Olympics providing venue for developing B.C. broadcast talent
Olympic Broadcasting Services to offer internships to up to 400 B.C. students. NBC may hire as many as 1,000 locals to prepare its broadcasts for the U.S. market.

Derrick Penner, Vancouver Sun
Published: Monday, February 11, 2008

Official Olympic broadcasters will bring thousands of technicians to Vancouver for the 2010 Games, hire hundreds more locally and even create some technical talent to help televise the Olympics for a global audience of billions.

The International Olympic Committee's in-house producer of pooled competition footage at the Games will work with local colleges and universities to provide training to 600 students, Nancy Lee, chief operating officer for Olympic Broadcasting Services said Monday at a business workshop in Vancouver.

And of those students, Lee said 300 to 400 will be hired as a sort of internship at the 2010 Olympics.

"They're not likely to be camera No. 1 for hockey [broadcasts]," but OBS has a history of putting such students to work in technical capacities. And the initiative speaks to the needs broadcasters will have when they arrive in Vancouver, which won't be too far along the calendar.

Speaking Monday at the 2010 Commerce Centre's business summit at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Brett Goodland, senior vice-president of strategic and business affairs at NBC Universal sports and Olympics, said his company will bring 1,800 people to Vancouver and hire as many as 1,000 local people to prepare its broadcasts for the U.S. market.

NBC will spend $40 million in the process on catering services, transportation, guides and a multitude of other services.






Businesses to spend billions on goods and services for 2010 Games

Derrick Penner, Vancouver Sun
Published: Monday, February 11, 2008

The Olympic sponsors, suppliers and national Olympic organizations that descend on Vancouver for the 2010 Games will spend an estimated $2 billion on goods and services, Colin Hansen, minister of economic development told a business meeting in Vancouver today.

That will be on top of the almost $1.7 billion Vancouver's Olympic organizing committee will spend on its own operations to stage the Olympics, which Hansen added present opportunities.

"That's why you're here today," Hansen added before a crowd of some 600 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver gathered for a so-called business summit staged by the 2010 Commerce Centre, the Olympics-business promotion arm in his ministry.

Hansen said that the Commerce Centre's purpose is to make sure there is a lasting business legacy from the Games.

Scot Smythe, senior vice-president of sponsorship and event marketing at Visa International, told the crowd that the B.C. government is doing more than many other Olympic jurisdictions have done to try and link local businesses with business opportunities.

Visa has been a top international sponsor for 12 previous Olympics, and Smythe said the community can expect business activity to heat up over the last 18 months before the Games.

Smythe said Visa works on planning its sponsorship activities for three Olympics at once, and has been active in Vancouver for three years.

However, it won't be until after the Beijing Olympics are over that Visa's operations will focus squarely on its Vancouver Games-time efforts.

And so will the attention of other sponsors and organizations.





....and people say the Games aren't worth it.

I have a friend whose brother is thinking of trying to be come a professional photographer for the Games.

anyone signing up?

http://www.canada.com/theprovince/ne...d56e1b&k=23266

i'm definitely in for that! i'm guessing applications open midnight?


don't forget that apart from the 25,000 volunteers, 12,000 cast members (mostly volunteers) will be required for the opening/closing ceremonies.

It's all really exciting!

British Columbia is the best place on Earth! Agree?

The people complaining and those making the decisions for the group are not necessarily the same people. There is no one native voice or way of thinking. Nevertheless, it's THEIR land. They can do whatever the hell they want with it. What right do the people who have bulldozed the rest of the city and continent already have to bitch about it? None. Don't patronize these people with your "we know better" bullshit because it's quite obvious that we don't. There's quite enough proof in the world of that.

That slogan is ridiculous.

has anyone seen those BC 150 commercials on tv? i would say they're a bit too intense.

^ The one I saw was pretty funny.

Check it out

http://youtube.com/watch?v=epodD8vL6QY

^ LMAO. that was it, reminds me of the Molson Canadian's "I Am Canadian" era.

lol, I like the BC 150 ads.

But I really hate the No 2010 people. Their cause is just so stupid; I mean protest, but protest something real? The Olympics are coming, we even had a vote and it passed. The chance to stop it was in 2003, but they failed, so they need to get over it.

I have said this before and I will say it again, the Anti-Poverty Committee makes me hate the homeless. It makes me not want to give money to charities who will support them. They're protesting an event that has nothing to do with homelessness issue.

Make no mistake the APC does not give a shit about the homeless, they are a group of delinquents that just want to cause trouble.
If the APC cared they would use the Olympics as an opportunity to lobby for social housing, but what do they do? They break into an MLA's office and chain themselves up; what a bunch of retards.

So wait...they want to do interviews, background checks, and retinal scans in order to maybe allow you to volunteer? All so I can be a 24-hour on call janitor or toilet cleaner or perhaps stand out in the rain the whole day?
:haha:
No thanks...maybe if it was drop in, I would consider it. However, to treat it like a real job is an insult to someone donating their spare time away from work.

well u gotta understand this isn't the same as volunteering at the local charity. there's immense security going into these games and everyone who will be involved (guests, tourists, volunteers, workers) will all be under intense scrutiny. i think it's a good idea for them to be extra careful when it comes to volunteers.

And many of the volunteers will have access to popular olympic events, such as the opening and closing ceremonies. Vancouver can't afford something to go wrong.

Thus, the numerous security checks are justifiable.

Anyway at SSC, in celebration of the two-year mark for 2010 (it's up now!!!!!!), Mr. X has submitted this banner made by me. The photo is provided by Thom Quine.

http://members.shaw.ca/clauf/t3.PNG

btw Whistler doesn't have an olympic clock right? They should have one.

The banner will be up the entire day today at Skyscrapercity (it's already up):
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/12.jpg


TWO YEARS TO GO! *as long as we get better weather*

They lost their land like many other cultures and civilizations did before them. They are fortunate that they lost their land at a time when western civilization was going through some big changes and actually went against thousands of years of precedents set by all of humanity and said that the land was taken unfairly. The fact that they can live a life and enjoy all the advancements of humanity cant be overlooked, after all there is one continent full of nomadic people that wasn't permanently settled(except part of its souther hemisphere) and im sure the people of that continent would switch positions with north American aboriginals in a heart beat. Theres proof of us not knowing better, ok, being the most advanced species on this planet i will have to disagree with that, sure nothings perfect but until we wipe each other out completely and a more advanced species comes along then most certainly we know best on our little planet. In anycase our country is based on equality, this is not equality, no matter what you say I dont agree that some descendant of a nomadic people with no real concept of property has some type entitlement to our nations land. Thats my opinion and im sticking to it until someone can put forth a decent and logical argument that backs up the oposit view.

http://www.vancouver2010.com/images/..._composite.gif

Bell celebrates culture through partnership with Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad - New emblem unveiled at Countdown Concert

February 12, 2008

Vancouver, BC — Bell and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) tonight launched the telecommunications company’s role as presenting partner of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. A new Cultural Olympiad emblem recognizing this partnership was unveiled during a sold-out, star-studded concert at Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre, the culmination of a day-long celebration of the two-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Games.

Hosted by CTV’s Ben Mulroney, the Countdown Concert featured stellar Canadian talent. 2008 Grammy and Juno nominee Feist headlined the concert, performing five world premier orchestral arrangements of her songs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The concert also included some of Canada’s top indie singer-songwriters: Ron Sexsmith; Jorane; Leela Gilday (2007 Juno Award winner for Aboriginal album of the year); and Suzie McNeil, whose hit song Believe was embraced by Bell as a fundraising initiative for sport.

“Bell has a long history of bringing sport and culture together to strengthen our country and celebrate our best,” said VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong. “We are thrilled to partner with Bell to showcase Canada’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts community across the country and around the world.”

“Bell aims to connect every Canadian to the Olympic and Paralympic experience,” said Loring Phinney, Vice President, Corporate and Olympic Marketing for Bell. “We are proud to know that our support of the Cultural Olympiad will help make it possible for even more Canadians to experience the 2010 Winter Games through the delivery of unique and compelling cultural content.”

Bell has long been committed to fostering opportunities for both culture and sport. In 2007, Bell launched a unique initiative to raise money for Canada’s winter athletes. The company teamed with rising Canadian rock star Suzie McNeil and composer/arranger Dave Pierce to record the Olympic-and Paralympic-inspired song and video Believe. Recorded in Ottawa with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the audio track is available for download to client music libraries and enabled Bell Mobility phones at bell.ca/believe, where visitors can also view the music video.

All proceeds from downloads will be donated by Bell to Own the Podium 2010, a sport technical program designed to help Canadian athletes compete with the best in the world.

One of the 2010 Winter Games signature events, Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad will showcase some of the finest in Canadian and international arts and culture through a series of three festivals between now and 2010. Cultural Olympiad 2008 launches this multi-year celebration, with more than 300 free and ticketed events taking place between February 1 to March 21 throughout Metro Vancouver and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. This is the first time a Winter Games has hosted a Cultural Olympiad two years before Games time. The entire program can be viewed at www.vancouver2010.com.

The Emblem of the 2010 Cultural Olympiad

Bell’s new partnership with VANOC is represented in the Cultural Olympiad emblem, unveiled to an enthusiastic audience at the Countdown Concert. The new multicoloured emblem, highlighted by pink and purple hues, represents the cultural and creative diversity of Canada. Entitled Expanding the Circle , its shape originates from the stones within the Vancouver 2010 Olympic emblem Ilanaaq, immediately connecting it to Vancouver 2010. Positioned on an angle, the shape also speaks to the way in which the arts can provide new perspectives to audiences. The central arcs burst out of the emblem’s primary shape with energy and motion in the way that arts and culture break new ground and explore new directions.

About Bell

Bell’s partnership with VANOC began in October 2004, when it was selected as a Premier National Partner and exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Bell will supply the critical communications services required to stage the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler, including a comprehensive telecommunications solution, broadcast support, and Internet and portal services.

Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers with solutions to all their communications needs, including telephone services, wireless communications, high-speed Internet, digital television and voice over IP. Bell also offers integrated information and communications technology (ICT) services to businesses and governments, and is the Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO) to small and medium businesses (SMBs). Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. For information on Bell's products and services, please visit http://www.bell.ca/. For corporate information on BCE, please visit http://www.bce.ca/.

For anyone that is interested there is a Beijing 2008 exhibit in Sinclair Centre. Had the chance to check it out while I hit the food court for lunch.

Volunteer applications flood 2010 website

VANCOUVER - The website for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games was swamped with hundreds of thousands of hits Tuesday after Olympic organizers began accepting applications for volunteers.

Within hours of going live first thing Tuesday, the organizing committee had received more than 1,500 applications from more than a dozen countries and every province and territory in Canada.

But by mid-afternoon, the committee was reeling from all the attention, with more than 700,000 separate page views of its website at vancouver2010.com.

That's nearly double the number of page views the site had received to date on its heaviest traffic days, CEO John Furlong said. More than 4,000 people living in 24 countries had filed applications by mid-afternoon, and the rate showed no sign of slowing down.

However, the website withstood the traffic load.

The organizing committee welcomed the attention, saying it's a good start to its search for at least 25,000 qualified volunteers.

Donna Wilson, executive vice-president of workforce and sustainability, had originally estimated she would need upwards of 40,000 applications in order to find enough qualified volunteers. But Furlong said he now believes as many as 100,000 applications will be received over the next six weeks.


http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/...3a9730&k=19279

The final count for the first day was 10,000 volunteer applicants. I haven't submitted mine, though it's partially completed.

i saw a commercial for volunteers on much more music tonight

Canadians conquer Asian events

Gary Kingston, Vancouver Sun; With files from Sun news services
Published: Saturday, February 16, 2008

It was an Asian invasion by Canadian winter sport athletes on Friday.

Maelle Ricker of North Vancouver won a women's World Cup snowboard cross event in Sungwoo, South Korea, while Tessa Virtue of London, Ont., and Scott Moir of Iderton, Ont., posted a personal best score to win the gold medal in ice dancing at the Four Continents Championships at Goyang City, South Korea.

Meanwhile at Inawashiro, Japan, Sarah Burke of Midland, Ont., and Matthew Hayward of Red Deer, Alta., won the women's and men's halfpipe, respectively, at a World Cup freestyle event.

Ricker, 29, was the second-fastest qualifier, then won her quarter-final and semifinal heats from the front before holding off a hard-charging Lindsey Jacobellis of the U.S., the reigning world champion, and Mellie Francon of Switzerland in the final.

"I felt her right on my back," Ricker said of Jacobellis, "so I drifted left, closing the door so she couldn't pass me. I had very good starts today, which allowed me to ride my line and to stay out of the traffic. That was the key to the race today."

With the win, Ricker took over top spot in the World Cup SBX standings with four races remaining. She has 3,250 points, Jacobellis 3,200 and Francon 3,060.

Pierre Vaultier of France won the men's event ahead of Nate Holland of the U.S. and Mateusz Ligocki of Poland. Rob Fagan of Cranbrook was the top Canadian in 10th, while reigning World Cup champion Drew Neilson of North Vancouver had a tough day, finishing 31st.

At Goyang City, Virtue and Moir led the field from the start and totalled 207.32 points over the compulsory, original and free dances. Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the U.S. were second with 199.45 points.

"We weren't really focused on the marks, but it is always nice to break the 100-point barrier in the free dance and 200 overall," Moir said in a news release. "But we left a couple of points on the table which we hope to improve on before worlds.

"In the free dance today, our last lift was a little off and those are points you don't want to give away when you compete against the best in the world."

In the men's singles, Daisuke Takahashi of Japan landed two quadruple jumps and won big with 264.41 points. Jeff Buttle of Smooth Rock Falls, Ont., was second, breaking his own Canadian record with 234.02 points.

"It was definitely an improvement over Canadians," said Buttle, who had a poor free skate in Vancouver last month to finish second. "I regained some confidence that I may have lost."

In Japan, Burke, the 2005 world champion, won by a convincing three points despite nursing a sore knee that nearly caused her to spill on a new alley-oop trick in the final.

Hayward edged Kalle Leinonen of Finland, with Mike Riddle of Sherwood Park, Alta., third and Justin Dorey of Vernon fourth.

Skier halfpipe is not an Olympic discipline, although the skiers are lobbying to have it included in 2014.

- Anna Goodman of Pointe Claire, Que., continues to improve on the World Cup slalom circuit, finishing a career-best 19th Friday in a race in Zagreb, Croatia.

Goodman's two-run combined time was one minute, 57.39 seconds. Tanja Poutianen of Finland won the event in 1:52.83, with Marlies Schild of Austria second in 1:53.35 and Veronika Zuzulova of Slovakia third in 1:53.51.

Goodman, 22, posted the first top-30 results of her career earlier this season by finishing 29th and 24th.

"I let the skis run today and had two runs that I'm pleased with although I still know I can do better," said Goodman.

gkingston@png.canwest.com

2010 TV executives meeting in Vancouver
By BOB MACKIN, 24 HOURS

Broadcasters of the world - at least those that bought 2010 Winter Olympics rights - are united in Vancouver this week.

International Olympic Committee-owned Olympic Broadcast Services Vancouver meets until Friday with the companies that will beam the 2010 Games to TV viewers and radio listeners around the globe. It's the second of three annual conventions and brings together more than 100 representatives of 35 rights-holding networks to discuss production costs and logistics.

Vancouver 2010 will be the first all-HD TV Winter Olympics from the source.

"There's plenty of infrastructure for us to be able to acquire that equipment to be able to achieve it," said OBSV chief operating officer Nancy Lee.

NBC, the largest broadcaster, paid $2.2 billion for U.S. rights to Vancouver 2010 and London 2012. The CTV/ Rogers consortium outbid CBC with a $153-million offer for the Canadian deal.

edit

Vanoc signs licensing deal with Inuit artists

Jeff Lee, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, March 05, 2008

There is nothing that irritates Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik more than seeing mass-produced inukshuk art passed off to unsuspecting tourists as authentic Inuit art. When he sees them for sale in stores, he knows aboriginal artists of the North have been ripped off.

So he could barely hide the glee in his face today when he signed a deal with the organizers of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics that will see as many as 1,200 Inuit artists from 11 communities produce the iconic rock emblems for sale under an Olympic licence.

"We have often not gained much benefit out of symbolic things that have been produced," he said. "This is more a symbol of artists benefiting through their unique work. These products are hand-made, not mass-produced like some pieces that I've seen throughout the country."

The deal, signed in Vancouver as part of a larger license agreement the Vancouver Organizing Committee has with four B.C. first nations, will also see a portion of the royalties go towards a legacy fund for aboriginal youth.

Under the umbrella agreement, Vanoc will license and market a large array of clothing and other items containing aboriginal artwork. Although it is working with one Squamish artist, Xwa Lack Tun, whose Anglicized name is Rick Harry, Vanoc says it expects to expand the program to include first nations and Metis artists from across the country. The agreement was signed last week at a private ceremony during the visit of International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge.

The deal with the Inuit will involve the production of stone emblems known as inukshuk (the plural, according to Okalik, is inuksuit). Each unique item, which takes hours to produce, will retail for between $60 and $200.

Okalik said the Inuit were elated when Vanoc selected Ilanaaq, a stylized inukshuk as its logo, because inuksuit represent directional markers that help people find their way. In agreeing to market Inuit art for Nunavut, Vanoc has helped many artists find their way.

"In Nunavut, we have no Maple Leaf. Icons as Canadian emblems are foreign to us. Ilanaaq changed that," he said.

For Vanoc CEO John Furlong, the deal brings much closer to reality his pledge to try and "touch the soul of the nation" with the Olympics. "Premier Okalik can honestly say with this deal that every single town in Nunavut is participating in the Games," he said. "What a way to get the artists involved."

Each inukshuk carving will carry a Vanoc licence tag, as well as the name of the artist and community where it was made and the carving's unique story.

"Part of this is to put money towards aboriginal youth programs," he said. "This is going to be a runaway hit."

The overall aboriginal licensing agreement will see one-third of royalties set aside for a legacy fund administered through the Four Host First Nations Secretariat. The group represents the Squamish, Lil'Wat, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam bands, on whose traditional territory the Games are being held.

Neither Vanoc officials nor Tewanee Joseph, the executive director of the FHFNS, could say how much money will be generated from the deal.

"This is new territory for all of us," Joseph said. "We've looked back at a number of Olympic Games, and we can't find any deal like this anywhere. So we really don't know how much this will generate."

Clothing and art will go on sale to the public through retailers starting next month.

^Sounds great. I love how VANOC is getting different regions of the country involved to make these "Canada's Games". Hopefully the rest of the country will embrace it as such by the time 2010 rolls around.

Homologation of The Whistler Sliding Centre to proceed this week

March 5, 2008
VANOC News Release

Whistler, BC – The world’s top sliding athletes, coaches and technical officials will be in Whistler this week from March 5 through 8 to participate in the homologation of The Whistler Sliding Centre — the venue for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The homologation of The Whistler Sliding Centre is a joint project 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) to ensure a technical inspection and evaluation of the track.

“The homologation of the track is an important step in the process of having this venue completed for the 2010 Winter Games, and allows us to deliver on our promise to offer athletes the chance to train and compete on the 2010 Winter Games venues well in advance of the Games themselves,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC Executive Vice President for Sport and Games Operations.

The four days of testing and evaluation at The Whistler Sliding Centre will ensure the FIBT, FIL and VANOC have the opportunity to:

- Inspect track construction
- Test venue safety
- Ensure track’s technical dimensions are compliant with FIBT/FIL regulations
- Receive feedback for modifications/improvements as required
- Provide forum for international sliding athletes, technical delegates and additional identified experts to offer feedback to track operators
- Conduct operational/situational testing for The Whistler Sliding Centre staff/volunteers

Both the FIBT and FIL will have a number of technical experts on-site to participate in the homologation process over the coming days. Additionally, more than 60 athletes and coaches will participate in the homologation at The Whistler Sliding Centre by invitation of the FIBT, FIL and VANOC, including representation from Austria, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Russia and the US.

Once The Whistler Sliding Centre has been homologated, VANOC will review and consider the recommendations for technical adjustments that will allow the facility to be opened and completely operational. VANOC anticipates providing to the media and public additional details on the homologation process on March 10. As one of the sport venues for the 2010 Winter Games, VANOC looks forward to announcing details of media and public access to this venue as soon as possible.

At this time the facility’s technical and operational infrastructures are still in development and have not been sanctioned by the governing bodies. Until the track is officially open, VANOC is operating the facility with limited services and systems; therefore will not accommodate additional public, media and or non sliding participants. The facility will remain closed to anyone outside of those participating directly in the homologation process.

Purolator added as official 2010 Games sponsor

Vancouver Sun
Published: Thursday, March 06, 2008

VANCOUVER -- Vancouver Olympic organizers will unveil Purolator Courier as an official supplier for the 2010 Olympics later this morning in Richmond.

Official supplier sponsorship carries a $3-million to $15-million price tag, which gives Purolator marketing rights to use the Vancouver and Canadian Olympic-team brands in its marketing for a prescribed period.

The deal will also make Purolator the exclusive courier for any Games-related business.

Purolator will be the 15th official supplier and 29th domestic corporate sponsor to sign onto the 2010 Olympics as Olympic organizers seek to hit their goal of raising $760 million to cover operating costs.

Edmonton to play host to Olympic curling trials

Vicki Hall, edmontonjournal.com
Published: Sunday, March 09, 2008

WINNIPEG - The game went into extra ends, but Edmonton finally hit the button and won the right to host the 2009 Olympic Curling Trials.

The Canadian Curling Association is set to announce later this week that Edmonton will welcome the best shotmakers from coast to coast Dec. 6 to 13, 2009 at Rexall Place.

The event, also known as the Roar of the Rings, will feature eight men's teams and eight women's teams fighting to represent Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

"I think this is fantastic for everyone in Edmonton and the rest of Alberta," said Marcel Rocque, who plays lead for Randy Ferbey. "People in Edmonton are going to be treated to something they've never seen before and may not see again for a very long time."

Sources say organizers signed off on the final agreement in February during the Boston Pizza Cup Alberta men's curling championship.

Kamloops, B.C.m also bid on the event and offered more money up front with $1.2 million going directly to the cash-strapped CCA in hopes of keeping the trials in the same province as the Olympics themselves.

The Edmonton bid came in around $1 million up front, but Rexall Place seats 16,839 spectators, almost three times the number that can cram into the Kamloops arena.

"I think Edmonton will do a great job," Saskatchewan skip Pat Simmons said in a break from the action at the Tim Hortons Brier. "They've proven themselves from the last Brier there and the worlds and all other kinds of events.

"I think Edmonton is close to the capital of curling as you can get. You might have at least three teams from there, and how's that going to be for ticket sales?"

The hometown crowd should have plenty to cheer for with Edmonton likely represented by three world-class teams on the men's side: Kevin Martin, Randy Ferbey and Kevin Koe in the eight-team event.

Some curling insiders argue the calibre of play is higher at the Canadian trials than the Olympics.

"It's like putting together the last eight years of Stanley Cup champions and having them all play in the same tournament," Rocque said. "The pressure is enormous with every shot. If you make one mistake against these teams, they'll bury you."

Four men's teams and four women's teams will advance directly to the trials in Edmonton. The other four will be decided at a pre-trials event in Prince George, B.C.

Winnipeg's Jennifer Jones has already qualified on the women's side. If Ontario's Glenn Howard wins the Brier, he will lock up the first spot for the men.

The 2005 Olympic curling trials were held in Halifax. Three months later, Canada's Brad Gushue, Mark Nichols, Russ Howard and Jamie Korab managed to win gold an ocean away in Pinerolo, Italy. Shannon Kleibrink , Amy Nixon, Glenys Bakker and Christine Keshen of Calgary captured bronze.

Edmonton set the Brier attendance record in 2005 with 280,985 fans streaming through the wickets. Just last year, Howard captured the world men's curling championship at Rexall Place with a record attendance figure of 184,973 throughout the event.

"Edmonton is the best place for the trials," said Craig Savill, the lead for Howard's Ontario foursome. "I think Edmonton will pack the place."

Ontario second Brent Laing can't figure out why there was any question surrounding Edmonton's bid in the first place.

"Edmonton is a better fit than Kamloops," he said. "Especially when it looks like you'll have three Edmonton teams in the event."

But that's no guarantee with a plethora of elite men's teams - including Gushue, Howard, Simmons and Winnipeg's Jeff Stoughton - chasing the dream of representing Canada, at home, in the Olympics.

"I think the pressure is on us now to get to the trials," Ferbey said. "Being a spectator here in Winnipeg is fine, but there's no way I want to be a spectator in Edmonton.

"Edmonton deserves this. Edmonton is the undisputed capital of curling in Canada, and I think it's the only natural place for the trials to be."

vhall@thejournal.canwest.com

The Whistler Sliding Centre homologation process complete
World’s 15th sliding centre praised by international federation technical officials

March 10, 2008
VANOC News Release

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.

The deal was for $3-million...and I have to say that it doesn't make sense. An airport supplier????:koko: That's basic infrastructure, especially for the Olympic Games. What next? the official road supplier? official breathing air supplier??

I'm guessing VANOC was desperate for more sponsorship, and begged rich-YVR to become a sponsor. o_O




Flight 2010 Cleared for Landing at Vancouver International Airport - YVR Named Official Airport for 2010 Winter Games

March 13, 2008
VANOC News Release

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.

It would've been funnier if they named Boundary Bay Airport the official airport for 2010 :haha:

I feel like a CDC forumer using this, but ...
 

http://www.farfromneutral.com/exodus...7/03/o_rly.jpg


And here's a funny bit from the Georgia Straight:

Toronto disappointed YVR named “official airport” for 2010 Winter Olympics?
By Martin Dunphy

Today (March 14), the Vancouver Airport Authority issued a media release announcing that VANOC has named Vancouver International Airport the "official airport" for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Straight editor Martin Dunphy wrote a mock-response to the release:

A spokesperson for Toronto Pearson International Airport today expressed disappointment at the selection of Vancouver International Airport as the official airport for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The choice by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) was motivated by bias, the spokesperson said. "Most of the people on VANOC who decided on Vancouver actually reside in Vancouver," John Leaffan said. "We think Toronto didn't get a fair shake simply because we are a few thousand miles east of Vancouver."

Leaffan also said Vancouver's facilities are inferior to those of Toronto. "We have miles of moving sidewalks and way more cabs and buses, and we are strategically sited to provide convenient access to connecting flights for Olympics visitors."

VANOC CEO John Furlong said Vancouver was the logical choice. "Vancouver was the logical choice," he said. Questioned further, Furlong said Vancouver had more to offer international visitors. "If you arrive here after a long flight from overseas, and you are hungry, thirsty, tired, and maybe don't speak the language, we are pleased to be able to offer security personnel with the latest in Taser technology," he said, adding: "There's nothing like a quick, long nap after a long flight."

2010 Winter Games to source clean power from BC Hydro and promote energy conservation - VANOC CEO John Furlong joins Team Power Smart

March 18, 2008
VANOC News Release

VANCOUVER – A new standard of environmental stewardship for Olympic and Paralympic Games was reached today with the announcement of an agreement between BC Hydro and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

In its role as an Official Supporter of the 2010 Winter Games, BC Hydro will provide the resources to supply clean power for the Games. In addition, through its Power Smart programs, BC Hydro will work with VANOC to ensure the Games are energy-efficient and promote energy conservation across BC.

As part of its Official Supporter partnership, BC Hydro will provide secondments of personnel, as well as the temporary use of some BC Hydro properties and electrical connection equipment during the Games.

By using clean, hydroelectric power, the 2010 Winter Games will see their carbon dioxide emissions from power generation reduced to the lowest level yet for an Olympic Winter Games — less than 10 per cent of the emissions of previous Olympic Winter Games, which relied on diesel-based generation.

VANOC will pay for the electricity it consumes on the same basis as other large commercial customers; however, since the use of clean, hydro-electric power is a lower cost alternative to diesel-based generation, VANOC will realize significant cost savings over previous Olympic Winter Games.

“The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games present a unique opportunity to profile British Columbia’s role as a world leader in the production of sustainable, clean electricity,” said Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative and the Olympics. “It also creates new opportunities for promoting energy conservation — a key goal of the BC Energy Plan.”

“BC Hydro is particularly proud to be an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games because BC Hydro and the Games share many of the same values around sustainability and conservation,” said Bob Elton, BC Hydro President and Chief Executive Officer.

Elton used today’s announcement as an opportunity to draft VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong to Team Power Smart, which features a group of more than 20 prominent British Columbians in a province-wide initiative to encourage energy conservation. As a Team Power Smart leader, Furlong will demonstrate how all BC residents can take concrete steps to conserve electricity and reduce their environmental impact through simple lifestyle changes.

“If every residential customer in BC pledged to reduce their annual electricity consumption by 10 per cent, the energy savings would be enough to power 10 Olympic Winter Games — or about 150,000 homes,” said Elton.

“The Games provide an opportunity for each of us to do our best, and to share our accomplishments and our vision with the world,” said Furlong. “Hosting the Games in a manner that shows respect for the natural environment is critically important to us. The collaboration with BC Hydro and their impressive Power Smart programs is therefore a significant step toward achieving our goals.”

It is estimated that broadcasting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be the equivalent of eight to 10 Super Bowls simultaneously for 17 days. The 2010 Winter Games will need high levels of electric reliability to support the unique requirements associated with hosting an event that will attract more than three billion television viewers and 75 million website visits worldwide.

To offset the energy consumption, VANOC and BC Hydro are committed to ensuring the Games venues meet high standards for energy-efficiency design. VANOC and BC Hydro are conducting energy audits to identify energy-saving measures, as well as providing conservation education programs for employees, sponsors, volunteers and venue partners.

Everyone in British Columbia can help support energy conservation by joining Team Power Smart. Team members who sign up on the BC Hydro website at www.bchydro.com will be able to start their own individual conservation game plan, and access tips and information to help them achieve their goals.

About BC Hydro
BC Hydro is one of North America’s leading providers of clean, renewable energy, and the largest electric utility in B.C., serving approximately 95 per cent of the province’s population and 1.7 million customers.







Manitoba to participate in 2010 Winter Games

March 17, 2008
VANOC News Release

VANCOUVER, B.C.—Manitoba talent will take to the world stage at the 2010 Winter Games as part of a contributing province agreement between the Province of Manitoba and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

Premier Gary Doer signed the agreement here today with John Furlong, Vancouver 2010 CEO, at the VANOC offices.

“The 2010 Winter Games are an opportunity for provinces like Manitoba, as well as Canada, to showcase their local talent to the world,” Doer said. “While our athletes take to the rink, the slopes and the oval, Manitoba’s entertainers and artists will also have the chance to perform to an international audience. It’s an excellent opportunity to show the world what Manitoba has to offer.”

“Manitoba is celebrating the exciting possibilities presented by the 2010 Winter Games by participating in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase their unique culture and personality to a global audience of three billion,” said Furlong. “We thank the Manitoba government for its generous contribution and look forward to working together to showcase Canada and Manitoba to the world.”

Highlights of Manitoba’s Olympic plans include:

*
establishing a Manitoba House in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Games to showcase local cultural performers and athletes;
*
organizing a Manitoba Day at the Games to promote the province;
*
developing the Manitoba portion of the torch relay, which will come to the province prior to the Games;
*
ensuring Aboriginal participation in the Games and preceding events;
*
showcasing Manitoba artists and arts organizations;
*
developing initiatives that promote tourism, immigration, trade and investment, as well as promote Manitoba’s green-energy sector; and
*
promoting educational and volunteer opportunities relating to sport and culture, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Under the Contributing Province/Territory Program, signatory provinces and territories receive a package of benefits that create a close association with the Games in return for a financial contribution based on population size. Manitoba will contribute $750,000 toward the success of Canadian athletes through the Own the Podium 2010 program, which is providing additional support to Canadian athletes in the run-up preparations for the 2010 Winter Games.

Manitoba will also provide $750,000 to support the Games and showcase Manitoba culture and arts, via the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, and ensure that local artists are centre stage at the Games, which are expected to be watched by more than three billion viewers. The Games will feature more than 5,500 Olympic athletes and officials from 80 different countries, and 1,350 Paralympic athletes and officials from 40 countries.

Aren't we already a net importer? How exactly do they plan to do this while wanting to attract "heavy consumption" users as BC Hydro previously stated?

I'm surprised that they still haven't found an official beer sponsor.




Millennium joins team as Official Supplier of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

March 20, 2008
VANOC News Release

Developer of Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver now on board
Vancouver, March 20, 2008 – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today welcomed the Millennium Development Corporation to its team as an Official Supplier through a financial contribution to VANOC of $3 million. Awarded the contract by the City of Vancouver in April 2006, Millennium is the developer of the Millennium Water project that will serve as the Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Games. Through this partnership, Millennium obtains Official Supplier rights which enhance the organization’s ability to market this unique development in conjunction with the 2010 Winter Games.

The Village will be operational from November 1, 2009 until March 30, 2010, and will house more than 3,000 athletes and officials during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. In April 2010, the Village will be returned to the City of Vancouver for the buildings to become permanent residential housing in the late spring or summer of 2010.

“When we welcome the world to Vancouver in 2010, we want to highlight two things — our true spirit of the Games and our commitment to sustainability,” said Peter Malek, Director of Millennium. “We are honoured to be building residences that reflect these two principles to the athletes and officials at the 2010 Winter Games. The Village will be a part of the first LEED Gold Neighbourhood in Canada, and will leave a positive legacy for the environment, the economy and our community.”

“The Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver will provide an impressive home for our athletes and officials and will become one of the city’s most beautiful waterfront communities in 2010 and beyond,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to formalize this partnership with Millennium to deliver our shared commitment to a sustainable 2010 Winter Games by building energy-efficient facilities.”

“Millennium was selected from numerous developers to build the Olympic and Paralympic Village,” said Bob Rennie, Principal, Rennie Marketing Systems, a 2010 Games Ambassador and responsible for the marketing and sales of the units for occupation post 2010 Winter Games. “Now as an Official Supplier of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Millennium is pleased to welcome the world when they come to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Located in Southeast False Creek, the Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver features modern low- and mid-rise accommodations for the athletes and officials and sits an average distance of 12 kilometres from Vancouver-area competition venues. Athletes will be able to walk, bus or take a ferry to the city's shopping and entertainment districts, as well as enjoy nightly medal ceremonies and cultural celebrations just moments away at BC Place Stadium.

The new development is designed by Canada’s leading architect, Arthur Erickson, in collaboration with Nick Milkovich Architects, Gomberoff Bell Lyon Architects, Lawrence Doyle Young + Wright Architects, Merrick Architecture and Walter Francl Architect Inc.

Building construction is proceeding on schedule with completion slated for October 2009. VANOC will outfit and operate the Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver beginning November 1, 2009, and return it to Millennium in April 2010 where it will assume its post-Games legacy design.

About Millennium
The Millennium Group is a diversified real estate group with more than 60 years of experience with local and international projects. Millennium was awarded Canada’s Best Multi-Family Development in 2006 by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association for its development Water’s Edge in West Vancouver. In addition, its masterplanned seven-tower City-in-the-Park community in South Burnaby received the Livable Region Award, the Award for Excellence in Urban Development in 2001 sponsored by the Greater Vancouver Regional District, and Sustainable Community of the Year sponsored by the Southern California Gas Company. Millennium is part of a larger group of companies that in France has developed East Side at Marne La Vallèe, and Bellevue Park, Bussy St. George and Regent Park outside Paris, as well as other projects in Europe.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Sochi 2014 Learns From Vancouver 2010
Posted 11:15 am ET (GamesBids.com)

The Globe and Mail reports that Dmitry Chernyshenko, President of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, accompanied by Semen Vainshtok, President of Olimpstroy State Corp., the company responsible for construction of the Olympic facilities, were in Vancouver Thursday meeting with officials from Vancouver 2010 and touring Olympic facilities.

The newspapers reports that unlike Vancouver and Whistler, Sochi 2014 has to build a brand new multi-billion-dollar winter resort from scratch. The Russian government has promised $12 billion to transform the area, a remote city of 400,000 on the Black Sea and a popular summer resort, into a world-class destination for winter sports and international competitions.

Chernyshenko said the Sochi 2014 organizing committee closely studied how Vancouver won the 2010 Games and tried to duplicate its efforts, paying special attention to the commitment of a legacy that would remain once the Games are over. He said Canada provided the blueprint for Russia’s successful bid, adding he expects the links to Canada will continue in the run-up to the 2010 Games and afterwards.

The Sochi delegation spent time gathering tips on Vancouver’s approach to marketing, construction and development. Chernyshenko said he was especially impressed with the financial model for projects that were intended to generate profits.

Another lesson learned was to complete the infrastructure well ahead of the Olympics. Chernyshenko said he was surprised to see that some facilities in Whistler are already built and in use two years before the Games are to begin.

As for boycotting the Beijing 2008 Games, Chernyshenko said as the biggest sporting event in the world, the Games will always be a target for those who want to use them to draw attention to their situations. But he felt the Olympics should not be linked to other interests.

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.

Beer run

The search is on for an official beer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. An announcement will be made later this year after sifting through potential candidates.

A more immediate concern for locals is a beer for this week's Canucks playoff run, and the playoffs themselves. (Assuming they make it; if not, fans will be drowning in beer regardless of brand or name.)

Has the U.S. Olympic Chairman Peter Ueberroth visited Vancouver yet? If not, now may be a good time

From the Vancouver Sun today

Feds contribute $10 million to Olympic Live Sites
Derrick Penner, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, April 16, 2008
VANCOUVER -- The federal government will contribute $10 million to the City of Vancouver's Olympic Live Sites celebration pavilions at David Lam Park and the old bus depot, city officials revealed today.
The City and Vancouver Parks Board unveiled a bigger picture of the $23-million Live Sites plan, which will include a nightly light and water display on False Creek, showcase stages, a family friendly atmosphere and transit links to provincial and Four Host First Nations pavilions.
Mayor Sam Sullivan, councilor Suzanne Anton and park board chairwoman Korina Houghton delivered the updated plan at David Lam Park as the City tested its emergency-measures salt-water pump system on False Creek, which will be used to create the nightly water display during the Olympics and Paralympics.
Vancouver has allocated $5 million towards the plan from the $20-million legacy fund it has drawn from its general revenue fund.
The remainder is expected to be covered by private sponsorships.
In Wednesday's announcement, Sullivan promised that there will be ongoing consultation with neighbouring residents and businesses.
The Live Sites will be able to accommodate 20,000 people, be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for people to come and watch events on projection screens and live performances.
The Sites will be linked by corridors along Mainland and Hamilton streets.

A bit of a surprise....




Canwest signs advertising deal with 2010 Olympic Games

Jeff Lee, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, April 23, 2008

VANCOUVER - Canwest Publishing Inc., the largest owner of Canadian newspapers, has signed an Olympic-sized deal to supply advertising to the 2010 Vancouver Organizing Committee.

The deal, which will be announced this morning, includes all 10 of Canwest's regional newspapers, including The Vancouver Sun and The Province, but not the flagship National Post.

Vanoc is calling Canwest an "official supplier", a category that generally is worth between $3 millon and $10 million. In a memo sent to staff Wednesday morning Dennis Skulsky, the president of Canwest Publishing, and Kevin Bent, the publisher of the Pacific Newspaper Group called it an "Official Regional Newspaper agreement".

Under the terms of the deal, Canwest will be permitted to use the Olympic rings and other official marks. In return, the newspaper will provide advertising space to Vanoc. However, the newspapers have been guaranteed editorial independence.

Referring to the deal as "a marketing & sponsorship initiative", Bent's letter said the newsrooms would honor readers' trust in then to objectively report on the Olympics.

Canwest and Vanoc have been working on a deal for the better part of a year. At the same time, Vanoc has also been in discussions with Bell Media, the owners of the The Globe and Mail for a similar advertising arrangement. Bell is already a major 2010 sponsor but that deal did not include the rights to use Olympic marks in The Globe.

The Canwest-Vanoc deal will be unveiled at a ceremony at the Vancouver headquarters of Canwest this morning. Newspapers covered in the deal include The Sun and Province, Victoria Times-Colonist, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Regina Leader-Post, Saskatchewan StarPhoenix, Windsor Star, Ottawa Citizen and Montreal Gazette.

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B.C. ferry shipping 2010 Olympics to England
World's biggest ferry sails up Thames for Vancouver Games


THE TIMES UK
May 13, 2008 11:22

THE world’s largest double-ended ferry arrived in the Pool of London on Monday for a lightning half-day visit on its way back to Canada—all part of a touring Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics promotion.

The huge 500ft-long vessel, Coastal Celebration, passed under Tower Bridge and moored opposite the Tower of London.

It came as an official invitation from the people of Vancouver to Londoners, who are hosting the 2012 Olympics at Stratford, to visit British Columbia for the Winter Games in two years’ time.

Captain Trafford Taylor, of the British Columbia Ferry Corporation, presented the invitation to a London contingent including Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell.

But they weren’t able to go on board, even the minister herself, according to Vancouver 2010 publicists, for logistical reasons.

It was moored in the middle of the Thames and it was difficult to ferry guests to the ferry, as it were.

The vessel, which can carry 1,600 passengers, arrived up the Thames as a giant ‘floating billboard’ wrapped in huge photographic images promoting the 2010 Winter Games and other tourist destinations on Canada’s west coast.

But it didn’t stay long. By 5.30pm it weighed anchor and set sail back down the Thames and out to sea again for its Atlantic crossing, having drawn attention to the 2010 Winter Games.

Moved.

[See BC Canada Pavilion Thread: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=151419]

Source: VANOC

Don't have all the details but Sleep Country Canada has been announced as an offical sponsor, they will be providing 5800 beds and frames for the games as well as cash. The beds will all be donated to charity after the games.

I can see it now, the APC announces that the people they represent don't want tainted beds.

Sleep Country signs on as 2010 Olympic Games sponsor
Jeff Lee, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, May 28, 2008

VANCOUVER - At least they'll have no excuse for not sleeping well.

The athletes attending the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hitting the sack on new beds provided by Canadian retailer Sleep Country Canada.

On Wednesday the Vancouver Organizing Committee announced it had appointed Sleep Country as the official supplier of bed frames, box springs and mattresses for the 2010 Games.

The company will supply 5,800 twin bed sets to the Olympic and Paralympic villages in Vancouver and Whistler. The facilities will house both athletes and officials.

After the Games, Sleep Country will distribute the used beds under its Donated Bed Program to families across the country.

Vanoc would not reveal the financial details of the deal, other than to say it falls within its $3-15 million Official Supplier category and may include a combination of cash and in-kind.

At that rate, the cost-per-set works out to a minimum of $517 for frame, box spring and mattress.

jefflee@png.canwest.com

Not an Olympic legacy project (I assume) but in case you might miss it here is a thread I started in the general BC section on the new Whistler to Blackcomb Peak 2 Peak Gondola. They've started to install the cables: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=152835

West Vancouver families donate $1 million for Olympic buy-in

Jeff Lee
Vancouver Sun

Monday, June 16, 2008

METRO VANCOUVER - West Vancouver tapped six well-to-do families to come up with a $1 million donation to buy its way into being called a 2010 Winter Olympic venue city.

On Monday West Vancouver Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones said the six families agreed to put up the money - for which they will get tax-deductible receipts - in order to meet the minimum criteria by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the municipality to use the Olympic rings.

West Vancouver's Cypress Mountain is already hosting the snowboard and freestyle competitions in 2010, but until now the city was not considered an official "host venue city."

That lack of status stemmed from the fact that the Vancouver Organizing Committee expected a financial contribution from the municipality, but West Vancouver, which is already dealing with high property tax rates, refused to tap into its coffers.

"It was the view of this council and the community in general that property taxes shouldn't go to Vanoc. On the other hand there was tremendous support for fundraising, for other ways to work out partnerships and we believe in that," Goldsmith-Jones said.

"I think it is fair to say that Vanoc has an expectation that to achieve venue city or host city status there is a financial commitment and we had to figure out a way to make that work for us," she said. "This was sort of the price of entry."

Goldsmith-Jones said the city lobbied a number of families to help raise the donation, which will be turned over to Vanoc to help pay for two world cup events in snowboarding and freestyle skiing, and also to help underwrite the cost of the Cultural Olympiad program in the city.

She identified the families as the "Southcotts, Allards, Brodies, O'Neils, McLaughlins, Warks." She wouldn't say how much each family contributed, but said "it really was meant as a lump sum to get West Vancouver to the agreement."

The families won't get special access to tickets or other Olympic services, she said, although they will be able to write off their donations with a tax receipt.

"They really don't get anything. They care about West Vancouver, they care that everyone in West Vancouver has an opportunity to participate, and they are community-minded people," she said.

The mayor said the buy-in gives West Vancouver the right to use the Olympic rings, participation in the torch relay, the right to call itself a "venue city", and "one free visit by the mascots."

West Vancouver plans to raise another $1 million in donations from its residents in order to put on Olympic-related celebrations at the city's new community centre. The facility includes a new "Spirit Square atrium" that was funded in part with a $500,000 contribution from the province.

Vanoc CEO John Furlong said the $1 million fee wasn't a "cash grab" by the organizing committee.

"All of the communities that are involved with us who are venue communities have made contributions and we want our venue cities to be right in the middle it with us helping to defray the costs of staging the Games," he said.

"It isn't just the money, it is the contribution to the Games. This is about a partnership, about being part of it, about taking on some of the responsibility to deliver the project . . .What the community here is doing is taking on some of that responsibility."

Bombardier will design and manufacture the torches for 2010
Vancouver/CKNW(AM980)

6/17/2008

Bombardier will design and manufacture the torches for the Vancouver 2010 and Olympic and Paralympics torch relays.

The selected torch design will be unveiled early next year.

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.

Whistler Olympic Park - ski jump
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