late 2007. There’s more mascot fun in store for 2008 with new online games and interactive features coming to vancouver2010.com. Plus, these loveable mascots have a packed schedule of appearances across Canada with visits to schools, fairs, festivals and Vancouver 2010-related special events.

Sports fans can soon look forward to VANOC providing details about the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays, including the routes, themes, partners and public application processes. Then on October 11, 2008 tickets for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games go on sale.

Growing community programs

Just as the winter holidays came and went in a flurry of preparations, so too will planning for the 2010 Winter Games. So, to ensure that the Games are more than good memories, VANOC is growing community programs that will ensure these Games inspire Canadians beyond the several weeks of Olympic and Paralympic competitions. VANOC is committed to the bigger picture and the need for community involvement.

In 2007, VANOC launched some revolutionary community programs that will gain strength in the new year. One such program, the Paralympic School Days pilot, successfully raised awareness of the Paralympic Games in elementary schools in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. In a similar vein, VANOC also launched the /EDU website in 2007 to connect teachers, students and schools across Canada with Vancouver 2010. This website is an information resource for the three pillars of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements – sport, culture and sustainability.

A student at Carisbrooke Elementary School in North Vancouver, BC tries adaptive cross-country ski equipment as part of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic School Days program.

In collaboration with RONA, VANOC also partnered with community organizations in 2007 to launch the Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop in east Vancouver, BC – a community-based training program that provides carpentry skills training and supported job experience to individuals looking to enter the workforce with a new trade. The goal is to continue developing such programs enabling more people to benefit from new skills in the coming year.

Final destination

The 2010 Winter Games will be a fantastic stage of the world’s greatest winter sport athletes. The bigger goal, however, is to ensure that the positive impacts of these Games will last for generations to come. With a full slate of exciting announcements, programs and sport competitions in the new venues, the spirit of the Games are truly coming alive in 2008.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games can put pride into the hearts of Canadians – that is a legacy which spans all time.

Athletes take flight at Whistler Olympic Park - First Nordic combined and ski jumping competitions to be hosted January 1-5, 2008

December 29, 2007

Whistler, BC – With construction of the ski jumps and Nordic trails now complete for the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler Olympic Park is ready to welcome the first Nordic combined and ski jumping competitions on January 1-5, 2008.

"To see some of the world’s best ski jumping athletes literally flying at Whistler Olympic Park will be inspiring," said Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC’s Executive Vice President, Sport, Paralympic Games and Venue Management. "Ski jumpers and Nordic combined athletes from around the world - both men and women - now have another world-class facility where they can train and compete, and where women ski jumpers in particular can continue to develop their sport in pursuit of their opportunity to compete in future Olympic Winter Games."

The following events are being staged at Whistler Olympic Park:

	December 30 Unofficial training (Ski jumping)
	January 1 Open training (Ski jumping / Nordic combined)
	January 2-3 Nordic Combined North American Junior Championships
	January 4-5 Canadian National Ski Jumping Championships

These events are being staged by Nordic Combined Ski Canada (NCSC) and Ski Jumping Canada in conjunction with the Callaghan Valley Local Organizing Committee (CALOC), a collaboration between VANOC’s Nordic department and the Squamish Community with assistance from local Sea-to-Sky Nordic clubs.

For more information on the sports of Nordic combined and ski jumping and for more complete details on the operations at Whistler Olympic Park, visit www.vancouver2010.com and/or www.whistlerolympicpark.com .

Test jumps by Canada’s best ski jumpers were made on Friday December 28 and photos are available in high resolution format at ftp://2010ftp.vancouver2010.com . The username is MediaVenueDay and the password is thesc00p. Cutlines for each photo can be found at the end of this media release and also on the FTP site. Video clips to follow.

PHOTO 1: During initial on-site testing on Friday December 28, 2007, Greg Baxter (Calgary, AB) makes history as the first ski jumper to take flight at Whistler Olympic Park.

PHOTO 2: During initial on-site testing on Friday December 28, 2007, Greg Baxter (Calgary, AB) makes history as the first ski jumper to take flight at Whistler Olympic Park.

PHOTO 3: Zoya Lynch (Calgary, AB) is the first ever female member of Canada’s national ski jumping team to take flight at Whistler Olympic Park during initial on-site testing Friday December 28, 2007.

PHOTO 4: Zoya Lynch (Calgary, AB) is the first ever female member of Canada’s national ski jumping team to take flight at Whistler Olympic Park during initial on-site testing Friday December 28, 2007.

PHOTO 5: Canada’s best take flight at Whistler Olympic Park. Members of Canada’s national teams for Ski Jumping Canada and Nordic Combined Ski Canada jump on the Normal Hill for the initial day of testing at the newly completed venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

PHOTO 6: Canada’s best take flight at Whistler Olympic Park. Members of Canada’s national teams for Ski Jumping Canada and Nordic Combined Ski Canada jump on the Normal Hill for the initial day of testing at the newly completed venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

PHOTO 7: Canada’s best take flight at Whistler Olympic Park. Members of Canada’s national teams for Ski Jumping Canada and Nordic Combined Ski Canada jump on the Normal Hill for the initial day of testing at the newly completed venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

PHOTO 8: VANOC’s John Heilig, Manager for Ski jumping and Nordic combined on-site at Whistler Olympic Park during the first day of ski jump testing (Dec 28, 2007) at the newly completed venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

PHOTO 9: VANOC’s John Aalberg, Director Whistler Olympic Park, on-site during the first day of ski jump testing (Dec 28, 2007) at the newly completed venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

PHOTO 10: Ski jumps (Large Hill (left), Normal Hill (right) at Whistler Olympic Park, Nordic venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

PHOTO 11: Ski jumps (Large Hill (left), Normal Hill (right) at Whistler Olympic Park, Nordic venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Canadian bobsleigh hero takes first test runs at The Whistler Sliding Centre - full series of inaugural test runs photos available

December 21, 2007

Vancouver, BC – Pierre Lueders, four-time Olympian and the most decorated slider in Canadian history, and brakeman Justin Kripps participated in the christening of The Whistler Sliding Centre track on the afternoon of December 19, 2007, making some of the first runs at the new venue.

The testing was captured in a series of nine compelling photos released today on www.vancouver2010.com. The photos are also downloadable in high resolution below.

“What a rush . . . and what a privilege to be the first ones down the newest Canadian sliding track,” said Lueders. “I’ve driven every track in the world and each one has its own personality. The Whistler track was challenging and will unquestionably test the skills of the world’s best sliding athletes.” Lueders and Kripps (photo 1), who is new to Lueders’ crew this year, have their sights set on gold for the 2010 Games.

Early test runs on the track are designed to test the newly formed track ice as well as the support facilities. VANOC decided to test 10 curves of the winding track beginning at a lower start located one third down from the top of the track. The test runs on Wednesday started with a walk down the track to inspect and become familiarized with the ice quality, lighting, visibility, speed and best line, accompanied by Terry Gudzowsky, technical delegate from the International Bobsleigh Federation (FIBT) (photo 2).

Following inspection, Lueders and Kripps began a series of six runs from the lower start, which is approximately 520 metres down the 1450 metre lit competition track, with track workers cheering them on. The first test run included a short push start (photo 3), a clean run (photos 4-7) and a small jump during the slide leading into the deceleration zone due to an ice ridge (photo 8), which was subsequently shaved down for the remaining runs. The six runs on the 10 winding curves tested were completed over the course of two hours.

“The first test run down a new sliding track is a big moment – and who better to take it than Pierre, one of the world’s premier bobsleigh drivers and Justin, his brakeman from Summerland, B.C., who began his competition career just two years ago,” said Craig Lehto, VANOC’s director of The Whistler Sliding Centre. “We’re pleased with the way the track performed in these first test runs and made a few adjustments and observations that simply can’t happen until a sled actually takes to the ice. The next step will be to test skeleton and luge sleds as well. This is just the beginning of tuning up The Whistler Sliding Centre for future competitions.”

"Throughout the planning, design and construction processes, everything has gone according to plan,” said Terry Gudzowsky, technical delegate for the FIBT. “Indications from the initial descents confirm our expectations that The Whistler Sliding Centre will quickly become one of the finest venues for sliding sports. We are excited about the prospect of having our international bobsleigh and skeleton athletes experience the challenges that this track will offer."

Robert H. Storey, president of the FIBT commented, “The FIBT looks forward to the official homologation (sanctioning) of the facility and all indicators point to The Whistler Sliding Centre becoming one of the more challenging tracks in the world.”

Track testing at The Whistler Sliding Centre has now finished for the year and will resume in late January 2008. The FIBT and the International Luge Federation (FIL) are expected to officially homologate the track in the spring. The first international competition will be the FIBT World Cup in February 2009. VANOC announced the end of construction of The Whistler Sliding Centre in mid-December, however the venue remains under final development and is closed to the public.

Photos:

PHOTO 1: Canadian bobsledders Pierre Lueders, pilot (Olympic medallist/World Champion/World Cup Champion) and Justin Kripps, brakeman, on The Whistler Sliding Centre track before taking their inaugural run. Photo Courtesy VANOC / Photos: David McColm

PHOTO 2: Canadian’s top bobsled driver, Pierre Lueders inspects the Whistler Sliding Centre track with Terry Gudzowsky, technical delegate from the International Bobsleigh Federation, during initial testing of the track. Photo Courtesy VANOC / Photos: David McColm

PHOTO 3: Canadian bobsledders Pierre Lueders, pilot and Justin Kripps push off their two-man bobsled from a lower start for their first run down The Whistler Sliding Centre track. Photo Courtesy VANOC / Photos: John Eastman

PHOTO 4: Canadian bobsledders Pierre Lueders, pilot (Olympic medallist/World Champion/World Cup Champion) and Justin Kripps (brakeman) conquer their first run on The Whistler Sliding Centre track, as track workers cheer them on. Courtesy VANOC / Photos: David McColm

PHOTO 5: Canadian bobsledders Pierre Lueders, pilot (Olympic medallist/World Champion/World Cup Champion) and Justin Kripps (brakeman) conquer their first run on The Whistler Sliding Centre track, as track workers cheer them on. Courtesy VANOC / Photos: David McColm

PHOTO 6: Canadian bobsledders Pierre Lueders, pilot (Olympic medallist/World Champion/World Cup Champion) and Justin Kripps (brakeman) conquer their first run on The Whistler Sliding Centre track, as track workers cheer them on. Courtesy VANOC / Photos: David McColm

PHOTO 7: Canadian bobsledders Pierre Lueders, pilot (Olympic medallist/World Champion/World Cup Champion) and Justin Kripps (brakeman) conquer their first run on The Whistler Sliding Centre track, as track workers cheer them on. Courtesy VANOC / Photos: David McColm

PHOTO 8: The first test run of Canadian bobsledders Pierre Lueders, pilot (Olympic medallist/World Champion/World Cup Champion) and Justin Kripps (brakeman) on The Whistler Sliding Centre track included some air time near the end due to an ice ridge which was shaved down for their next five test runs. Courtesy VANOC / Photos: David McColm

PHOTO 9: Canadian bobsledders Pierre Lueders, (second from the left) and Justin Kripps, (third from the left) joined The Whistler Sliding Centre’s construction staff following their test runs down the new track. Photo Courtesy VANOC / Photos: David McColm

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games daily competition schedule and the sport calendar for 2008-09, now available. Athletes, spectators can begin planning for Games-time events and pre-Games Sport Events

December 19, 2007

Vancouver, BC – With the release of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Daily Competition Schedule, athletes and spectators across the country and around the world can now start actively planning their 2010 Olympic Winter Games experience. Approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Daily Competition Schedule gives a day-by-day account of sporting activities over the 17 days of Olympic competition. The schedule represents several years of planning and coordination by Games organizers. Also today, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) released the calendar of 2008-09 Sport Events, which will test VANOC departments at various degrees of operational readiness. Both the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Sports Schedule and the 2008/-09 sport event calendar are available at www.vancouver2010.com.

2010 Daily Competition Schedule

“Completion of the Olympic Games Daily Competition Schedule is a major milestone on the way to 2010. It’s an extremely complex puzzle that, now solved, drives the entire Olympic experience,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, executive vice president, Sport, Paralympics and Venue Management. “Now that the schedule is in place, people can begin to make their plans to be in Vancouver in 2010. At the same time, our team can start finalizing all critical systems to ensure an optimal experience for all. And the world’s greatest winter athletes can begin developing their game-plan, as they prepare to perform on the world’s largest stage in 2010.”

With nine competition venues, three training venues, 12 stadia, seven sports, 15 disciplines and 86 events to consider, producing the Daily Competition Schedule is an extremely complex project that has already been five years in the making. Drawing on the expertise of seven departments from across the Organizing Committee, including Sport, Venue Management, Event Services, Transportation, Broadcast, Technology and Ticketing, the schedule has already undergone six major revisions and more than 50 drafts, each requiring continuous collaboration with international sport federations and broadcast rights holders from around the world.

“We have worked extremely hard with our partners in sport and broadcast to develop a balanced Games schedule that satisfies the demands of television audiences around the world, as well as spectators who will attend the Games, while ensuring athletes are provided with a winning environment to achieve world-class performances,” said Priestner Allinger. “The heavy lifting on the schedule is now done. The next step will be to determine the specific timing of events on each day. We expect that a final schedule, with specific event times, will be released this summer.”

On a venue-by-venue basis, numerous factors determine the final schedule. For example, Whistler Olympic Park (formerly known as the Whistler Nordic Venue) requires the consideration of two international sport federations – the International Ski Federation and the International Biathlon Union – representing four disciplines and 28 events. Additional factors include contingency planning for weather; event sequencing, to allow recovery time for athletes who are competing in more than one event; venue operational considerations; and complex broadcast logistics, including balancing worldwide live coverage of events taking place simultaneously at different venues.

As with all Winter Games, weather plays a significant role in schedule planning. Since the Vancouver 2010 Bid Phase, VANOC has partnered with Environment Canada, placing weather stations at every outdoor competition venue to track weather patterns. VANOC determined the ideal timing for events by comparing the findings compiled at these stations over the past five years, and historical data previously generated about the region. For example, it was determined the aerials competition at the Cypress Mountain venue should take place in the evening, when visibility improves and winds settle; it was also determined that ski jumping, at Whistler Olympic Park, should be scheduled for the morning so as to take advantage of typically calmer winds. These extensive studies also allowed VANOC to build into the schedule the necessary contingencies for postponements or delays as a result of weather conditions.

Whistler Creekside – The alpine skiing schedule follows the traditional Olympic calendar of speed events such as downhill, Super G and super combined in the first week to allow for weather contingencies. The second week will include technical events such as slalom and giant slalom.

Whistler Olympic Park – Nordic and biathlon events run all 17 days and proved to be the most challenging with scheduling to accommodate two International Sport Federations and four sport disciplines.

The Whistler Sliding Centre – Luge, skeleton and bobsleigh will run through the Games period in this order respectively (lightest to heaviest sled) to maintain optimum sliding conditions on the track.

Cypress Mountain – Freestyle and snowboard events run 16 of the 17 days and include the new ski cross event.

Pacific Coliseum – Short track speed skating and figure skating run 16 of the 17 days and include the figure skating exhibition on the final Saturday night.

Richmond Oval – Speed skating events run from the first to the last day of the Olympic calendar.

General Motors Place and UBC Sport Centre – The women’s ice hockey tournament opens on the first day of the 2010 Winter Games with the finals on Thursday, February 25. The men’s competition starts on Tuesday, February 16. The men’s gold medal game is the final event on Sunday, February 28.

Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park – Both men’s and women’s curling tournaments start on Tuesday, February 16. The women’s finals are on Friday, February 26 and the men’s finals are on Saturday, February 27.

2008-09 Sport Events

In addition to approving the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Competition Schedule, IOC signoff was also provided on the 2008-09 Sport Events calendar. Prior to every Games, the IOC requires Organizing Committees to test their operational readiness at a full series of sport events in order to test facilities, personnel and operations. This includes both competition and non-competition events. Sport events will provide VANOC the opportunity to test various functions and collaborate with the winter International Sport Federations, while offering the Canadian public a chance to learn more about the 15 winter sport disciplines that will be showcased at the 2010 Games and the athletes who will likely compete in 2010.

“Sport events are critical, both to ensuring VANOC’s operational readiness at Games-time, and raising awareness for winter sport,” said Priestner Allinger. “Spectators will have the chance to experience, first-hand, the excitement of international sport events, and to see the spectacular 2010 Games venues. They’ll also get to know the top winter sport competitors in the world –including Canadian teams – who dream about playing out their quest for gold at the 2010 Winter Games.”

The 2008-09 Sport Event schedule released today includes two components: competition sport events and non-competition sport events. Competition sport events are major national or international sporting events that exist either on the international circuit, or are created by VANOC. These events are executed under similar conditions to those at Games time and normally include a live broadcast component. Non-competition sport events are major events organized by VANOC and may be staged in conjunction with Competition Sport events. They provide an opportunity to test elements of Games-time operations, such as arrivals and departures, simultaneous interpretation and protocol operations.

The 2008-09 calendar lists a total of 21 sport events, and the first official sport event, where VANOC will be performing operational testing, will be the 2008 Alpine World Cup, taking place this February in Whistler.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

2010 Daily Competition Schedule

Approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the daily competition schedule gives a day-by-day account of sporting activities over the 17 days of Olympic competition. Download the entire sport competition schedule, or download a specific sport schedule below.

Alpine Skiing	Biathlon
Bobsleigh	Cross-Country Skiing
Curling	Figure Skating
Freestyle Skiing	Ice Hockey
Luge	Nordic Combined
Short Track Speed Skating	Skeleton
Ski Jumping	Snowboard
Speed Skating

2008-2009 Sport Event Calendar

In 2008 -2009, VANOC will host or support a full series of events in order to test facilities, personnel and operations. This includes both competition and non-competition events. The sport events will provide VANOC the opportunity to test various functions and collaborate with the International winter Sport Federations, while offering the Canadian public a chance to learn more about the 15 winter sport disciplines that will be showcased at the 2010 Games and the athletes who will likely compete in 2010.
Download the 2008-2009 Sport Event Calendar (PDF, 66KB)

VANOC ends 2007 on track and ready for operational phase in 2008

December 18, 2007

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today released its report for the first quarter of the fiscal year which includes a management discussion and analysis and interim financial statements for the first quarter, ended October 31, 2007. The report also includes a look ahead to initiatives planned for 2008. VANOC’s quarterly report is available at www.vancouver2010.com

VANOC’s deferred operating revenue from sponsorship, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other sources for the quarter ending October 31, 2007 was $6.7 million. Deferred operating expenditures were $6.4 million, reflecting expenses of $25.7 million offset by a foreign exchange gain of $19.3 million. In accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, all revenues and expenses are deferred prior to Games time. VANOC’s venue development expenditures for the quarter were $63.3 million and now total $427.9 million on a project to date basis.

The quarter was highlighted by a net increase in the venue construction budget central contingency of $250,000 as a result of a deposit of $2.5 million in savings from Pacific Coliseum at Hastings Park and a draw of $2.25 million to Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park. With the approved $250,000 contingency increase, the venue construction budget central contingency has grown from its previous level of $26.8 million to $27.05 million.

As part of issuing its financial report near the end of calendar 2007, VANOC also reflected on a successful year that included the completion of construction of five sport venues and a domestic sponsorship program that exceeded VANOC’s 2007 target of $65 million to reach $102.5 million for the year. A summary of 2007 milestones is included in an attached backgrounder.

“We’re on track and on budget as we approach 2008 and the two-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Games,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer. “The best athletes in the world will soon be here to train for the 2010 Winter Games as construction of five sport venues will be complete by the end of this month, including all three Whistler-based competition venues. This will provide unprecedented training time for Canadian athletes to become familiar with the venues prior to the Games.”

VANOC’s overall venue construction schedule provides for the earliest completion of competition venues in recent Games history. As of December 15, construction is substantially complete at the competition venues that will host: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, Nordic combined, ski jumping, snowboarding and short track speed skating. Bobsleigh, skeleton and luge athletes will be able to test at The Whistler Sliding Centre in the coming months following the detailed fit-out and testing. Venues for curling and wheelchair curling, ice sledge hockey and speed skating will be complete in 2008.

Added Furlong, “Through the strong support of corporate Canada, we exceeded our target of $65 million for 2007 to reach $102.5 million for the year, giving us greater confidence that our overall sponsorship revenue goal will be achieved. VANOC has now entered into domestic sponsorship agreements worth approximately $691 million in total, or 90.5 per cent of the overall $760 million target.

Milestone activities in all of VANOC’s major functional areas are increasing as the Games approach, and 2008 promises to be an intense year as the countdown momentum and public engagement builds,” concluded Furlong.

VANOC’s next quarterly report, covering the three months ending January 31, 2008, will be available in March 2008.

2007 Year in Review

Venue construction
Venue construction continues on time and on budget. The venue construction timeline ensures that most venues are competition-ready two seasons before the Games — the earliest completion of competition venues in recent Games history — providing unprecedented pre-Games training opportunities for Canadian athletes. In particular, VANOC looks forward to substantial completion of construction by the end of the 2007 calendar year on a number of venues:

	Cypress Mountain — complete snowboard and freestyle venue and snowmaking system
	Pacific Coliseum at Hastings Park — complete renovations
	Whistler Creekside — complete snowmaking system and course improvements
	Whistler Olympic Park (formerly known as the Whistler Nordic Venue) — complete venue, roads and sport buildings
	The Whistler Sliding Centre — track commissioning and completion of buildings.

Sponsorship and marketing
Through the strong support of corporate Canada, VANOC exceeded its target of $65 million for 2007 to reach $102.5 million for the year. VANOC has now entered into domestic sponsorship agreements worth approximately $691 million in total, or 90.5 per cent of the overall $760 million target.

VANOC welcomed 15 new companies to its Official Licensee program in 2007, bringing the overall total to 28.

VANOC also launched the Olympic Store at vancouver2010.com in early December. The online store stocks the widest range of Vancouver 2010 products anywhere — from dog coats to hoodies to plush toys.

Introduction of Miga, Quatchi and Sumi — the Vancouver 2010 mascots
In November, the Vancouver 2010 mascots were introduced to 800 schoolchildren in Surrey, BC. At the same time, people across Canada and around the world also met the mascots and their sidekick through a special website at www.vancouver2010.com. The site includes exciting child-friendly features such as an animated video, character profiles, an online game, a personality quiz, interactive e-cards and much more.

Mascot merchandise
In November 2007, mascot merchandise was first made available exclusively at select Hbc stores across Canada, at hbc.com and at http://www.vancouver2010.com/store. Plush toys are selling extremely well, and more have been ordered to meet demand for early 2008. Also, in the early part of 2008, a full assortment of licensed merchandise featuring the mascots will be made available broadly at retail locations across Canada, including toy, gift, specialty, duty free and sporting goods stores, in addition to Hbc stores, at hbc.com and at http://www.vancouver2010.com/store.

Ticketing
Details were unveiled about how Canadians and visitors from around the world can have the experience of a lifetime by attending an Olympic event in 2010. The www.vancouver2010.com website offers a full range of information on 2010 Winter Games sport disciplines, events, ticket prices, and the opportunity to sign up to receive the latest ticket information as it becomes available. In 2007, VANOC achieved its target, now exceeding 70,000 subscribers to the Organizing Committee’s Ticketing and Merchandise e-newsletter.

Cultural Olympiad, Ceremonies
David Atkins Enterprises (DAE) of Australia was chosen as Executive Producer of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening, Closing and Victory Ceremonies. DAE will collaborate with a world-class team of leading Canadian figures drawn from Canada’s music, producing, creative and events industries.

Own the Podium
Last season, winter athletes from all across Canada competed in events, earning 135 medals at World Cups and 27 medals at World Championships. In both World Cup and World Championship circuits, Canada ranked second among all nations that competed. Canadian athletes with a disability performed well on the World Cup circuit, winning 50 per cent of the medals in Para-Alpine and four medals in Para-Nordic, and were undefeated in Ice Sledge Hockey at the inaugural Four Nation World Challenge in Kelowna, BC.

Paralympic Games
VANOC launched a Paralympic School Day pilot program pilot in 2007, directed at elementary school children, to raise awareness of the Paralympic Games and the elite athletes who compete in the Games. More than, 3,000 students in 10 schools, in British Columbia, met some of Canada’s top Paralympic athletes and tried select winter Paralympic sports. This program was extremely well received and will continue in 2008 and 2009 to share more Paralympic stories and experiences with an even greater number of students and teachers.

RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication (Fab) Shop
Working in collaboration, RONA and VANOC partnered with community organizations to launch the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop in East Vancouver. It has been common practice at major multi-sport events to establish a Fabrication Shop to manufacture and supply many of the items that bring the Games venues to life and complete the athlete and spectator experience. What sets this Fab Shop apart is the development and delivery of a community-based training program that provides carpentry skills training and supported job experience to individuals who have yet to successfully enter the workforce.

/EDU Portal
Launched in September, /EDU connects teachers, students and schools across Canada to Vancouver 2010, the Olympic and Paralympic Movements and the three pillars of sport, culture and sustainability. This new portal serves as the foundation for what is rapidly becoming a lively online interactive community.

Workforce
VANOC’s employee team doubled in 2007. Recent engagement survey results were highly positive.

Canada’s Games
VANOC completed an annual national tour in 2007 with a visit to Canada’s three Northern Territories. The Organizing Committee is also well on its way to engaging all provinces and territories in the Games, with memoranda of understanding now signed with most provinces and territories.

www.vancouver2010.com
vancouver2010.com received nearly 15 million page views in 2007 — a 25 per cent increase over the previous year. VANOC responded to over 2,000 general e-mail enquiries at info@vancouver2010.com. By the end of November 2007, the online ‘General Updates’ subscription list doubled to 80,000.

Games Time Sport Schedule by Day
After extensive consultations with the International Sport Federations, Olympic Broadcast Services (OBS), and the IOC, VANOC’s Sport Schedule by Day was approved by the IOC Executive Board in December. The review and consultation process will continue until the final Olympic Competition Schedule (including session times) is sent to the IOC Executive Board for approval in August 2008.

The IOC also approved VANOC’s Sport Event schedule in December for each of the Olympic Winter Games sport disciplines. The goal of Sport Events is to test the venues, including the field of play, technology, operating plans and workforce prior to the Games.

Business Plan
VANOC released its Vancouver 2010 Business Plan and Games Budget on May 8, with a balanced operating budget of $1.63 billion and a venue construction budget of $580 million. The plan updates the planning and financial assumptions made in the Vancouver 2010 Games Bid and maps out what is required to stage the Games in 2010. It was approved by the VANOC Board of Directors, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

2008: A Look Ahead

Two-Year Countdown
Plans are currently in development for two-year countdown activities in the Games region, with a particular focus on Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond. A highlight of the celebrations will be Cultural Olympiad 2008 programming, including a special concert to be held February 12th at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. Discussions also continue on the development of countdown events in Ottawa and Québec City.

Call for Volunteers
The Call for Volunteers will be issued on February 12 — exactly two years before the Games begin. The call will welcome 25,000 volunteers to apply, through on online process, to be part of the team that welcomes the world to Canada and helps stage the 2010 Winter Games.

Venue Construction
In 2008, venue construction will be completed on all sport venues for the 2010 Winter Games, providing access for both high-performance athlete training and recreational use — more than two years before the Games.

Cultural Olympiad 2008
Launching the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, this celebration of arts and culture will present more than 300 performances and 10 exhibitions staged in over 40 diverse venues, delivered in partnership with 60 arts and cultural organizations from British Columbia. Running from February 1st to March 21st, Cultural Olympiad 2008 will highlight some of the most dynamic talent from BC, Canada and the world.

Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report
The release of the Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report 2006-07, the second of five such annual reports, is targeted for public distribution in early 2008. The report details VANOC’s sustainability objectives and its plans and performance relating to six strategic sustainability objectives, including: accountability; environmental stewardship and impact reduction; social inclusion and responsibility; Aboriginal participation and collaboration; economic benefits; and sport for sustainable living.

Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays
In 2008, VANOC will provide details about the Torch Relays, including the routes, themes, partners, and public application processes.

Licensed Merchandise
Beginning in January 2008, a full assortment of licensed merchandise featuring the mascots and Games emblems will be made available broadly at retail locations across Canada, including toy, gift, speciality, duty free and sporting goods stores, in addition to Hbc stores, at hbc.com and at http://www.vancouver2010.com/store.

Ticketing
Tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will go on sale on October 11, 2008.

Mascot Microsite
The second phase of the vancouver2010.com mascot program is scheduled for 2008, when additional online games and interactive features will be added.

Mascot Appearances
Miga, Quatchi and Sumi will be busy in 2008 with appearances across Canada, including visits to schools, fairs, festivals and Vancouver 2010-related special events.

Government Partners
VANOC is well on its way to involving all provinces and territories in the Games, with memoranda of understanding now signed with most provinces and territories. Discussions are ongoing with the remaining provinces to identify areas of collaboration to ensure all Canadians can be involved and inspired by the Games in 2010.

Public Engagement Program
In conjunction with its municipal partners, VANOC will be in the Games venue communities in the spring of 2008, sharing high-level information about operations, transportation, and venue operations.

Speaking engagements will continue, across the country, as the Organizing Committee shares information about the Games with all Canadians.

Pride in a Job Well Done

December 14, 2007

A welder works on the sliding track in Whistler.

Workers involved in constructing the Whistler venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games can officially breathe a sigh of relief. Their work is complete, on time and on budget.

Whistler Creekside, Whistler Olympic Park and The Whistler Sliding Centre are a success thanks to the hard work and diligence of construction crews. These venues will stage one of the greatest spectacles in sport – an Olympic and Paralymic Games.

Sliding to perfection

Justin Lessard believes his memories of 14-hour work days and the discovery of grey hairs will melt away when he watches the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events of the 2010 Winter Games. Lessard is a quality control supervisor for Concrete USL (1983) Ltd. While working on the construction of the sliding track at The Whistler Sliding Centre, Lessard recalls some sleep-deprived nights spent grappling with details in his head.

Lessard also helped construct the sliding track for the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, applying what he learned there to the Whistler sliding track.

In Whistler he worked closely with a core crew of about 60 workers to ensure that the sloping and curving contours of steel and concrete were within one to three millimetres of the planned course. If they were off by the width of a single human hair, there would be potential for accidents on the icy run. No pressure.

Attention to detail

As it turns out, the Whistler sliding track was worth Lessard’s anxiety and meticulous attention to detail: it has earned the praises of sliding and ice making experts.

“I gave everything for that project because it’s something that represents our country, and a lot of my guys that worked with me, they really put their heart and souls into this job,” said Lessard of the motivations during venue construction.

Lessard and his crew specialize in pressurized concrete spraying – an application called shockcrete. Used in anything from skate parks to bridges, many workers in this specialized area will jump from city to city across Canada and the United States.

And while many workers become accustomed to life on the road, some of the sliding venue workers from Eastern Canada had to leave their families for up to three months at a time in order to complete The Whistler Sliding Centre while taking advantage of favourable conditions for concrete work. It wasn’t easy but Lessard said their optimism was especially commendable.

“You look at it and a lot of people say ‘wow, you’re working at an Olympic venue,’” said Lessard. “It’s a personal pride factor – I’d say [the construction crews] did something for their country.”

Building morale

Blaine Brennan, a construction superintendent for Resource Business Ventures (RBV), worked on the 2010 Winter Games Nordic ski and biathlon venue. RBV formed when the Lil’wat Nation partnered with an established local company. It also retained a local contracting company, Demidoff Equipment Ltd., to provide the kind of management expertise required to take on large civil construction projects. Brennan said it was a collaborative project that brought him the most pride of anything he has constructed before.

While he never envisioned himself building 30-plus kilometers of cross-country ski trails to Olympic standards, the opportunity to get involved sprung up three years ago when he was working for Demidoff Equipment Ltd.

When jumping into new territory, Brennan said he was glad for the seasoned expertise of John Aalberg, director of the Whistler Olympic Park, and a notorious Nordic sport expert who hiked the hills and designed the trails for the last three years alongside the crews. Brennan said the hard work was especially redeeming on sunny days when the snow capped mountains beamed over the Callaghan Valley.

“People who understand what it’s like to be up here just love it here,” said Brennan. “There are some people that don’t want to be too far from a [convenience store] but we were building bridges over waterfalls and that sort of stuff, and we just shake our heads that we’re getting paid.”

Banding together

Workers stand on the unpaved sliding track at The Whistler Sliding Centre.

Venue construction in the Whistler and Squamish area not only brought local companies together, but it also created opportunities for Mount Currie First Nations people to become involved and trained in specialized construction work.

Brennan said one of the more rewarding aspects of the project was helping local workers learn new trades. From building the cross-country stadium and the biathlon stadium, to water, electrical and sewer systems, there was never a shortage of skills to learn. They also paved the roads and numerous bridges on the site. Then there were the ski trails. Brennan said the whole process was something all of the workers can take pride in.

"The feedback I’ve gotten from the Europeans, delegates and people who have been on site have been blown away and you start to realize how amazing it really is," said Brennan.

Familiar terrain

For Brennan, who grew up in the Whistler and Callaghan area, it's a familiar landscape and the place for family weekend retreats of hiking, camping and skiing. Whistler Olympic Park is something his kids will benefit from years from now. Not only do some local workers feel a personal connection to the Games, but they can also benefit from having world-class facilities in their own backyards.

The moments of pride won’t just come and go with the Games. These venues will be around for locals and visitors alike to enjoy well after Vancouver 2010. Job well done

Vancouver 2010 venue, Whistler Olympic Park, opens tomorrow. Legacy begins with first Nordic competitors as young as six years old

December 14, 2007

Whistler, BC – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will open the doors of the newly constructed Whistler Olympic Park on Saturday, December 15, 2007, its first day of business, providing access for both high-performance athlete training and recreational use more than two years before the Games.

Tomorrow’s activities at Whistler Olympic Park, formerly known as the Whistler Nordic Venue, will see more than 100 cross-country ski competitors of all ages take to the trails in the Coast Cup #1, the facility’s first officially registered competition. Organized by the Hollyburn Jackrabbit Ski Club, the race is open to participants of all experience levels, including new skiers as young as six years old. Racers will be joined by members of the Canadian ParaNordic Cross-Country Ski Team and an enthusiastic skiing public that has eagerly anticipated the opportunity to use the world-class facility.

“For Nordic skiers of all ages and levels of skill, the legacy of the 2010 Winter Games begins now with the opening of the Whistler Olympic Park,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC’s Executive Vice President, Sport, Paralympics and Venue Management division. “This outstanding facility is among the best of its kind in the world. It will not only attract elite athletes from across the country and around the globe, but will also give residents of surrounding communities and visitors to the region the opportunity to experience the best that Nordic sport has to offer.”

Located in the Callaghan Valley, 20 kilometres south of Whistler, British Columbia, Whistler Olympic Park will host the biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping events during the 2010 Winter Games. The venue’s compact, two-square-kilometre Olympic Games core area includes three separate stadia located approximately 500 metres apart, and 14 kilometres of competition trails comprised of two five-kilometre loops for cross-country skiing and one four-kilometre loop for biathlon. Also in the core area is Canada’s first Paralympic competition course, specifically created for athletes with physical disabilities. Surrounding the core facility are an additional 25 kilometres of recreational trails and the two Olympic ski jumps.

“I feel privileged that I’ll be among the 100+ athletes to be the first to compete at this venue,” said Colette Bourgonje, Saskatoon resident, and five-time Paralympic Winter Games double silver and double bronze medallist. “Yes, this venue is going to be spectacular for the Games, but this first race is the best example of the legacy the venue will leave for the region. Nordic skiers of all ages will be skiing here for decades to come – I know I will.”

On opening day, up to 35 kilometres of recreation and competition trails will be available and groomed for classic and skate skiers from beginner to expert. Amenities available include cross-country ski rentals; lessons; trail passes; snack foods; and hot and cold drinks. More information on pricing for lessons and ski rentals is available at www.whistlerolympicpark.com.

Whistler Olympic Park’s hours of operation, through the end of December, are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, seven days per week. Beginning January 2, 2008, the hours of operation will be extended to accommodate evening activities, and will be open Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday to Monday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Season Passes for Whistler Olympic Park and a Dual Area Pass for Whistler Olympic Park and the Lost lake Trails in Whistler are available at Whistler Olympic Park and the Cross Country Connection shop (at the Lost Lake Trails in Whistler).

The following events are scheduled for Whistler Olympic Park during the upcoming winter season:

Competitions at Whistler Olympic Park – Winter 2008	Start Date	End Date
Cross-Country Coast Cup (Hosted by Hollyburn Jackrabbits)	15/12/2007	15/12/2007
CC BC Winter Games Trials (Hosted by Hollyburn Jackrabbits)	30/12/2007	30/12/2007
Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Nationals/North American Jr Championships (Hosted by CALOC)	2/1/2008	5/1/2008
Biathlon Cadet Zone Trials and BC Winter Games Trials (Hosted by West Coast Nordics)	12/1/2008	14/1/2008
Cross-Country BC Cup (Hosted by CALOC)	19/1/2008	20/1/2008
Biathlon BC Cup (Hosted by CALOC)	26/1/2008	27/1/2008
CC Coast Cup (Hosted by Spud Valley Nordics)	17/2/2008	17/2/2008
CC Coast Cup (Hosted by Whistler Nordics)	18/2/2008	18/2/2008
FIS Cup/FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping (Hosted by CALOC)	27/2/2008	2/3/2008
Cross-Country Nationals (Hosted by CALOC)	16/3/2008	23/3/2008
Biathlon Nationals (Hosted by CALOC)	25/3/2008	30/3/2008

Note: CALOC is a collaboration between VANOC’s Nordic department and the Squamish Community with assistance from local Sea-to-Sky Nordic clubs.

More than two years before Games begin, construction completed at all Whistler-based Vancouver 2010 competition venues

December 14, 2007

Whistler, BC – Canadian construction workers may not win coveted Olympic and Paralympic competition medals, but they most definitely set new records this month with the completion of construction on all three Whistler Olympic and Paralympic competition venues, on time and on budget. In reaching this landmark goal, the team was able to meet a commitment by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to offer venues for athlete training two years before the 2010 Winter Games begin. Funded equally by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, the venues offer all Canadians a legacy of high performance and recreational use, both before – and long after – the 2010 Winter Games.

Construction is now complete at The Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park (formerly known as the Whistler Nordic Venue) and Whistler Creekside. Whistler Creekside has been operational since the beginning of the 2007-08 ski season; Whistler Olympic Park is operational and will host its first sport competition, and open for public access, tomorrow, December 15th; detailed fit-out and testing at The Whistler Sliding Centre will continue over the next few months.

“Every construction worker and member of our venue team put their hearts into this project and is standing atop their own podium today,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Their efforts are helping us to meet our commitment to deliver spectacular theatres for sport and lasting community legacies, and we are following through on our promise to offer athletes the chance to train and compete at a world-class level more than two years in advance of the Games.”

A workforce of 2,500 men and women was recruited from British Columbia and across Canada to help build the Whistler venues that will host 46 Olympic medal events and 62 Paralympic medal events in 2010.

“The construction of these venues demonstrates what can be achieved through great partnerships,” said Dan Doyle, VANOC’s Executive Vice President, Venue Construction division. “The dedication of the construction companies and their workers, and the strong support from the Government of Canada, the Province of BC and our sponsors, helped deliver our venue program on time and on budget. Through their work on these venues, our construction team just completed their own Olympic and Paralympic Games and are looking forward to watching proudly as athletes from around the world seek to reach the pinnacle of their sporting lives in 2010.”

To celebrate the end of construction, VANOC and its funding partners from the Government of Canada and the Province of BC will recognize the workers involved in the construction of the three Whistler venues, and their families, at a free community celebration this afternoon. The event will feature local musical talent and a visit by the Vancouver 2010 mascots.

“Today’s milestone event will create a tremendous amount of momentum for the Games, our communities and our Canadian athletes as we continue to prepare for the opening of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” said the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the
Vancouver-Whistler Olympics. “The Government of Canada is extremely proud of all the workers who have contributed to making today’s achievement possible.”

Each Olympic and Paralympic venue demonstrates a number of sustainability wins such as building the venues to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards; recycling wood waste on-site; and reusing captured waste heat. In addition, Squamish and Lil’wat Nations-owned companies completed 50 per cent of the construction work at Whistler Olympic Park, which led to additional business opportunities for the Nations in the Sea-to-Sky corridor.

“Part of the Province’s commitment in hosting the 2010 Winter Games is to ensure all venues are turned into sustainable legacies once the Games are over,” said Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Asia Pacific Initiative and the Olympics. “I can assure British Columbians that our province is getting full value on our investment for these Whistler venues and, as a result, our athletes and citizens will benefit for years to come.”

“A host of Vancouver 2010 sponsors, including General Electric, Bell, General Motors (GM) of Canada, Petro-Canada, RONA, Dow Canada and EPCOR, played key roles in delivering the materials, equipment and necessary expertise to ensure our venues are a source of pride for all Canadians when they watch our athletes compete in 2010,” continued Doyle.

During the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler Olympic Park will host the biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping events; The Whistler Sliding Centre will host bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events; Whistler Creekside will host the alpine skiing events.

The three Whistler venues are among the nine competition venues in the 2010 Winter Games program. The venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games draw on new and existing facilities in Vancouver, Whistler, Richmond and the District of West Vancouver. They will provide optimum conditions for athletes to compete and for spectators to enjoy the excitement of competition.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

Connecting People and Technology for Vancouver 2010

December 12, 2007

Andrew Platten is vice president, technical infrastructure for VANOC.

Andy Platten used to be an IT specialist for the banking industry. Now he is vice president of technical infrastructure for the Vancouver Organizing Committee of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

Platten’s job is to implement a communications network for Vancouver 2010. It’s a job that is similar in magnitude and complexity to what he deployed in the banking world, but the difference is that the technical infrastructure of the 2010 Winter Games must be perfectly orchestrated while a world of spectators is watching. Communications must be as flawless as the flick of a switch.

“What we’re doing here for the Games is like opening all the branches of a bank on the same day, with all the systems working,” said Platten. “And just like in banking, everything has to run perfectly; customer transactions can’t go wrong.”

Platten said the communications network of Vancouver 2010 is substantial enough to meet the needs of a small town: the Games will require some 700 kilometres of cable to reach 15 geographically dispersed venues across a 120-kilometre area.

Platten and a team of about 3,000 technology and telecommunications staff, partners, sponsors and volunteers will use Nortel equipment for the Games solution, which will serve 90,000 participants. In working with Nortel, the Official Converged Network Equipment Supplier for the 2010 Winter Games, and Bell Canada, the exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, VANOC is able to build the first all-IP (internet protocol) converged network at any Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For VANOC staff and volunteers as well as athletes, officials, media, sports federations and Olympic Committees, Platten and his team will provide approximately 7,000 mobile phones, 2,000 push-to-talk phones and 15,000 voice over IP phones and fax lines. These devices will require mounting 5,000 wireless access points and distributing 5,000 radios. Approximately 35,000 requests for such services in the three months leading up to the Games will have to be fulfilled.

Platten’s banker acumen will see to it that nothing will be left to chance – more than 100,000 hours of advance testing will be conducted to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The challenge

Nortel is the Official Converged Network Equipment Supplier for the 2010 Winter Games.

When athletes, officials and media arrive and settle in, Platten’s team will be inundated with requests for changes or additions to their communications setup such as additional data ports or higher bandwidths to a particular guest room or luxury box.
“One of the challenges that’s been confronted by IT planners in previous Games is trying to accommodate last-minute changes to the network,” Platten explained.

“Now, fortunately, what we have in the Nortel and Bell solution – which is based on IP – is a flexibility that just wasn’t there before. We’ll be able to accommodate last-minute changes much more easily, and I believe we can make this previous challenge a lesser burden in 2010.”
Platten predicts tremendous traffic peaks during sport events. He envisions the scene of a race finish line where a hundred or more photographers are waiting with the barrels of their digital camera lenses squared up for the shot:

“They’ll hold their fingers down on those cameras, and they’ll take ten pictures in a single second — each picture being 15 megs in size — and those photos will have to be transmitted back to their editing areas so that within minutes they can be up on the internet.”
Seamless communications will come down to having the network capacity to deal these sudden peaks.

Enhanced performance

Platten points out that the robust technology will be welcome news for Vancouver 2010 athletes. At previous Olympic Games, athletes staying at Olympic and Paralympic Villages would typically use an on-site internet café or pay for an internet connection in their rooms. But at the Vancouver and Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Villages, Platten is looking for solutions to more personalized communications services for athletes, such as supplying more telephones and internet connections for individual use.

“Staying in touch with their friends and families is one of the key things [athletes have] identified as being very important to them in ensuring they’re able to perform to the best of their abilities,” said Platten. “If they’re feeling isolated and they can’t communicate with the people who support them, it has an impact on their performances.”

Platten also realizes that people like to stay connected on the go. So, all participants attending the Games will also be able to purchase phones, data/internet-connectivity services, or any related service they may need from the VANOC rather than having to shop around town.

One solution

By banding together, Nortel, Bell Canada and VANOC will perfect a single communications solution through one technology. It will connect organizers, athletes, coaches, media, and most importantly, friends and families around the globe. Communications for any Olympic and Paralympic Games is no small feat. It’s as much about good service as it is about cables and routers.

Platten and his crew will work behind the scenes to ensure all systems are working efficiently and effectively for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Gam

Vancouver 2010 mascots introduced to the world Miga, Quatchi and Sumi make their debut before hundreds of schoolchildren, and on vancouver2010.com

November 27, 2007

Vancouver, BC – Months of mystery and anticipation finally ended today as hundreds of local schoolchildren were the first to personally meet Miga, Quatchi and Sumi, the mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Many more children around the globe had a virtual introduction to these friendly figures on a new mascot microsite at www.vancouver2010.com.

More than 800 schoolchildren from grades three to five filled the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, BC today to witness three enchanting characters emerge from the mists of a magical West Coast setting of gigantic trees, soaring mountains and a restless ocean, to take their place in history as cherished personalities of the 2010 Winter Games. Designed by the Vancouver-based company Meomi Design, Miga,Quatchi and Sumi were inspired by local Aboriginal mythologicalcreatures and also strongly influenced by popular culture, modern animation styles, the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, the culture and wildlife of British Columbia and Canada, and the artists’ own imagination. Each of the creatures is unique, both in personality and physical appearance.

Miga is a snowboarding sea bear inspired by the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations – tales of orca whales that transform into bears when they arrive on land. Part Spirit Bear, a rare white bear unique to BC, Miga’s outgoing spirit and high energy draw her to action and adventure.

Quatchi, a shy and gentle giant, is a sasquatch – a popular figure in local Aboriginal legends of the Pacific West Coast. Quatchi reminds us of the mystery and wonder associated with the great Canadian wilderness. Although Quatchi loves all winter sports, he’s especially fond of hockey and dreams of becoming a world-famous goalie.

Sumi is an animal spirit who wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty thunderbird and runs on the furry legs of the black bear. With a name that is derived from the Salish word ‘sumesh,’ meaning guardian spirit,’ Sumi is passionate about the environment and is a fan of all Paralympic sports.

Joining the three mascots is a friend, or ‘sidekick,’ by the name of Mukmuk. Mukmuk is a rare marmot unique to the mountains of Vancouver Island. While he’s not officially a mascot, Mukmuk is considered an honourary member of the team and enjoys surprising his friends by popping up on occasion to share in the spirit and fun of the Games. Mukmuk’s name comes from the Squamish word for food (‘muckamuck’) because he loves to eat – when he’s not playing with his mascot friends.

People across Canada and around the world are meeting the mascots on a specially designed mascot ‘microsite’ at vancouver2010.com. The microsite includes exciting child-friendly features such as an animated mascot video, character profiles, an online game, a mascot-related personality quiz, interactive e-cards, colouring pages and more.

“Miga, Quatchi and Sumi are ambassadors for Canada and we are thrilled to introduce them to Canadians and people from around the world,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “Great care has been taken in developing and designing these Vancouver 2010 characters. They will tell a unique story about the Games and they will appeal to children across Canada and around the world. The mascots truly represent the people, geography and spirit of British Columbia and Canada, while personifying the essence of the 2010 Winter Games.”

The mascots are a key component of the Games identity and a playful way to engage a young audience and, at the same time, increase understanding of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The mascot launch represents a significant milestone on the road to staging the 2010 Winter Games.

Said René Fasel, Chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Coordination Commission: “The IOC welcomes these imaginative new additions to the Olympic Family as they take their place on the world stage today – a symbol of the Games and of Canada. We know that when Olympians, Paralympians and visitors from around the globe arrive in British Columbia at Games time, they will fall under the spell of these captivating characters.”

Noted Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee: “The mascot for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games is an excellent choice and I am sure that it will be loved by children all over the world. It represents the values of the Paralympic Movement, but also links to the Aboriginal Canadian culture and tradition.”

The second phase of the vancouver2010.com mascot program is scheduled for 2008, when additional online games and interactive features will be added. The online program takes traditional Games mascots to a new level, leveraging the reach of the internet so that children around the world can experience the mascots. The mascots will also be featured in the December issue of /EDU (at www.vancouver2010.com/edu), an online portal dedicated to connecting teachers, students and schools while celebrating the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games.

Beginning tomorrow, the mascots will make appearances across Canada as ambassadors of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, inviting Canadians from coast to coast to celebrate Vancouver 2010, as well as bringing fun and goodwill to events leading up to the Games. At Games time, these friendly figures will make appearances throughout the Vancouver region and the Sea-to-Sky corridor, offering a warm welcome to all.

From Plan to Action – the World Conference on Sport and Environment

November 8, 2007

A skier enjoys the natural environment in Torino. (photo courtesy of Getty Images)

“From Plan to Action” was the motto for the VII World Conference on Sport and Environment hosted in Beijing, from October 25 to 27, 2007. It’s also a good metaphor for the comprehensive sustainability program of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

The conference, hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Beijing Organizing Committee for Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), highlighted successful and innovative approaches to sustainability on both an international and national level while giving VANOC an opportunity to showcase some of its recent achievements.

An International Commitment to the Environment

In 1994 the IOC, recognizing the important connection between sport and the environment, adopted Environment as a third pillar of the Olympic movement, alongside Sport and Culture. That year also saw the IOC join forces with the UNEP to further promote the environment by encouraging sport organizations to improve and preserve natural surroundings. As a result of this initiative, the two organizations have hosted the World Conference on Sport and Environment every two years. The conference aims to encourage countries and sport organizers to be aware of their impact on the environment as well as further awareness on sustainable issues internationally.

Pál Schmitt speaks at the World Sport and Environment Conference. (© IOC/ R.Juilliart)

"Sport, and in particular our athletes, need a healthy environment, but sport also needs to contribute to a sustainable environment, for example in the context of Olympic Games,” concluded Pál Schmitt, IOC member and Chairman of the IOC Sport and Environment Commission. “Beyond this conference, there are many opportunities for different forms of collaboration at all levels. We all have to play our part in the global effort for a sustainable environment, in the global fight against climate change – that means everybody, every day."

Six Steps to Success

More than 80 National Olympic Committees, together with Olympic applicant cities and Olympians, joined International Sports Federations, research institutions, recreation event organizers and sporting goods manufacturers at the conference to examine the impact of sport on the environment as well as highlight some recent successes in environmental protection and advancement.

One of those successes is VANOC’s commitment to sustainability. Ann Duffy, VANOC Corporate Sustainability Officer, was on-hand to outline the Organizing Committee’s six commitment areas towards sustainability and hosting sustainable Games:

Accountability – Behaving ethically, with measurable targets and open and honest communication about progress and challenges.

Environmental Stewardship and Impact Reduction – Conserving the natural environment while managing, mitigating and offsetting negative impacts.

Social Inclusion and Responsibility - Positively impacting socially and economically disadvantaged groups that otherwise would not benefit from the 2010 Winter Games. To care for our workforce, protect human rights and ensure health and safety.

Aboriginal Collaboration - Achieving an unprecedented level of Aboriginal participation in the Games by partnering with the four host First Nations.

Economic Benefits – Demonstrating that sustainability, innovation and environmentally-friendly practices makes good business sense.

Sport for Sustainable Living - Using sport, and the growing athlete and public interest in sustainability, to inspire action on local and global challenges.

“We really appreciate the opportunities these types of conferences allow,” said Duffy. “It enables us to highlight some of the programs we’re running for Vancouver 2010, learn from others, and hopefully spark new ideas for other sport organizations.” Some of theses innovations include downsizing venue sites, designing venues to LEED specifications and working with our partners to use the 2010 Winter Games as a catalyst for change. Learn more about these innovative programs.

Signing on for the Environment

While Duffy was in Beijing attending the conference, VANOC CEO John Furlong was in New York making a further commitment to the environment and sustainable practices. Following in the footsteps of the Olympic Games in Athens, Torino and Beijing, VANOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Environment Programme. “ In our attempt to inspire the world in 2010, collaborating with bodies such as the UNEP to build our sustainability platform wisely has the potential to touch and inspire the lives and spirit of all those touched by the Games” said Furlong.

John Furlong with representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras)

He also stressed VANOC’s unique six-point approach to sustainability. “We’ve taken our responsibility very seriously; however, it is about more than just the environment for us. We’ve further embraced the third pillar of the Olympic Movement so that our sustainability objectives include commitments to achieve unprecedented Aboriginal Participation in the planning, hosting and legacy of the Games, and we have pledged to stage Games that are fiscally responsible, socially inclusive and accessible.”

From plan to action, VANOC and the International Olympic Committee have made changes and choices that will benefit Canadians and the world for generations to come. While these projects are initiated under the Olympic banner, the venues, values and ideas these changes unleash will help maintain the environment for all to enjoy for generations to come.

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