October 11, 2007

Register at vancouver2010.com for the latest ticket information before ticket sales begin

Tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will go on sale one year from today, on October 11, 2008. The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today unveiled details of how Canadians and visitors from around the world can have the experience of a lifetime by attending an Olympic event in 2010. The 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.

“Attending the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and sharing gold medal moments with Canadian athletes and international competitors, will be unforgettable,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “It’s about much more than the ticket – it’s the entire Olympic experience that will likely not come our way in Canada for many years to come. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder and singing O Canada with fellow Canadians you have never met but with whom you are family for one incredible day. These are experiences that will remain with you for the rest of your life and today we are delivering on our promise to make that unique Olympic experience available to anyone who wants to be there. Our goal is to ensure every venue is full. ”

Approximately 1.6 million tickets will be available for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games with 100,000 tickets priced at $25. Half of all tickets are priced at $100 or less and Opening and Closing Ceremonies tickets, ranging from $175 to $1,100, will be offered at prices lower than the Ceremonies tickets at the Torino 2006 Winter Games and the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Games.

“The 2010 Winter Games are a global event and demand for tickets will be strong across Canada and around the world,” said Dave Cobb, VANOC Executive Vice President, Revenue, Marketing and Communications. “Our research tells us that three in four Canadians believe that attending the 2010 Winter Games would be ‘the experience of a lifetime.’ Attending the Games scored the highest of all major sport and entertainment events tested, including the Stanley Cup Finals and the Super Bowl in terms of overall experience. Given this high demand, we set out to develop a fair, accessible and affordable ticket program, and today marks the first major step in delivering exactly such a program.”

Together with its partners, VANOC is also following through on its bid commitment to purchase and distribute 50,000 tickets to Olympic and Paralympic events to those who would not otherwise have the means to be able to attend. A process for allocation of these tickets will be developed in consultation with community groups and social agencies.

“Experience from past Games, and feedback from athletes, tells us that we can create an unforgettable atmosphere for all involved by filling the venues,” said Caley Denton, VANOC Vice President of Ticketing and Consumer Marketing. “We’re doing everything possible to ensure that tickets are used, including working to develop an online ticket buy and sell exchange program that allows spectators with tickets who cannot attend an event to quickly exchange their tickets with other spectators who can. It will be a secure system that will guarantee the tickets are valid and we look forward to unveiling details as they are developed.”

The ticket buying process will be simple and user friendly. It will be staged in phases and will, in some cases, include lotteries to fairly distribute tickets to Olympic events where the demand for tickets exceeds the supply. This process has been standard for previous Games but may be different than what the public is commonly used to for other sporting events and concerts. By signing up at vancouver2010.com, the public will receive important news and next steps for the ticket program delivered directly to their email inbox. In addition, subscribers will also be sent:

A 2010 Winter Games competition schedule and other helpful Games planning tools

2010 Winter Games online ticket exchange and donation program information

Details on how to set up an online ticket account ahead of the first day of ticket sales

Information on convenient Olympic Experience Packages and other hospitality packages

Exclusive ticket contests offered through Vancouver 2010 sponsors

The latest release of official Vancouver 2010 merchandise

As is required of all Olympic Organizing Committees, approximately 30 per cent of the tickets will be held for 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 who tell the story of the Games to a global audience and VANOC sponsors whose financial investment contributes directly to staging the Games.

Further information on the ticketing program and on how the public can attend the many additional events around Vancouver and Whistler during the Games, including the nightly Victory Ceremonies at BC Place Stadium and in Whistler, the Cultural Olympiad and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, will be released in the coming year at vancouver2010.com and through targeted public communications.

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.

October 11, 2007

Crowds celebrate the Bid announcement at GM Place in 2003 awarding Vancouver the 2010 Winter Games. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images) The date of October 2008 will be on the minds of many. One year from today marks the start of the initial round of Canadian ticket sales for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. In conjunction with today’s ticket program announcement, everything from when they will go on sale, to how to purchase them, to the cost of tickets was unveiled.

“The ‘lure of the Olympic ticket’ is something that’s difficult to explain unless you’ve had a chance to get a ticket,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “We’re thrilled to provide a ticket program that follows through on our commitment to make tickets and the Olympic experience available to anyone who wants to go.”

Ensuring Affordable Games

The ticketing program and prices will make the dream of attending a variety of events a reality – something Furlong and VANOC has supported since the bid phase.

Fans arrive early for the gold medal Men’s ice hockey final in Torino 2006. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

For Furlong, this affordable pricing plan has been a long time coming. Often over the past year he has shared a story about being approached by a young girl who wanted to tell him about her Olympic dream. “She is saving every penny,” told Furlong. “She’s cutting grass, doing dishes for money, begging, and borrowing every penny she can find because in her heart, she wants to go to every sport one time. And this is how young people are lining up and looking at the Games. This is why we have to be so good and this is why we have to make it possible for everybody to get inside what we’re doing.”

By announcing that half of all tickets are priced at less than $100 and 100,000 tickets priced at $25, VANOC is following through on its commitment to make sure that every Canadian will have the opportunity to see an Olympic event if they want to. In addition, tickets for some of the most popular events – such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies – will be less expensive than those at the Torino 2006 Winter Games and Salt Lake 2002 Winter Games.

Putting Fans in Stands

For spectators, getting tickets is one of the most exciting aspects of the Games. What many people may not realize, however, is that it is also one of the highlights for athletes - the sheer number of fans in the stands and the energy they create make the Olympic Games a once-in-a-lifetime experience for athletes. Todd Allison, former Canadian freestyle Skier and National Coach recollected, “We knew what World Cups were, we knew what World Championships were, but we didn’t realize the scope of the Games. The Games were so much bigger than us.”

Celebrating with the crowd, Jeret Peterson of the United States jumps into the stands after his final jump in the Men’s aerial finals in Torino 2006. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

To make the most of the crowds’ spirit, and to ensure that all the seats are filled, VANOC has a number of programs in place. Similar to past Olympic Games, tickets will be made available in phases, with lotteries for the most-requested events, to ensure the fairest possible allocation and allow for redistribution of unsold tickets.

In addition, VANOC will be creating an online ticket buy and sell exchange program designed to allow spectators with tickets who cannot attend an event to quickly exchange their tickets with other spectators who can. “Once finalized, our ticket redistribution program will give Olympic spectators confidence that they have purchased legitimate tickets with valid bar codes,” said Caley Denton, Vice President, Ticketing and Consumer Marketing “Buying invalid Olympic tickets could turn someone’s experience of a lifetime into a great disappointment, so our message is simple: buy directly from Vancouver 2010 or our authorized agents to ensure authenticity.”

Subscribe Now

“Attending the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be an experience of a lifetime,” said Furlong. People from around the world will be coming to Vancouver to experience the magic – make sure you’re one of them. Be in the know by signing up to receive updates on ticketing information, delivered right to your e-mail inbox.

The Games are only 2 years away and it will soon be time to start planning your 2010 Olympic Winter Games experience. Stay informed and look to vancouver2010.com for everything you need to know for 2010.

October 10, 2007

Canadians ready for "experience of a lifetime" at 2010 Winter Games

Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced today that it will share the details of its Olympic Games ticket program on Thursday, October 11. Three in four Canadians believe that attending the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver would be “the experience of a lifetime,” according to a study commissioned by VANOC earlier this year.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are perceived to be the premier event ticket for Canadians, scoring the highest of all major sport and entertainment events tested, including the Stanley Cup Finals and the Super Bowl, in terms of overall experience. VANOC’s March 23, 2007 press release regarding the study is available in the media centre at vancouver2010.com.

“The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are a global event and will be an experience of a lifetime for everyone who attends,” said Dave Cobb, VANOC Executive Vice President, Revenue, Marketing and Communications. “It’s been our goal since day one to develop a fair, affordable and accessible Olympic ticketing program and we look forward to sharing the details of the plan this week with Canadians and potential spectators from around the world.”

VANOC’s announcement on Thursday, October 11 will include the on-sale date for tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, how and where the public can access tickets, the pricing of the tickets to each event and a flavour of what the public can expect to experience when they attend Vancouver 2010 events.

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.

October 3

A look at Freestyle's Past

guaranteed legacy of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is a healthier appetite and appreciation for sport, country-wide. Canada can also watch its athletes knowing they’ve never been better prepared for a Games.

1. Active Start : Geared toward kids six years of age and under, Active Start focuses on the learning of fundamental movements, and then linking them together into play
2. FUNdamentals : Concentrating on learning fundamental movement skills and the building of overall motor skills, FUNdamentals is aimed at boys aged 6 to 9 and girls aged 6 to 8
3. Learning to Train : Acquiring overall sports skills is the cornerstone for long-term athlete development in girls aged 8 to 11 and boys aged 9 to 12
4. Training to Train : Ages 11 to 16 direct their development on building an aerobic base and building speed and strength in this stage
5. Training to Compete : Optimizing fitness preparation and learning to compete is the focus of this stage, aimed at approximately 15 to 23-year-olds
6. Training to Win : Training to win, with podium performances, is the final stage of LTAD for 18 years of age and older
7. Active for Life : Being Active for Life can occur at any age and is considered the transition from competitive sport to lifelong physical activity

Peeking behind the scenes of the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Inviting Canadians to Believe

August 13

August 13, 2007

SportsFunder lottery games support amateur sports in BCWhile we all have dreams of winning the lottery, for amateur athletes, the dream is to stand on a podium and represent their country.

With its SportsFunder lottery games, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is striving to help make those athletes’ dreams a reality.

February 2, 2006, saw the launch of SportsFunder, a collection of lottery games created as a direct result of BCLC’s partnership with Vancouver 2010. “We identified an opportunity with the Games coming to Vancouver,” said Michelle Bodnarchuk, category manager, SportsFunder. “We thought amateur sport was a great cause to get behind given the heightened awareness of the Games.”

With a series of four different lottery games – Instant Win tickets, a province-wide 50/50 game, Pull Tab tickets, and Interactive Games available on bclc.com – SportsFunder has its sights set on generating $20 million for amateur sport in British Columbia.

“Our objective is, by 2012, to have raised $20 million – that’s new money that doesn’t offset existing funding,” said Bodnarchuk. “So far, we’ve raised $2.1 million for amateur sports, which supplements existing funding and really makes a difference for sports programs in the province.”

Creating possibilities
With a mission to provide high-quality gaming entertainment in a socially-responsible manner, while generating income for the public good, BCLC is on the right track with its SportsFunder program. Providing winners with exciting prizing, such as merchandise, travel and even tickets to the 2010 Winter Games, the program offers British Columbians a unique way to share in the spirit of the Games while addressing the need to provide opportunities for kids to participate in sport and recreation activities through several targeted areas.

“The SportsFunder program is about creating possibilities,” said Neeta Soni, director of marketing and client services at the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “Knowing that the funds raised through the sale of these games support amateur athletes in the province, and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, allows SportsFunder players an opportunity to contribute directly to an athlete’s path to success.”

It’s no surprise that sport provides benefits beyond a strong heart and well-defined muscles. Being active in sport at a young age provides kids with self-esteem, goal-setting skills, a sense of achievement and skills that will shape their lives.

Supporting amateur sport

The SportsFunder series of lottery games plan to generate $20 million for four key areas of amateur sportsFor some kids’ families, though, managing the financial challenge of sport registration fees is beyond their reach. That’s where KidSport™, one of SportsFunder’s beneficiaries, comes in. The KidSport fund helps more than 2,000 kids annually by providing financial assistance to children who want to play sports but simply cannot afford the costs to sign up.

“Since our inception in 1993, more than 14,000 BC kids have played a season of sport thanks to KidSport,” said KidSport Director, Pete Quevillon. “The sheer joy they get from participating in sport, the great friends that make and the memories they will have are proof of the positive impact KidSport has on the lives of so many young people. These benefits, more than any others, are what we gauge our success on.”

Along with KidSport, there are three additional areas of amateur sport that are benefitting from BCLC’s SportsFunder program.

Supporting athlete development for provincial teams, the Team BC program provides training camps, equipment, high-performance coaching and the ever-important mental, strength and nutrition training that’s fundamental to every athlete’s success.

Costs associated with travelling, both for competitions and training, can add up quickly, especially for athletes and teams who live far from major cities within the province. SportsFunder’s Youth Sport Travel Assistance helps subsidize BC’s amateur athletes so they can attend sporting events and training facilities, giving them the same advantages as those youth living in urban centres.

The fourth area dedicated to the SportsFunder program is Coach and Leadership Development, which focuses on providing educational and certification opportunities for coaches in outlying regions, female coaches, Aboriginal coaches and coaches of athletes with disabilities.

Getting off the start line
Launching a new product is a monumental task. And it’s a rare product launch that doesn’t require some tweaking along the way. SportsFunder was no exception.

SportsFunder's redesigned logo, launched on August 13, clearly illustrates that proceeds benefit amateur sports in British Columbia“We launched last February and, as time passed, after introducing a couple of different products, we recognized awareness (of SportsFunder) was lower than we had hoped,” said Bodnarchuk. “We conducted focus groups in February 2007 to talk to our players and we learned people didn’t know about SportsFunder. Once they understood the concept, they loved that money went back to support all levels of amateur sport in BC.”

Through the focus group, BCLC realized the logo did not represent SportsFunder well, nor what the program was trying to achieve. A logo redesign was undertaken with the goal of creating interest for players, as well as clearly showing that the proceeds benefit amateur sports in BC. August 13, 2007 marks the launch of this new logo.

Sharing the dream
Along with the new logo, and to help with its funding goal, as of August 13th BCLC is launching a new SportsFunder Instant Win ticket, called SportsFunder Supports. With a top cash prize of $50,000, and like all other SportsFunder Instant Win games, this new game also offers players a chance to both win and give. Players who scratch and win the $1,000 “Share the Dream” prize on their ticket will not only receive $1,000, but they’ll also get to select an amateur sports organization to be the recipient of $1,000.

“It’s been an exciting year and we’ve learned a lot. SportsFunder was the first ‘cause-related’ lottery game BCLC ever launched,” said Bodnarchuk. “We’re making headway and our awareness is increasing. As well, we’re launching some exciting products in the next few months that will help the brand and, in turn, help amateur sports in BC.”

To learn more about SportsFunder and supporting BC’s amateur athletes, visit sportsfunder.com.

August 10

August 10, 2007

The vision of engaging every Canadian in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games today came four steps closer to reality. John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), at the annual Council of the Federation meeting, officially signed four separate memoranda of understanding with the premiers of New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador to explore opportunities for cooperation and involvement leading up to and during the 2010 Winter Games.

Each provincial premier has identified a number of potential areas for collaboration between his province and Vancouver 2010 that will help VANOC successfully deliver on its mission and vision to engage and benefit citizens across the country in the areas of sport development, culture, volunteerism, tourism and economic development.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games represent an opportunity for all of Canada to be showcased on the world stage and we invite Canadians, wherever they live, to play an active role,” said Furlong. “The 2010 Winter Games will be Canada’s Games. Today, as we come together in a spirit of cooperation with provinces from both the Atlantic region and the Prairies, we are well on our way to fulfilling our goal of including every region of the country in this remarkable endeavour.”

“By signing this memorandum today, New Brunswick has demonstrated that it is ready and excited to participate in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic experience,” said the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick and Minister of Wellness, Culture and Sport. “We have agreed to work with the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee on various initiatives, which will ensure that New Brunswick’s unique culture and the skills of our people can contribute in a positive way to the successful hosting of Canada’s Games.”

“In 2010, the world is coming to Canada, and Manitoba needs to be there to greet the world,” said the Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba. “The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are an ideal opportunity to show all that Manitoba has to offer to an international audience.”

“These Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games will enable our province to advance Prince Edward Island culture, tourism, economic development and sport initiatives throughout Canada and internationally,” said the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island. “We will also be in a very good position to support the Olympic movement and to promote the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games when we host the Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward Island in 2009.”

“It gives me great pride to take part in this signing today as it provides a wonderful opportunity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to make a significant contribution to the 2010 Winter Games,” said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) our residents will have the ability to be volunteers at the Games, our province will be showcased at various events and the Torch Relay will visit Newfoundland and Labrador. The MOU also enables us to pursue various opportunities for economic development in the context of the Games, including promoting our province as a tourism destination.”

“As the Host Province of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, British Columbia is working hard to put on an extraordinary experience that will make all of Canada proud and inspire the world,” said the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia. “We are thrilled with our progress to date and are delighted to welcome New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador to help truly make these Canada’s Games.”

Prior to today’s announcement, VANOC signed memoranda of understanding with Quebec and the Northern Territories in the areas of language, culture, sport development, volunteerism, tourism and economic development. Discussions are ongoing with the remaining provinces to identify areas of collaboration that will ensure all Canadians can be involved and inspired by the Games in 2010. The goal is to sign memoranda of understanding with all provinces and territories, so as to make the 2010 Winter Games truly Canada’s 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.

Contact

VANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com

August 7, 2007

Such is the opinion of John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) who took a moment recently to play forecaster on the occasion of the August 8 celebration of the one-year countdown to the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games. Furlong cast a global eye, one that could be regarded as historical, cultural and sporting, when he observed “The world is about to find out how capable China is, and how tenacious and talented its people are.”

While the Beijing Games will be the third to be staged in Asia, the next gathering of the world’s best athletes in August and September 2008 will surely prove ground-breaking.

“If any of us sat down to write what we know about China, we would go back to their 5,000 years of history and culture,” said Furlong. “But I think the story that China would want to project to the world is the emerging China, the new China, the modern China.

Sun Weide, deputy director of communications for BOCOG, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, agreed. “We describe hosting the Beijing Games as a 100-year-old dream come true,” he said. “The Beijing Games will be a window into Beijing and China. For a country whose history spans 5,000 years – Beijing itself has more than 3,000 years of history and has been the Chinese capital for more than 850 years – China will not only promote Olympism throughout its vast territory, but also make a significant contribution to cultural exchanges and better understanding between China and the rest of the world.”

Construction crews work on the site of the National Stadium, dubbed the ‘bird’s nest’, home to athletics and football. (Photo courtesy Getty Images)A quick review of the news reveals the tremendous team effort that’s under way to stage the 2008 Summer Games, and the results achieved as Beijing readies itself to welcome the world. As Sun explained, “At present, preparations for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are going smoothly. Magnificent stadiums, masterpieces of modern design and construction, are taking shape; massive expansion and improvement to the public transportation system, with new roads, subways and an air terminal, are well under way; and substantial afforestation endeavours (converting of non-forested areas to forests through tree planting and seeding) by the municipal government and local Beijingers have been adding more green and beauty to the city. In a word, Beijing is getting ready to be a great host city. We’re confident of hosting high-level Games, with distinctive Chinese features.”

On this side of the Pacific Ocean, Furlong noted, “I think the world has framed up a kind of vision of what those Games are going to do, globally and in China, and everyone will be there with eyes wide open wondering just exactly what that will look like.”

The floating boathouse at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park, home to rowing, canoe/kayak at the 2008 Summer Games. (Photo courtesy BOCOG)As today’s China prepares for unprecedented global attention, Sun hopes those who attend the Games “will have a chance to experience China’s 5,000 years of history and civilization, and witness our enormous social and economic progress. Confucius, China’s renowned ancient educator, said more than 2,000 years ago, ‘What a great pleasure to welcome friends from afar!’ International visitors will feel the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people.”

Team Canada visits Beijing
A multi-tiered Team Canada will be among the throng of international arrivals in Beijing. As perhaps the most interested observer in the group, members of the Vancouver 2010 team will take full advantage of what Beijing’s contribution to the world is next year. “We’ll be there to learn, watch and understand the scope of what they do,” said Furlong. “Not only the achievements but also looking at where they were really challenged, because it’s [there] we will learn the most.”

Communication between the two Organizing Committees has long been fluid and fruitful. As Furlong described it, “I would say [both projects] are almost fairly well-baked, in the sense that [BOCOG] has a very clear vision and is past the point of international collaboration on what the project will look like and the scope of it, and we’re kind of in the same place.”

Canada, as Host Country of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, will build on its reputation as one of the world’s pre-eminent Winter Games’ nations and biggest supporter, by ambitiously setting itself the goal of topping the medal table for the first time.

The National Aquatics Centre will host swimming, diving and synchronized swimming during the 2008 Summer Games. (Photo courtesy Getty Images)For BOCOG, “high-level performance by athletes from all over the world” is a stated goal. “We hope that athletes will achieve good results in Beijing and of course, we also hope Chinese athletes can deliver their best performance. At the Athens [2004] Games, China won 32 gold medals, the United States 35. But what really matters in sports competitions is the total number of medals,” noted Sun. “In this regard, China only won 63 [total medals], while the United States won 103, and Russia 92. So we are well aware of the gap between our team and the Americans and Russians. Personally, I think we would be very happy if we could repeat what we did in Athens.”

Practice makes perfect
Often referred to as home field advantage, BOCOG is looking to reap the benefits. Having venues completed well ahead of Games time allows Beijing to host test events leading up to the Games, giving their athletes an opportunity to train, race and familiarize themselves with every nuance of their sport’s venue. These ‘dress rehearsals” are ideal in assisting their high-powered athletes to fine-tune to perform at their most inspired in front of passionate crowds.

“Olympic Games are often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an athlete in his or her career, said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge. “There is really no coming together of the world like it – a unique combination of sport, culture, education, ceremonies, regional and national activities, with the athletes front and centre of this experience.”

The official emblems of the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Sumer Games. (Photo courtesy BOCOG)It’s impossible to listen to Furlong talk and not become aware of the high expectations he has for Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic counterpart on the other side of the Pacific Rim, or to hear the excitement in his voice when he contemplates the opportunity the two inherited when they won their respective nods from the International Olympic Committee. “I think the Olympic Games give a country a chance to unravel its own mysteries,” said Furlong.

The unveiling of China’s traditional mystique to those outside its borders exemplifies the tremendous power within the 21st century Olympic and Paralympic Movements that the two countries now share. With this in mind, it’s easy to imagine that one year from now, we will all be enjoying the movement beneath our feet.

August 1, 2007

A view of the installation of one of the ski jump super structuresIn less than three years, Canada will welcome the world's best winter athletes to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. To that end, the goals of the entire Vancouver 2010 team are clear: to stage outstanding Games and leave positive, lasting legacies that extend long after the Flame has been extinguished.

Preparations are proceeding well across all Games functions and venue construction is on schedule and on budget. The goal of early completion of venues is well on the way to being realized, with the first test events scheduled for the 2007-08 winter season.

People from across Canada and around the world are working hard to make these venues a reality. These are some of their stories.

Kate Perkins and her son at the Trout Lake Community CentreKate Perkins, second vice president of the Grandview Community Association of Trout Lake
Kate Perkins believes Trout Lake Community Centre is the heart of her vital, diverse East Vancouver neighbourhood. It is where Perkins got married, enrolled her son in pre-school, works out and meets up with other families in the neighbourhood.

A board member of the Centre for the past five years, she also knows that the facility has had a long decline.

"Our [ice] rink is really on its last legs," said Perkins, who noted that it has been 40 years since the last renovation. "We actually lost our Junior B Hockey team because our rink is no good and it was unsafe for them to use it."

When Vancouver 2010 announced that it would need a training rink for short track speed skating for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Perkins realized it could be a golden opportunity for the Centre's revival. She soon discovered the Trout Lake community agreed.

"We had 200 people turn up for an open house, wanting get involved," Perkins said. "I don't think anyone really expected how much we would want it. But we campaigned hard and diligently ... I think we made it very difficult to say no."

The persistence of the Trout Lake community paid off. This year, the rink will be renovated into a training facility for the world's greatest speed skaters. And, after 2010, Trout Lake will get its Junior B Hockey team back.

"I'm excited we can be involved and experience that magic that is very brief, but incredible," said Perkins. "And after the Games are over, we'll have a world-class facility in our little eastside neighbourhood."

Lauren Harbrow works at the Whistler Nordic Venue in the Callaghan ValleyLauren Harbrow, administrative assistant, Whistler Nordic Venue
For Lauren Harbrow, the journey to Vancouver 2010 began with a decision to change her life.

"I thought – there must be so much more than working nine to five," said Harbrow, who was an event coordinator in Australia at the time. "I woke up and thought ‘you know what? I'm going to go travelling.'"

Harbrow traversed the globe for five years, until she arrived in the Whistler-Blackcomb area. In this snowy resort town, she found something extraordinary.

"I felt connected," Harbrow said. "It was something that I haven't had anywhere else; even though I've travelled all over the world ... it really hit me how much I felt right at home here."

Harbrow became the administrative assistant at the Whistler Nordic Venue in the Callaghan Valley. With no background in construction, the learning curve was steep, but Harbrow loved the work.

When her visa expired, Harbrow had to return to Australia, but she didn't stay long.

"I just missed British Columbia so much – and I found another type of visa that would allow me to return," Harbrow said. She soon found herself back in her old position, this time until the project was complete.

"I absolutely love my job and the people that I work with here. It's amazing to see a venue built from start to finish," Harbrow said. "Seeing it in 2010 on the news, or even in person, and being able to say that I was part of building this venue that everyone will come to – that's the most exciting thing."

The Whistler Nordic Venue will host biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. During the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, it will host biathlon and cross-country skiing events.

Michael Rose at the Thunderbird Winter Sports CentreMichael Rose, manager, Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre
Michael Rose always knew he wanted a career in sports, and so he jumped on a chance to work at the UBC Thunderbird Sports Centre in 2000. What he didn't know was that the job would land him a part in one of the highest-profile sports events in the world.

"I can't imagine having the chance to do this again. It's a one-shot deal," said Rose. "To be part of something that is this exciting for the University of British Columbia, the community and people across the country is something that will probably be unmatched in my career."

Rose manages the Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre, which is currently being refurbished into a competition venue for the 2010 Winter Games. During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the venue will host ice hockey events; during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, it will host ice sledge hockey. The venue is also becoming multi-functional, with opportunities to host many new kinds of events.

Rose said that, in a way, the facility is "coming full circle." In 1963, UBC was home to the first-ever nationally based Olympic hockey program.

"It's exciting to tie those things together and know that the Olympic spirit is still here at UBC," Rose said. "And for the minimal amount of time that the Games are on, people are drawn to it and it brings them together."

"My fingerprints are on this building ... and that's something I take a lot of pride in."

August 1, 2007

A view of the installation of one of the ski jump super structuresIn less than three years, Canada will welcome the world's best winter athletes to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. To that end, the goals of the entire Vancouver 2010 team are clear: to stage outstanding Games and leave positive, lasting legacies that extend long after the Flame has been extinguished.

Preparations are proceeding well across all Games functions and venue construction is on schedule and on budget. The goal of early completion of venues is well on the way to being realized, with the first test events scheduled for the 2007-08 winter season.

People from across Canada and around the world are working hard to make these venues a reality. These are some of their stories.

Kate Perkins and her son at the Trout Lake Community CentreKate Perkins, second vice president of the Grandview Community Association of Trout Lake
Kate Perkins believes Trout Lake Community Centre is the heart of her vital, diverse East Vancouver neighbourhood. It is where Perkins got married, enrolled her son in pre-school, works out and meets up with other families in the neighbourhood.

A board member of the Centre for the past five years, she also knows that the facility has had a long decline.

"Our [ice] rink is really on its last legs," said Perkins, who noted that it has been 40 years since the last renovation. "We actually lost our Junior B Hockey team because our rink is no good and it was unsafe for them to use it."

When Vancouver 2010 announced that it would need a training rink for short track speed skating for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Perkins realized it could be a golden opportunity for the Centre's revival. She soon discovered the Trout Lake community agreed.

"We had 200 people turn up for an open house, wanting get involved," Perkins said. "I don't think anyone really expected how much we would want it. But we campaigned hard and diligently ... I think we made it very difficult to say no."

The persistence of the Trout Lake community paid off. This year, the rink will be renovated into a training facility for the world's greatest speed skaters. And, after 2010, Trout Lake will get its Junior B Hockey team back.

"I'm excited we can be involved and experience that magic that is very brief, but incredible," said Perkins. "And after the Games are over, we'll have a world-class facility in our little eastside neighbourhood."

Lauren Harbrow works at the Whistler Nordic Venue in the Callaghan ValleyLauren Harbrow, administrative assistant, Whistler Nordic Venue
For Lauren Harbrow, the journey to Vancouver 2010 began with a decision to change her life.

"I thought – there must be so much more than working nine to five," said Harbrow, who was an event coordinator in Australia at the time. "I woke up and thought ‘you know what? I'm going to go travelling.'"

Harbrow traversed the globe for five years, until she arrived in the Whistler-Blackcomb area. In this snowy resort town, she found something extraordinary.

"I felt connected," Harbrow said. "It was something that I haven't had anywhere else; even though I've travelled all over the world ... it really hit me how much I felt right at home here."

Harbrow became the administrative assistant at the Whistler Nordic Venue in the Callaghan Valley. With no background in construction, the learning curve was steep, but Harbrow loved the work.

When her visa expired, Harbrow had to return to Australia, but she didn't stay long.

"I just missed British Columbia so much – and I found another type of visa that would allow me to return," Harbrow said. She soon found herself back in her old position, this time until the project was complete.

"I absolutely love my job and the people that I work with here. It's amazing to see a venue built from start to finish," Harbrow said. "Seeing it in 2010 on the news, or even in person, and being able to say that I was part of building this venue that everyone will come to – that's the most exciting thing."

The Whistler Nordic Venue will host biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. During the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, it will host biathlon and cross-country skiing events.

Michael Rose at the Thunderbird Winter Sports CentreMichael Rose, manager, Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre
Michael Rose always knew he wanted a career in sports, and so he jumped on a chance to work at the UBC Thunderbird Sports Centre in 2000. What he didn't know was that the job would land him a part in one of the highest-profile sports events in the world.

"I can't imagine having the chance to do this again. It's a one-shot deal," said Rose. "To be part of something that is this exciting for the University of British Columbia, the community and people across the country is something that will probably be unmatched in my career."

Rose manages the Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre, which is currently being refurbished into a competition venue for the 2010 Winter Games. During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the venue will host ice hockey events; during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, it will host ice sledge hockey. The venue is also becoming multi-functional, with opportunities to host many new kinds of events.

Rose said that, in a way, the facility is "coming full circle." In 1963, UBC was home to the first-ever nationally based Olympic hockey program.

"It's exciting to tie those things together and know that the Olympic spirit is still here at UBC," Rose said. "And for the minimal amount of time that the Games are on, people are drawn to it and it brings them together."

"My fingerprints are on this building ... and that's something I take a lot of pride in."

August 1, 2007

Vancouver 2010 volunteers relocating plant species of local interestThe sun blazed down on Cypress Provincial Park as Vancouver 2010 and Cypress community partners worked to save samples of 12 plant species from demolition on a hot day in early July. The “locally significant” plants were found growing in a small wetland – the site for a future snow-making reservoir.

“It’s important to salvage any uncommon plants that have value to the public ... If we just shrugged our shoulders then that would be a loss,” said Alex Wallace, member of the Friends of Cypress Provincial Park Society, a charity dedicated to the protection of Cypress Park's environment.

Wallace said that the plants – including species such as the common butterwort, three-leafed goldthread and round-leaved sundew – are not rare, but are not usually found in environments such as the reservoir site.

The plants were discovered in an environmental assessment of the site. While not required to salvage the plants, Vancouver 2010, its partners and environmental consultants decided that saving them would benefit the park.

The common butterwort (pinguicula vulgaris) has never before been found growing in Cypress Park“Right from the beginning, we had a commitment to delivering great Games on a sustainability platform, and that includes being smart about preparing and staging the Games on as small an environmental footprint as possible,” said Ann Duffy, the program director of sustainability at Vancouver 2010. “When the local community said this was something it really cared about, we said ‘okay, we’ll address that.’”

An excavator was used to dig up large swaths of earth, but a number of plants in sensitive or hard-to-reach areas were moved by hand. Volunteers from Vancouver 2010 donned rubber boots and hard hats at 8:30 am and spent the day shin-deep in muddy water, carefully loosening muddy plots of vegetation with gardening shovels.

Ian Ponsford was one of about a half-dozen VANOC employees who volunteered to help move the plants.

“We talk about it [the environment] and we write about it all the time, but we don’t normally get our hands in it too much,” said Ponsford, who works in environmental approvals and management at Vancouver 2010. “I’m better at writing reports than I am at getting my hands dirty, so today felt very good.”

Volunteers moved smaller plant samples by handAfter excavation, volunteers carefully moved the tiny plants to their new site at a muddy ditch nearby. A local water current had been routed through the ditch earlier that day, providing the plants with enough moisture to survive.

VANOC’s environmental monitor, Alex Sartori, said that in addition to the day spent moving the plants, the project required a week of preparatory labour and over a month of planning.

“Everyone involved – be it Cypress Bowl, Vancouver 2010 contractors or the Cypress community – has really come together to make this possible,” Sartori said.

The project is breaking ground in more ways than one. Little is known about relocating plants in a sub-alpine environment, and specialists hope to learn more through observing the plants. As a means of extra precaution, 20 per cent of the plant samples were taken to the nursery of Frank Skelton, a leading expert in native wetland plants.

In addition to the Friends of Cypress, BC Parks, Cypress Bowl Recreation Limited and environmental consultants, North Construction (a local construction contractor specializing in extreme terrain development) donated man power and equipment time.

Dan Doyle, Executive Vice President of Construction “This is partnership at work,” said Dan Doyle, the executive vice president at Vancouver 2010 responsible for venue construction. “One of the things that we want to do with our Games venues is to be a friend to the environment and produce sustainable venues and this is another example of that.”

Doyle added, “This is the kind of work that we at VANOC want to be known for when we leave in 2010.”

July 18, 2007

Years of intense planning are required to prepare to welcome the world in 2010 and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will need to be ready to deliver spectacular Games when the world arrives. With only 940 days remaining until the Opening Ceremony is held at BC Place, VANOC has increasingly been focusing on Games-time operations. To this end, the Vancouver 2010 Board of Directors received an extensive overview on how VANOC will execute this important deliverable.

VANOC’s Games-Time Operations Steering Committee (GTO), responsible for overseeing the development of VANOC’s Games-time operating plans, policies and procedures, provided a comprehensive update and overview to the Board today, outlining how delivery plans are being developed and integrated within VANOC’s 53 functions.

VANOC Board Chairman Jack Poole continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from surgery and participated in the meeting via Bell teleconferencing. Board Member Rusty Goepel was elected by the Board Members to act as Chair of the meeting.

"Every board meeting is a compelling review of numerous key activities that are moving the games forward and today was no exception. We reviewed progress in all key areas and are satisfied that there is rigor, discipline and a standard of creativity and excellence being applied across the board,” said Rusty Goepel, acting Chair of the Board meeting. “We were particularly impressed by the overview on VANOC's Games-time planning. This unique approach partnered with early venue completion will put VANOC far head in Games-time readiness, allowing for ample time to test and refine the operations and map out the optimum customer experience."

In addition, the Board received an overall Culture and Celebrations presentation that included an update on the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad and VANOC’s receipt of 188 programming partnership proposals from arts and entertainment professionals – proposals received following recent community engagement. The Culture and Celebrations presentation to the Board also included a report on vancouver2010.com/EDU, VANOC’s new online, interactive, bilingual e-magazine that will be launching this fall. /EDU is a portal where teachers and students in Canada and around the world will be able to learn more about Vancouver 2010, the Olympic and Paralympic Movements and programs in sport, culture and sustainability.

The Board members also worked through a series of other regular agenda items, received a venue construction update and authorized the award of a number of contracts that will continue to support venue construction progress for the 2010 Winter Games. Further Board meeting updates and decisions are attached.

Reports, updates and decisions taken at the July 18, 2007 VANOC Board meeting included:

CEO Report

119th International Olympic Committee Session in Guatemala: VANOC presented a progress report to the IOC’s Executive Board and to the full International Olympic Committee session in Guatemala earlier this month.

IPC Visit (June 18-21, 2007): A 10-member delegation of staff from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) met with members of the VANOC team to provide transfer of knowledge sessions on Medical and Paralympic Family Services. The IPC’s visit also served as a one-and-a-half-day project review which included updates from VANOC in 13 areas. VANOC’s vision for the 2010 Games is appropriately aligned with the IPC’s own objectives for raising the visibility of the Paralympic Games, creating a remarkable Games atmosphere and leaving a positive legacy for sport.

Government and Partner Relations: The VANOC team has focused heavily on supporting the passage of Bill C- 47, the Olympic and Paralympic Marks Act, over the past few months. The bill received Royal Assent on June 22, 2007.

Release of the Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report 2005-06: In June, VANOC released its first sustainability performance report, a report which will be updated annually.

Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Village: Detailed planning and design work continues with the City of Vancouver and Millennium Properties. The City has completed significant components of the site preparation and servicing, including utilities installation, road building and waterfront reinstatement. Millennium has been excavating the development parcels since January 2007. Waterfront hard and soft landscaping works commenced in late May to ensure the waterfront can be opened to the public during the construction period.

Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Village: Good progress is being made onsite with utilities installation and road building. The Whistler Development Corporation (WDC) submitted its first Development Permit application (for 42 town home units on Parcel A) for consideration by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) at the end of May, which will allow foundation work to start by late summer. Architectural design work is also progressing well on two apartment-style buildings to be located in the core of the Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Accommodation Update: The Accommodations team has now secured over 80 per cent of VANOC’s room requirements, including approximately 14,000 rooms in Greater Vancouver. The Organizing Committee is continuing to work with hotel properties to secure additional accommodation to ensure all room requirements can be met. In Whistler, approximately 4,000 rooms have been committed to date and dialogue with the owners of properties continues. The Accommodations, Technology and Finance teams are also working to design and implement the business processes required to operate the reservation system.

Cultural Community Event: On June 12, VANOC invited the creative community and the Vancouver media to attend an overview of VANOC’s Culture and Celebration, Education and Ceremonies programs. Over 450 participants took part, with many more following up online. A Request for Proposal for programming partnerships for the 2008 Celebration was announced, attracting 188 proposals from arts and entertainment professionals from across BC and beyond.

Communications Update: On June 26, VANOC launched its new Intranet site called ICE, which will serve as a critical internal communications tool as VANOC’s workforce team grows. An Extranet is under development that will be named SNOW. In June, VANOC also reached a significant milestone in the development of its advertising strategy. After a thorough and competitive process, a pan-Canadian group called The Hyphen Alliance was selected as VANOC’s creative and advertising agency, made up of Hyphen Communications (Vancouver), Downtown Partners (Toronto) and bleublancrouge (Montreal). Final measures are also underway to select the media buying agency that will assist VANOC in developing plans for strategic advertising.

Senior Management Reports

A revenue and marketing overview was provided to the Board, including an update on VANOC’s sponsorship program, discussions with new potential corporate partners and details on corporate interest in Torch Relays sponsorship opportunities.

A ticketing update was provided, with confirmation of next steps in the Vancouver 2010 ticketing planning strategy including the planned public release of ticket sales information in the fall of 2007.

VANOC’s Games-Time Operations Steering Committee (GTO) provided an extensive report on progress being made within the Organizing Committee as its 53 functions focus on important Games-Time planning.

Also included in the senior management reports were: an update from the Sport department; an update regarding the approval of Bill C-47; and an update from VANOC’s Strategic Communications Steering Committee.

Report of the Finance Committee
A report of the Finance Committee meetings, held on June 4 and July 9, 2007, included the following recommendations that required approvals from the VANOC Board. The Finance Committee update also included updates on contracts approved by the Finance Committee but that did not require Board approval. Contract awards are posted on vancouver2010.com following their completion.

1. Venue construction:
The Finance Committee recommended, and the Board approved a resolution that VANOC management be authorized to award and finalize a contract for the design services and construction of the foundation work for the Whistler Athletes’ Centre lodge and town homes.

2. Contribution Agreement between Canada and VANOC for 2007-08:
The Finance Committee recommended, and the Board subsequently approved a resolution that VANOC management be authorized to complete and execute a contribution agreement between VANOC and the Government of Canada for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008. The contribution agreement covers anticipated venue costs for the upcoming busy construction season. Completion of the agreement is a prerequisite to the flow of funds to VANOC from the Government of Canada and the agreement is expected to be similar to that of the previous three funding periods for 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.

3. Bank Signing Authorities:
The Finance Committee recommended and the Board approved a resolution identifying the signing officers for VANOC and their respective signing authorities, updated following recent management changes in VANOC’s Finance Division.

Venue Construction Update
The Board received an update from management on the status of venue construction, which remains on budget and on schedule. Key information is included in the June 28, 2007 VANOC Quarterly Report, available at vancouver2010.com.

Although the slow snowmelt at higher elevations of the mountain venues triggered a need to reschedule in some areas, the overall venue schedule remains on track.

The last of 350 foundations for the Whistler Sliding Centre was constructed in mid-June and the first roof beam was recently erected at the Richmond Oval.

The first of the prefabricated sections of the ski jump structures have been transported to site at the Whistler Nordic Venue.

Grading for the snowboard half-pipe at Cypress Mountain is well advanced, while Rinks B and C at the UBC Winter Sports Centre have now been handed over to UBC for use. Contractors have moved into the Pacific Coliseum to undertake the planned ice plant renovation works. Construction results at Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park are now increasingly evident as excavation is completed and foundations are cast.

Scheduled completion of the Whistler Athletes’ Centre is slated for fall 2008. The design for the High Performance Centre has been completed and a Request for Proposal has been issued for the wall panels. A general contract for the remaining work is to be tendered imminently, with work scheduled to begin in August.

A meeting of VANOC’s Construction Advisory Committee was held at the Hillcrest site on June 21st. The Committee was established pursuant to agreements with the Government Partners that are funding the VANOC venue development program, and its members include: Klaus Biebach, Dan Doyle, Tom Johnson, Anibal Valente and Henry Wakabayashi.

Report of the Audit Committee
The Board received an update from the Audit Committee meeting held on June 11, 2007. The Committee had approved the financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the quarter ended April 30 for public release in June, and had reviewed the financial statement disclosure of significant transactions during the quarter. The Committee also reported that it has approved the audit plan for the year ending July 31, 2007.

In Camera Sessions

Mascot update

Ceremonies update

Background:
The Vancouver 2010 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 Vancouver 2010 Board of Directors has made today’s agenda, discussion topics and decisions available to the public on 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 September 19, 2007.

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.

July 18, 2007

The buzz about Whistler Mountain’s phenomenal conditions spread throughout Canada and lured droves of skiers to the area in the early 1960s. (Photo courtesy Whistler Museum and Archives)If some people think Whistler, British Columbia isn’t "on the map" now, they'll certainly change their minds by 2010 when it plays host to sport and cultural events as part of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games. And it’s all thanks to the vision of a few alpine enthusiasts who recognized Whistler’s potential even before its mountains had chairlifts.

Less than 50 years ago the Whistler region – then known as Alta Lake – was a quaint little summer getaway tucked into the BC Coast Mountains. Yet it wasn’t until a few determined skiers trudged their way to the top of a local mountain and experienced some of the best skiing of their lives that the area’s vast potential became clear.

Back then what is now the lively Whistler Village was once a garbage dump. There were no shops or restaurants, no high-speed gondolas and no snow grooming. If fresh powder was what you were after, you had to hike to it.

Prior to the onset of development in the late 70s, what would become Whistler’s town centre was then the community’s garbage dump. (Photo courtesy Whistler Museum and Archives)Forty years later, Whistler has received international accolades. The area entices skiers and snowboarders from across the globe who seek record-breaking snowfalls that blanket the town’s spectacular mountains.

Long-time Whistler resident, and president of the Whistler Museum and Archives, Alex Kleinman, was lured by tales of the Coast Mountains.

“My eyes were coming out of their sockets all of the time and I’m thinking, ‘Wow, look at that,’” Kleinman recollected, of his first sights of Whistler. “Even if you weren’t from the West Coast, you had a dream to come out to see this Mecca, and what was here was magnificent. That’s no different now.”

“[The Olympic Games] has consumed us as a group, as a community but I am quite proud of where we have gotten ourselves, knowing our community history and how we got to this particular [2010] Bid,” said Kleinman. “We’ve been through a Bid six times, but we’ve tried a number of methodologies that have always been around promoting our community.”

Defining a direction

The possibility of hosting an Olympic Games defined the growth and direction of Whistler. (Photo courtesy Tourism Whistler)During the early 1960s, a group of Vancouver businessmen and members of the Canadian Olympic Committee formed the Garibaldi Olympic Development Association (GODA) whose goal was to seek out and develop a site to host a future Olympic Winter Games in Western Canada.

When GODA proposed to host the 1968 Olympic Winter Games, Whistler (which was then known as London Mountain) had very few amenities – no runs, lifts, roads, hydro or sewage systems. Experts were brought in to advise GODA on essential facilities required for hosting a Winter Games. Despite meeting the Canadian Olympic Committee’s technical requirements, the area’s lack of regional development and highway access cost GODA the bid. From 1962 to 1965, and with the continuing dream of hosting an Olympic Winter Games, funds were raised, a rough road from Vancouver was completed and development of the ski area began.

“The possibility of hosting an Olympic Games defined the growth and direction of Whistler. The community maintained a clear vision of what it wanted to be and that was a resort,” said Mike Vance, general manager of policy and special projects for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). “When we started planning for the Village, we didn’t plan for street lights and never anticipated the amount of permanent home owners, but we knew we needed people there to invest in the community, like local ‘mom and pop’ organizations.”

Avoiding growing pains
In 1964, Canadian international alpine skier Al Raine, together with some skiing friends, piled into a Volkswagen Beetle and drove what took, at that time, five hours along old hydro service roads to Whistler. Arriving in the dark, the snowy sights that greeted them in the morning were enough to keep Raine in Whistler for almost 30 years, during which time Raine worked as the provincial ski coach, and later, as program director of Canada’s first official national alpine ski team. He was subsequently appointed as a provincial alderman for Whistler.

Raine and wife Nancy Greene, legendary Canadian alpine skier, were regular visitors to world-class ski resorts, so they had in their heads a similar vision for Whistler. Their European ski experiences would prove invaluable when it came to planning the Whistler-Blackcomb vision.

One of the many high speed lifts that whisks skiers and snowboarders to the world-renowned snow that put Whistler on the map. (Photo courtesy Tourism Whistler)With the guidance and expertise of planner Gary Watson, Raine created a sustainable community and zoning plan for Whistler Village. The next step would be to develop Blackcomb Mountain, the neighbouring giant to Whistler Mountain.

“[Gary Watson] and I, together with Mayor [Pat] Carleton, worked our tails off to make sure it got off the ground and to make sure that it was the right vision,” said Raine. “The mountains in British Columbia are every bit as good as the mountains in Europe. Our knowledge about how to design them is just as good, so we knew we really should have world-class skiing in Canada.”

A climate of opportunity
It’s an exciting time for Whistler, and its council has some careful planning ahead of it in the next few years.

The 2010 Winter Games will bring legacies such as affordable housing, community play fields, walking trails and improved accessibility for people with physical disabilities. According to Vance, the positive vibe in Whistler just keeps getting better and better.

With a vibrant village and Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains as the backdrop, Whistler will welcome the world in 2010. (Photo courtesy Tourism Whistler)“You walk through the Village and look around and think you could never [recreate Whistler] today,” said Vance. “Part of it was optimism, but really it was just the Whistler culture of overachieving. People were committed to doing as opposed to philosophizing – it was all about getting it done.”

In less than three years, Whistler’s founders and visionaries will witness the culmination of their efforts as athletes and spectators from around the world share in a celebration of the possible.

July 6, 2007

Jack Poole, Chairman of the Board of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), underwent pancreatic surgery yesterday in Vancouver. His surgical team reports a successful operation and expects a full and complete recovery.

The surgery was led by the head of pancreatic surgery at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Charles Scudamore. “This was a complete team effort,” said Dr. Scudamore. “Over the course of four hours our surgical team removed an isolated malignant tumour from the pancreas that showed no signs of having spread. After the full removal of the tumour, we also took several measures to ensure a healthy digestive system over the long term. Jack is a strong and healthy patient who handled the surgery very well. He will remain in hospital for a time, and will then follow a prescribed recovery program supervised by his medical team.”

“The day before his surgery, I spoke with Jack, who was following with great interest in the vote that day for those cities vying to host the 2014 Winter Games,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Office. “Jack was positive and feeling good. These encouraging results from his surgery speak very well for his physical and mental health as he now transitions down the road to recovery. Jack has faced many challenges in his life, both in business and in health, and has always approached both with the same positive attitude and expectations for the very best results. Our thoughts are with him and his family as he recuperates.”

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.

July 5, 2007

Highlights include balanced budget, early venue completion and lasting legacies

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) presented a project update today to the 119th International Olympic Committee (IOC) session. The update, delivered by VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong, highlighted VANOC’s balanced budget, early venue completion schedule and progress on creating lasting legacies. The full project update, in report format, is available at vancouver2010.com.

“With only 953 days until the Opening Ceremony in 2010 we are optimistic about our progress to date,” said Furlong. “We encourage Games enthusiasts around the world to take an active interest in the work we are undertaking on their behalf and the legacies that will remain for the benefit of future generations.”

"Since Vancouver 2010's election at the IOC Session in Prague in 2003, a little over four years ago now, the VANOC team has worked tirelessly to create Olympic Winter Games of the highest quality,” said René Fasel, Chairman of the IOC’s Coordination Commission for the XXI Olympic Winter Games. “I am always impressed by the dedication and team spirit which they, and all the partners involved in the Games, apply day after day. As they go into the final three years of preparations, they are in good shape.”

VANOC’s update to the IOC included details on its balanced budget, outlined in full in the Organizing Committee’s Business Plan and Games Budget, which was publicly released on May 8, 2007. The Business Plan details current estimates and assumptions based on VANOC’s best assessment of Games requirements, risks and opportunities.

“Its seems like only yesterday that I was Chairman of the IOC’s Evaluation Commission for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and we were in Vancouver studying the Canadian proposal,” said Gerhard Heiberg, Chairman of the IOC’s Marketing Commission. “Four years on, things are still looking good. In my role as IOC Marketing Commission Chairman, I am also pleased to see that VANOC is making great strides in its marketing program, which is a key element to the success of these Canadian Games.”

Since the Torino 2006 Winter Games, VANOC has welcomed 17 new Canadian sponsors to the team, bringing the total to 23 and generating more than 80 per cent of its domestic sponsorship target, with $615 million of a total target of $760 million now committed. VANOC’s licensing and merchandising program has also been active over the past year. To date, VANOC has announced licensing agreements with 23 Canadian companies.

Today’s project update also underscored VANOC’s plans to complete 2010 competition sites as early as possible to reduce complexity and risk and to maximize athlete training and testing opportunities.

“All but three competition venues will be finished this year, with the rest completed in late 2008, providing ample training time for athletes,” said Furlong. “This is one of the earliest venue completion schedules in modern Games history.”

In addition, the VANOC update highlighted the Organizing Committee’s plans to leverage the Games to create sustainable legacies for Vancouver, Whistler, British Columbia and Canada – legacies that will last long after the final medal is awarded. These legacies are detailed in the Vancouver 2010 Business Plan and Games Budget and include facilities for summer and winter high performance sport, recreational legacies for communities in both the Greater Vancouver Regional District and Whistler, mixed-use housing and a commitment to providing 250 non-market (supportive) housing units.

Additional information on VANOC’s legacy initiatives, particularly in the areas of environmental stewardship and impact reduction, social inclusion and responsibility, Aboriginal participation and collaboration, economic benefits and sport for sustainable living, can be found in the 2005-06 edition of the Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report, released on June 5, 2007, the first of five annual sustainability reports VANOC will produce. Both the Vancouver 2010 Business Plan and Games Budget and the Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report 2005-06 are available at 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.

July 5

July 4, 2007

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) congratulates the Sochi Bid Committee for earning the honour of hosting the XXII Olympic Winter Games and the XI Paralympic Winter Games in 2014. Sochi was selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today at its 119th Session, held in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

“For the people of Sochi and Russia today is the end of one journey and the beginning of another,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “The bid process is now over and the organization of the 2014 Winter Games has begun. We look forward to working with the IOC to share our experiences with Sochi as they carry the Olympic and Paralympic ideals forward for future generations.”

“To the cities of Salzburg and PyeongChang, we acknowledge the tremendous journey you have followed to reach this pivotal moment,” Furlong added. “You have achieved much; as a result of this bidding process, the world knows more now about the tremendous commitment and enthusiasm for winter sport in Austria and the Republic of Korea than they did before. We look forward to welcoming your teams to compete in the Games in Vancouver in 2010.”

Furlong attended the 119th Session to present an update on Vancouver’s progress and was present for the vote. A shortened version of Vancouver 2010’s Celebrate the Possible video was also included as part of the IOC’s international broadcast of the vote.

Seven cities initially submitted applications to host the Games, with three advancing to the final stage – Sochi (Russia), Salzburg (Austria) and PyeongChang (Republic of Korea)*. The IOC’s 2014 Evaluation Committee, led by IOC Vice-President Chiharu Igaya, visited each city earlier this year and conducted on-site analyses to assess the ability of each city to stage the Games.

The IOC Members all received a written report produced by the Evaluation Commission and today, following the presentations by the three Candidate Cities, the Members were given a verbal report from the Evaluation Commission.

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.

*Candidate Cities listed in the order of the drawing of lots.

June 28, 2007

Proceeds from the sale of Jackson-Triggs Esprit wines, set to hit liquor store shelves beginning June 30, help support the Canadian Olympic TeamBy sipping a lively Chardonnay or a velvety smooth Merlot, Canadians will soon have the opportunity to support the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the Canadian Olympic Team.

On June 30th in British Columbia, and just the day before Canada Day, Vincor Canada – Official Wine Supplier of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games – will uncork its exclusive Vancouver co-brand 2010 label Jackson-Triggs Esprit Chardonnay and Esprit Merlot wines.

“In true partnership with Vancouver 2010, we wanted to release a commemorative co-branded wine that really capture the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Casey Howe, brand manager of Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines. “Every time you purchase a bottle of Jackson-Triggs Esprit wines, partial proceeds not only support the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also our Canadian team. In the true spirit of the Games, we’re proud to have the opportunity to give back.”

The two Jackson-Triggs Esprit wines will initially be sold in BC. By late August, both will also grace provincial and private liquor store wine racks and dining establishments across Canada, with a portion of the proceeds going to Vancouver 2010 and the Canadian Olympic Team over the next three Games, including Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012.

Lorraine Smith, senior account manager of corporate partners for Vancouver 2010, says Vincor Canada, a Constellation Company, is a natural fit for Vancouver 2010.

“Jackson-Triggs Esprit really embraces the Vancouver 2010 brand,” says Smith. “[Vincor and Vancouver 2010] have aligned values and are very like-minded on sustainability and creativity.”

A Unique Varietal of Sponsorship
As Steve Bolliger, senior vice president of marketing for Vincor Canada, sees it, the Vancouver 2010 sponsorship is a win-win situation. Vincor is Canada’s largest wine company. As such, its Official Supplier status brings an ability to carry the look and feel of Vancouver 2010 right across the country. Add to this that the Vincor Canada brand also carries the Osoyoos Indian Band’s Nk’Mip Cellars wines, from BC’s Okanagan Valley region. As North America’s only Aboriginal owned and operated winery, there’s a perfect synergy given that Aboriginal inclusion is an integral element of the overall Vancouver 2010 Winter Games mandate.

“We are very proud to be a sponsor of Vancouver 2010 and the athletes of the Winter and the next two Summer Games,” says Bolliger. “That’s what this is really all about.”

The Jackson-Triggs Esprit wines mark the first time Vincor Canada has ever created a co-branded sponsor wine.

“We are strong brand builders so we don’t do a lot of control or custom labels for independent or specific retailers,” said Bolliger, “but we just saw that this was such a huge opportunity and such an important initiative – both from a social side and also from a business side.”

Flavours of the Games

Jackson-Triggs Esprit Chardonnay is one of the wines on offering from the Vincor Canada exclusive Vancouver 2010 labelFor this unique partnership, Vincor Canada selected its first two varietals based on Canadian tastes. Chardonnay, as a white, is the largest-selling varietal in Canada. And when it comes to reds, Merlot is also one of Canada’s favourite varietals. In spring of 2008, Jackson-Triggs Esprit will introduce two more wines that are gaining in popularity – Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz.

The Chardonnay is brimming with lively notes of lemon and green apple and is elegantly balanced with creamy citrus flavours and a touch of oak. The Merlot can be described as velvety smooth, a wine that wraps spicy cherry, raspberry and vanilla essences around bold flavours of black currant and red berry fruit.

The June 30th launch in liquor stores across BC will give wine aficionados and Vancouver 2010 supporters the first opportunity to sample the Jackson-Triggs Esprit wines. As well, in select cities, it will serve as an occasion to receive a specially-designed collector’s pin and meet some of Canada’s best athletes, such as snowboarder Drew Neilson, rower Iain Brambell and freestyle mogul skiers Kristi Richards and Christopher Wong who will be signing bottles of the Jackson-Triggs Esprit wines.

Canadians Supporting Canadians
Vincor has Canadian roots. Since its beginnings in 1874 as the Niagara Falls Wine Company, it grew to be one of the top 10 wine companies in the world by 2006, with production in Canada, California, Washington State, Western Australia and New Zealand. Some of the more widely-known brands from the Vincor portfolio include Inniskillin Wines, Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, See Ya Later Ranch, Naked Grape, Sawmill Creek, President Sparkling, Nk’Mip Cellars, Le Clos Jordanne and Osoyoos Larose.

Whether it’s red or white, Vincor Canada is a trailblazer in the Canadian wine industry. Not surprisingly, its vintners share a dedication, passion and artistry – characteristics that also symbolize the spirit of Vancouver 2010. From coast to coast to coast, Canadians will soon be able to taste this dedication, passion and artistry first-hand, and to see it on display, in full force, at Games time. Cheers to that.

In-store Jackson-Triggs Esprit launch event, Saturday June 30 from 12noon to 4pm:

Vancouver:
BC Liquor Store, 39th and Cambie
With freestyle skier Kristi Richards (12noon to 1:45pm)

West Vancouver:
BC Liquor Store, Park Royal
With freestyle skier Kristi Richards (2:30pm – 4:00pm)

Victoria:
BC Liquor Store, Fort Street
With rower Iain Brambell

Kelowna:
BC Liquor Store, Orchard Park
With snowboarder Drew Neilson

Prince George:
BC Liquor Store, Pine Centre
With freestyle skier Christopher Wong

Related stories:

June 28, 2007

The 20,010th ICBC commemorative license plate With the opening of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games still 30 months away, British Columbians are already showing just how much they’ve embraced the Games, in a wheel sense.

In early April, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) signed on with Vancouver 2010 as an Official Supporter of the Games, as the official motor vehicle insurer for the Organizing Committee’s fleet of roughly 4,500 General Motors vehicles. ICBC’s sponsorship also includes a program where members of the public can show their support by purchasing commemorative 2010 Games licence plates.

The plates feature the Official Emblem of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the province’s slogan “The Best Place on Earth” and a mountain vista of the snow-capped peaks of Garibaldi Park, along Highway 99 on the road to Whistler.

“This is a pretty historical event to happen in British Columbia and as the main insurer in BC for auto insurance, it only made sense that we were involved in some way or another,” ICBC media relations spokesman Doug Henderson said following the announcement. “From a marketing standpoint it was a good way for us to become a sponsor and leverage that sponsorship to help us look for ways to maintain our optional insurance customers. We saw some good opportunities there. On the licence plate side of things, we just saw that as a good way to allow British Columbians to be able to show their support for the Games on an individual basis. That’s the beauty of the licence plate side of the program – it’s strictly voluntary. People who want to show their support for the Games can buy a licence plate and help promote the Games, both inside BC but also when they’re traveling around other parts of Canada or the States.”

All ICBC policyholders insuring passenger vehicles, motor homes, commercial trucks and trailers, farm trucks, motorcycles and utility trailers in BC are eligible. The plates cost $35 (with an annual renewal fee of $25) and can be purchased at any time. They will be on sale through December 31, 2010, and renewable through 2012. Those who continue to renew through December 31, 2010 will be able to keep their front licence plates as souvenirs. Net proceeds from all plate sales go directly to supporting the Games and their legacy.

“As the media relations spokesperson, I don’t normally receive a lot of phone calls from the public,” Henderson noted, “but when it was announced that we were going to be selling these plates, my phone was ringing a fair amount from people out there wanting more details about how to get a plate, so that in itself said to me that people are definitely interested. It struck a chord with people.”

Sales surpass lucky number 20,010

VANOC’s Dave Cobb and ICBC’s Ed Novac, along with Olympic snowboarder Alexa Loo, recognize Michael Sentes as purchaser of the 20,010th commemorative license plate and his support of the 2010 GamesIn mid-June, ICBC announced the sale of the 20,010th plate, purchased by Richmond resident Michael Sentes. For Sentes, who describes himself as “pretty sports-minded,” when it came time to bring his vintage ’89 Cadillac out of winter storage, the timing couldn’t have been better. “When the weather turns warm, we bring it out and when we went to get it insured, as soon as I saw (the plates) I said yes, I want one of those, to support the Olympics. It’s good, for BC and for Canada, I think. Just look at the speed-skating oval here in Richmond [under construction] and how it’s going to benefit us. I think it’s great.”

The retired Richmond resident confesses to being more of a golf enthusiast these days than a winter sports activist, but sport is sport. “I had only seen a few of them around, now you see them everywhere,” he said of the plates. And it didn’t take long for him to receive kudos on his bell-ringing purchase. “I took it to the golf club and the boys looked at it and they thought it was great.”

Having never attended an Olympic or Paralympic Games before, Sentes said he hopes to be able to get to Whistler to attend some skiing events, particularly ski jumping, while his wife is keen to take in the speed skating competitions closer to home.

BC Premier Gordon Campbell repeatedly emphasizes that these are BC’s Games. So far, plate sales confirm this, with strong buy-in from across the province.

“It’s the uniqueness of the plate that appeals to a lot of people. I think a lot of people like the look of the plate too, and the numbers speak for themselves,” said Henderson. “In less than two months, we’ve already sold over 20,000 plates, so I think that shows not only how popular the plates are, but also just how much people are behind the Games.

Expanding the program
John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) went a step further when the licence plate program was unveiled. “Our goal is for all BC residents and Canadians to feel ownership of the Games, and ICBC’s reach to all British Columbians will offer everyone the chance to demonstrate their pride and excitement,” said Furlong. “Following the leadership of ICBC, we’ll now look to develop licence plate programs in provinces and territories across Canada.”

“ICBC is more than ready to help,” said Henderson. “I think that if there are other provinces that showed interest in adopting a similar program, then we would be a resource and be able to walk them through the process and help encourage them. It would be interesting to see what interest there would be in other provinces and other parts of the country.”

Interestingly enough, similar Games-related licence plate programs ran in conjunction with the Montreal 1976 Olympic Summer Games and the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games. On the road to 2010, the licence plate tradition continues.

Related stories:

June 28, 2007

The RBC mascot greets children at the Paralympic Emblem launch in WhistlerBeginning February 12, 2010, BC will host one of the most complex and high-profile sporting events in the world. On May 8, 2007, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) released its operating budget, describing just what the price tag for running this event will be: $1.63 billion.

Who will pick up the majority of this billion-dollar tab? Sponsors, both worldwide and national, are companies that commit significant amounts of funding, products or services in return for the opportunity to associate with one of the most recognizable brands on the planet – and to contribute to an event that will inspire generations of audiences around the world. Hosting the Games without the support of sponsors would not only be burdensome for host communities, such as Vancouver and Whistler, but impossible.

Many sponsors, one goal
Sponsorship at VANOC is split into various levels. Worldwide International Sponsors (also known as TOP sponsors) are signed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and have rights to promote themselves in association with the Games, both Summer and Winter, around the globe. These sponsors include prominent corporations such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and VISA, who sign on for multiple Olympic and Paralympic Games. While Vancouver 2010 has seven TOP sponsors (Atos Origin, GE, Omega and Samsung, in addition to the three mentioned above), several more are expected to join before the 2010 Winter Games begin.

Domestic sponsors are engaged by VANOC for the right to market the Olympic and Paralympic Games within Canada. These sponsors’ support ranges, financially speaking, anywhere from $3 million to $200 million, and are designated into three categories: National Sponsors, Official Supporters and Official Suppliers. VANOC currently has nearly 25 sponsors at the National level, and expects to engage over 50 by Games time.

Beyond dollars and cents

Petro-Canada’s commitment to the Games includes fuel and fuel-related projects as well as support for Canada’s athletesSponsor support extends well beyond simple cash contributions. From every phone call placed at VANOC headquarters and made possible by Bell Canada, to the Omega timepieces that will record the fastest athletes on ice and snow in 2010, to Teck Cominco’s gold, silver, and bronze that will be shaped into medals to decorate champions as they ascend the podium, sponsors provide essential goods and services that are necessary to the success of the Games.

More services provided by sponsors include the following:

Need a lift? – General Motors gets athletes, spectators and officials where they need to go, with a range of hybrid, biodiesel and alternative fuel vehicles that help VANOC reduce greenhouse gases and stage environmentally sustainable Games

It’s a wrap – By the time the international spotlight is on Vancouver and Whistler, the cities will be vibrant in the “look” and colours of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Readying these host communities for their close-up is 3M, an Official Supplier that will cover, or “wrap,” cars, buses and buildings – and even a few 160-metre ships – with designs inspired by the 2010 Winter Games

Flying high – Air Canada will fly Canadian teams – and their dreams for podium success – to the Beijing, Vancouver and London Games in 2008, 2010 and 2012

Investing in Olympic and Paralympic legacies
The IOC International Sponsorship Program accounts for approximately $201 million in total Games revenue. Domestic sponsorship accounts for approximately $760 million. This accounts for 71 per cent of the total revenue generated by the Games. It’s a level of sponsorship that Neeta Soni, director of marketing and client services at VANOC, calls “unprecedented.”

“This level of sponsorship engagement is rare in Games history, or in the history of any event – especially when you consider that it takes place in a country with Canada’s population,” said Soni. “It serves as a strong indication of the interest there is nationally in showcasing Canada and supporting Canadian athletes, and also of how these sponsors identify with the values of the Games.”

Soni noted that many Games sponsors are also contributors to Own the Podium 2010 (OTP), a sport initiative designed to help Canada become the number one nation at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, from a medal count perspective, and to place in the top three countries overall at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

While sponsors contribute directly to the staging of any Olympic or Paralympic Games, they also play an important role in building the legacies that will last, long after the Flame is extinguished and all of the athletes and spectators have returned to their daily lives.

Sponsors impact all of us, not just in the execution of the Games, but the associated economic, social and environmental legacies.

“That’s the connection,” said Soni, “From sport and the arts to technology, education and volunteerism, these companies are supporting something that is meaningful for all of us.”
Related information:

For a complete list of TOP sponsors, click here.

For a complete list of domestic sponsors, click here.

For more information on the VANOC operating budget, click here.

Related stories:

June 28, 2007

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games (VANOC) reported significant progress on its venue construction program as part of the release of its quarterly results for the three-month period ending April 2007. In its quarterly report, VANOC provided a summary of major activity to date, and a look ahead to initiatives planned for 2007. VANOC also reconfirmed that it is on track to completing most of its venues two full competition seasons before the Games to maximize venue testing and athlete training opportunities.

With construction underway at all major competition and non-competition venues, VANOC’s latest quarterly financial report highlights the significant pace of venue construction for the 2010 Winter Games. The overall venue development budget remains unchanged, at $580 million, including contingency. As anticipated and planned, VANOC continues to allocate funds within the venue development central contingency budget. The report notes a $2.0 million contingency drawdown this quarter, leaving a current contingency of $53.3 million, which is appropriate for the remaining commitments and risks.

“It is almost four years ago that Canadians watched in anticipation as we were awarded the honour of hosting the 2010 Games,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We made a commitment to deliver extraordinary Games with a balanced budget through the creation of sport venues that will leave lasting legacies for all Canadians. We’re on track to achieve our goal, and look forward to celebrating exciting milestones this fall, including releasing ticket sales information, launching the 2010 mascot(s) and finalizing the 2010 event program.”

Highlights of the quarterly report include:

a strong positive cash position

approval and publication of VANOC’s Business Plan and Games Budget

the announcement of new sponsor agreements during this quarter, bringing the total number to date to 23

more than half of the venue construction budget has now been expended

“With the groundbreaking in February of the Hillcrest Nat Bailey Stadium Park facility, home to curling during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and wheelchair curling during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, construction is now underway at all major Vancouver 2010 competition and non-competition venues,” said Dan Doyle, executive vice president, construction. “We remain on schedule to deliver all but three competition venues for training and competition by end of 2007, resulting in the earliest completion of competition venues in recent Olympic Games history.”

VANOC also highlighted recent and upcoming major milestones, including:

the public release of its first of five annual sustainability reports

initiation of programming for the Cultural Olympiad

release of the 2010 Winter Games ticketing strategy

launch of the Vancouver 2010 mascot(s)

selection of the Ceremonies Executive Producer

finalization of 2010 Event program for sport

The quarterly report, available at vancouver2010.com, includes unaudited interim financial statements for the three months ended April 30, 2007.

VANOC’s revenue (deferred operating revenue) from marketing and sponsorship, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other sources for the quarter ending April 30, 2007, was $75.8 million, while expenses (deferred operating expenditures) were $22.1 million. Overall, operating revenue, since VANOC was formed in 2003, totals $197.7 million, while operating expenses total $143.2 million. In accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, due to the extended business cycle of preparing for the Games, all revenues and expenses are deferred until the Games commence.

VANOC’s venue development expenditures for the quarter were $63.0 million and now total $306.0 million since venue construction began.

VANOC’s next financial report will be released in October 2007 and will include audited financial statements the year ended July 31, 2007.

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.

June 27, 2007

Jack Poole, Chairman of the Board of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), informed members of the board and the VANOC executive team today that in early July he will undergo surgery. The surgery is required to treat a pancreatic tumour, and a procedure necessary to ensure he enjoys a permanently healthy digestive system.

The Vancouver General Hospital’s surgical team is recognized across North America for its expertise in this surgery and has treated hundreds of patients successfully with the same process. According to Mr. Poole’s surgeon, he can expect a full recovery given the tumour’s location, early stage of development and his excellent physical condition.

“This is an exciting and busy time for VANOC. My priority is to ensure that Board business continues as usual in the event of my temporary absence,” said Poole. “I won’t be out of action for very long, as I have a superb medical team, good health overall and a Games to get ready for.”

In accordance with normal corporate governance, in the event Mr. Poole does not attend the next regularly scheduled VANOC Board of Directors meeting, on July 18th, the directors will collectively appoint a board member to act as interim chair for that meeting.

“For as long as I’ve known him, I‘ve wished that I had even half the energy of Jack Poole,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “His total commitment to everything in life, including the 2010 Winter Games, is unwavering. We look forward to his return to full good health.”

Jack Poole has served as Chairman of the VANOC Board of Directors since October 28, 2003. He joined the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation in September 2001 as CEO and became chairman of the board in 2002. A full biography is available.

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.

 June 22

June 20, 2007

A student at Carisbrooke Elementary School in North Vancouver, BC tries out ice sledge hockey equipment as part of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic School Days programPaul Rosen knows how to turn a packed gymnasium of restless elementary school students into a captive audience. He reaches down, removes his prosthetic leg and raises it overhead. What follows has the power to inspire a new generation of Canadians.

Rosen, goalie of Canada’s Paralympic ice sledge hockey team, was one of five presenting Paralympians for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic School Days pilot program developed by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). The pilot program – which toured British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and Sea-to-Sky Corridor in May and June – not only boosted excitement for Paralympic sports, but earned rave reviews from teachers.

“[VANOC] wanted to inspire and excite a new generation about the Paralympic Games,” said Kristina Molloy, VANOC Paralympic Games coordinator. “The schools really embraced the program and got right into the spirit of things.”

Getting Into the Games
Vancouver 2010 Paralympic School Days is intended to create a positive buzz around Paralympic sport, with increased attendance at Paralympic venues being another natural spinoff of the program.

Added Molloy: “This is a great way for [students and teachers] to learn about the Games in advance of them being here since they could potentially be going as spectators.”

The first 10 schools selected for the pilot phase of the program were selected by VANOC and included at least one school from each of the Olympic and Paralympic venue communities – North Vancouver, Richmond, Squamish, Vancouver, West Vancouver and Whistler.

As a volunteer offers encouragement, a student at Carisbrooke Elementary School in North Vancouver, tries out a cross-country sit ski as part of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic School Days programEvery stop on the pilot tour featured a motivational speech by a Paralympic athlete, a presentation on Vancouver 2010 and the Paralympic Movement, promotional videos, interactive sport demonstrations, a poster-drawing station and autograph sessions with the visiting Paralympian. Occurring In their school’s gymnasia, students were able to try wheelchair curling, sledge floor hockey on wheeled sleds and a cross-country sit ski on wheels.

Understanding Takes Questions
Fun and games aside, in Rosen’s view, the Paralympic School Days program is imperative for teaching kids that Paralympians are “athletes with disabilities, not disabled athletes.” He has seen every kind of reaction, from raised eyebrows, to unease, to curiosity. But no matter the reaction, Rosen is open to any questions or comments because his measure for success is the amount of dialogue he can stir up. Any question is a good question.

Rosen makes a living from corporate speaking events but says nothing tops the reward of volunteering for school programs. He started speaking in schools five years ago – only two years after the amputation of an infected leg .

“The greatest thing is when kids come up to me afterwards and sort of mob me,” Rosen beamed. “I feel like a Wayne Gretzky or a professional athlete as opposed to an amateur athlete.”

This May, Rosen spoke at Talmey Elementary School, in Richmond, where he made a lasting impression. Grade six and seven teacher Kathy Pantaleo says Rosen’s visit was unquestionably “one of the best things to happen to Talmey in its 14 years.”

Pantaleo knew her students were engaged because of how much thought they put into their questions. Some questions were new to Rosen, such as “If you could take a magic pill to get your leg back, would you take it?”

“My answer was obviously no,” said Rosen. “I wouldn’t take my leg back now. I’ve learned way too much about myself since I lost my leg – about the good and the bad, and about what you need to be a good person.”

A Guide to Life: How to Overcome Adversity

Matthew Hallat, Canadian Paralympian in alpine skiing, displays his outrigger to the studentsOvercoming adversity in life. That’s the core – both of Rosen’s message and of many Paralympians. This is coming from a man who went from working as a corpse handler in a funeral home, to becoming a key member of Canada’s ice sledge hockey team.

Above all, Rosen’s message to students is to be positive.

“I want them to strive for greatness,” said Rosen. “Too many kids settle for mediocrity and I want them to realize, by the time my talk is over, that anybody who tells them they’re a loser or they can’t add up to greatness really doesn’t matter.”
Nearly every Talmey Elementary School student wrote letters of thanks or drew posters of inspiration for Rosen. To Pantaleo the program was tremendously successful in heightening awareness of some of Canada’s most accomplished athletes.

Increasing the Reach
The Paralympic Games have a relatively young history. The first-ever Paralympic Winter Games took place in Sweden in 1976. During the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, approximately 600 athletes will compete in five sports and in more than 60 separate medal events.

While Paralympic sports have yet to maximize attendance rates and media coverage, overall awareness is gaining momentum. With the success of the Paralympic School Days pilot program, Molloy says VANOC is in the early stages of seeking ways to reach as many students as possible – both to fuel this awareness, and build enthusiasm. Step by step, initiatives such as Vancouver 2010 Paralympic School Days are building a Paralympic sport fan base, one school at a time.

June 18, 2007

From sea to sky, the progress on construction of the venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games continues as, this week, the Vancouver 2010 ski jump “Super Structure” is making its way from the Lower Mainland to the Callaghan Valley via water and land.

The ski jump super structure, constructed in Port Coquitlam, BC, is made of numerous massive tubular steel trusses with some of the larger pieces measuring approximately 24 metres in length by eight metres in width.

“Delivery of the actual ski jump, especially through these unique transport modes, marks a significant milestone in the early completion of this sport venue for the 2010 Winter Games,” said Doug Ewing, project manager, Nordic venues for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “A tremendous amount of work has been done since construction of this venue began in April 2005, and we are on track to be ready for fall 2007.”

Oversized loads are currently being transported by barge from Port Coquitlam to Squamish via the Fraser River and Howe Sound. Upon arriving in Squamish tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday, June 19, the super structure will then be moved onto large trucks and transported, by escorted truck transport, along Highway 99, arriving at the Whistler Nordic Venue in the Callaghan Valley, elevation of 850-910 metres, during the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 20. This move is the first of two shipments; the second will occur in July. The structure begins being lifted into place on the concrete footings on June 25.

The Whistler Nordic Venue, situated in the Callaghan Valley, consists of three separate stadiums located within a two-square-kilometre area. The venue will be home to biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and biathlon and cross-country skiing during the Vancouver 2010 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.

June 19, 2007

Montreal-based outerwear brand Sunice today continued its proud history of supporting Canadian Olympic sport by joining the official licensee program for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in the Outerwear and Activewear Apparel category. This marks the third time Sunice has stepped up to be actively involved in supporting Canadian Olympic sport, though this time it is through a distinctively Olympic and Paralympic clothing program. It is also the first time that Sunice will show its support through a retail program that will be available Canada wide. The Sunice brand is designed, manufactured and distributed by the Fletcher Leisure Group Inc.

“For more than 30 years, Sunice has built a reputation for excellence in sport clothing and we are proud to welcome members of the Sunice family to our 2010 team,” said Dennis Kim, director, licensing and merchandising with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “When Canadians purchase a Sunice garment bearing either the Vancouver 2010 Olympic or Paralympic Winter Games emblems, they can feel confident knowing that they are receiving the high quality associated with the Sunice name while also supporting the financing and staging of the 2010 Winter Games.”

Top-quality adult and youth actionwear by Sunice –including winter ski and snowboard jackets and pants, fleece tops and pants, performance polos, track suits and socks bearing the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games marks –will be available at retailers across Canada beginning in early 2008. Recognized for its high quality, Sunice will be creating new and unique outerwear for Vancouver 2010.

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 and Vancouver will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

VANOC's licensee 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. The royalties generated by this unique group of Canadian companies contribute to the overall operating budget for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

VANOC’s Official Licensees include Aritzia, Artiss Aminco, Birks, Cajo Designs, Filmar Sportswear Canada, Fletcher Leisure Group, Hudson Bay Company, Hunter Licensed Sports Distributing, Kootenay Knitting Company, Moving Products, Mustang Drinkware, New Era Cap Canada, Panabo Sales, Paris Glove of Canada, Please Mum, RC Products, Sundog Distributing, Trimark Sportswear Group, Vancouver Umbrella and Wilson International Products. These Canadian companies represent a wide range of hard good products and collectibles, including pins, ski and snowboard accessories, glassware, sunglasses, umbrellas, gloves, mitts, toques and activewear.

About Sunice and the Fletcher Leisure Group
Since 1976, the Sunice brand has been synonymous with reliable, high quality technical outerwear. The company’s international reputation was quickly established through proven results as outfitters of a 1982 Mount Everest expedition and as official outfitters of the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games. The Sunice brand is currently available in 28 countries and is paving the way for the global expansion of the company’s Snow Sports division, re-launched in 2005 as part of the Sunice commitment to develop leading edge products for all seasons through the ultimate fusion of science and style.

For more than 40 years, Fletcher Leisure Group has been a dominant force in North America as a distributor of golf and snow inspired sportswear and has earned an impeccable reputation for high quality merchandise and unparalleled customer service. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the company’s branded golf apparel and golf equipment is distributed through golf pro shops, specialty golf stores, sporting goods stores and premium & incentive companies and includes top industry brands.

June 13, 2007

Following the successful development, approval and release of its business plan and with its venue construction program on time and on budget, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today evolved the structure of its financial leadership team.

“The organization of the 2010 Winter Games is a dynamic project where we recruit the top talent needed for the work at each critical stage. We are always looking for ways to ensure we have the right team for the specific challenges ahead. With a solid financial framework, systems and controls now in place, we have taken advantage of an opportunity to tighten our senior management team as we execute our Games business plan,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer.

Rex McLennan, VANOC’s CFO has decided to return to his earlier successful career in the mining industry. John McLaughlin assumes leadership of the Finance and Administration team as Chief Financial Officer. McLennan will remain available to VANOC to provide assistance and to ensure a smooth transition.

“On behalf of our team, I would like to thank Rex for his contributions to our success and wish him well. VANOC is in great financial shape with a strong team, including a Finance and Administration group that, under John McLaughlin’s leadership, will deliver disciplined and successful financial management of the Games,” Furlong said.

In his new role, McLaughlin is responsible for managing VANOC’s finance, risk management, project scheduling, procurement and administrative functions. McLaughlin was the chief architect of the 2010 Bid Corporation’s financial plan and was named VANOC’s Vice President/Comptroller in 2004.

McLennan joined VANOC in November 2005 from his role as Executive Vice President and CFO at Placer Dome. He was recruited with the primary objective of developing VANOC’s business plan and risk management framework following the study and thorough review of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The business plan, including a risk control and management framework, was completed and approved earlier this year and released publicly in May.

“I have greatly enjoyed working with the VANOC team and am very proud of our many accomplishments. I have complete confidence in their continued success,” said McLennan.

The changes were approved by the VANOC Board of Directors earlier this week and are effective immediately.

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.

June 11, 2007

Three new BC Ferries that will sail from Europe to their new British Columbia home this fall are being wrapped with a massive invitation to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, announced Premier Gordon Campbell, BC Ferries President and CEO, David Hahn, and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games’ (VANOC) CEO, John Furlong today.

“The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games offer a tremendous opportunity to showcase our great province and country to the world,” said Premier Campbell. “By wrapping the three new BC Ferries in powerful images that promote our province, our country and our Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, we’re inviting the world to join us before, during and after 2010.”

Each of BC Ferries’ three new, 160 metre ‘Super C-class’ ships will be wrapped with massive photographic images and branding colours representing the 2010 Winter Games and the beauty of British Columbia. The wrapped ferries will sail from Flensburg, Germany, via the Panama Canal, to British Columbia this fall and their journey home will include promotional stops in London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle to raise awareness for the 2010 Winter Games and to promote British Columbia as a tourism destination.

BC Ferries is collaborating with VANOC and 3M Canada to design and create these giant decals, the largest marine application of printed graphics ever undertaken. The decals will be produced in Vancouver and applied at the shipyard in Germany. Each ship will prominently feature four full-colour images promoting British Columbia and winter sport through the depiction of Canadian winter athletes and VANOC’s signature brand blue and green palate. The first ship, the Coastal Renaissance, will be unveiled with its 2010 Winter Games livery in Flensburg, Germany, on September 21, and will arrive in British Columbia via the Panama Canal in mid-November.

The ship’s promotional images feature short track speed skating at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, men’s alpine skiing (sitting category) at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, vineyards near Vaseux Lake in the Okanagan and Nabob Pass situated in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Region, British Columbia.

The Coastal Renaissance will be put into service in January 2008 and the remaining two vessels, the Coastal Inspiration and the Coastal Celebration, will be in service by the summer of 2008. The new Super C-class ships will be the largest double-ended ferries in the world, with capacity for 1,650 passengers and 370 vehicles.

“BC Ferries is among British Columbia’s most prominent tourism icons, so we’re keen to help promote the 2010 Games enroute as we bring each ship home to British Columbia and then to the passengers we transport annually,” said David Hahn. “The Super Cs are the most advanced ferries of their kind in the world and each ship will be seen by hundreds of thousands of visitors – it’s hard to imagine a more uniquely ‘BC’ way to promote the 2010 Games.”

“Our goal is to inspire excitement and anticipation for the 2010 Winter Games in everyone and to take advantage of every possible and imaginative way to do so,” said John Furlong. “These majestic ships, with their spectacular sport and scenic BC images will be a dramatic invitation to learn more, to get involved and to make plans for the experience of a lifetime in 2010.”

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.

June 11, 2007

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) welcomes 3M Canada as the new Official Supplier in the Large Format Graphics (building and vehicle wrap graphics) category for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The partnership was announced at a special event with Premier Gordon Campbell and VANOC’s CEO John Furlong, as they announced the collaboration between BC Ferries and 3M to wrap three new, 160 metre ‘Super C-class’ ships with giant images of the Games and the province.

3M becomes the exclusive supplier to VANOC to produce, install, maintain and remove building and vehicle wraps in the lead-up to and staging of the 2010 Winter Games. The six-year partnership includes sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic teams at the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

“With the addition of 3M Canada to our family, we create a partnership with a top Canadian company synonymous with innovation and excellence,” said John Furlong, VANOC CEO. “With their innovative wrapping technology – applied to everything from buildings to ships and to vehicles – 3M will help us find creative ways to inspire the world and ensure Canadians feel ownership of the Games. We welcome 3M’s 2,000 employees to the team!”

Vehicle wraps will include vinyl decals, clings, wraps or films bearing graphic designs. The wrapping program will touch vehicles, such as cars, vans and buses that are controlled and operated by VANOC or its suppliers of services.

“3M is providing the canvas to help showcase the natural beauty of B.C. and the artistry of Olympic performances to the world,” said Richard Chartrand, Executive Director, Display and Graphics, 3M Canada. “If a picture is truly worth a thousand words then visitors to the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver can expect to be treated to a storybook event.”

The building wraps will include vinyl decals, clings, wraps or films bearing Vancouver 2010’s graphic designs. They will be applied to privately or publicly owned architectural structures in the Greater Vancouver area and the Sea to Sky Highway corridor. Numerous offices and residential buildings will display designs inspired by Vancouver 2010’s brand colours and Canadian winter athletes. Wraps will be seen in downtown Vancouver, near Olympic venues, at the Vancouver International Airport and on vehicular approaches in Vancouver and Whistler.

About 3M
Established in 1951, 3M Canada Company was one of the first international subsidiaries opened by 3M and remains one of the largest. 3M Canada’s head office and original manufacturing site is in London, Ontario where approximately 1,000 of the company’s 1,950 employees work. Other Ontario plants are located in Toronto, Brockville, and Perth with one plant in Morden, Manitoba. 3M has sales offices in major cities nationwide and a national service network to support customers.

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, 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, TransCanada, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

June 7

June 6, 2007

Members of the Canadian men’s alpine ski team ride from Lake Louise to Whistler during their Summerstart Tour of ChampionsIt takes year-round devotion to be the best in the world. So, when the mercury rises, Canada’s Winter Olympians kick it into high gear.

Take Alpine Canada for example. In May of this year, national team skiers embarked on the first ever Summerstart Tour of Champions. The 10-day, 1,000-km road cycling tour from Lake Louise (Alberta) to Whistler (BC) kicked off their summer training season. Mountain passes and sub-zero temperatures may have been hard-hitting at times, but training in a natural setting invariably beat going to the gym on a daily basis.

“On one day, on the way to Jasper, we’ll bike 175 km through the Rockies before joining a community event,” said Canadian alpine skier Allison Forsyth before their departure. “This tough training exercise reinforces what it will take to be on the podium in Whistler in 2010.”

This tough initiation to summer training isn’t unique to alpine skiers.

Mettle Detectors
Summer cross-training is a test of mettle for Clara Hughes who won both gold and silver medals at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games (speed skating), a bronze medal at Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games (speed skating) and two bronze medals at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Summer Games (cycling). Along with biking, hiking, jogging and weights, Hughes says “the national team’s most important activity is their dry land speed skating imitation training, which works on back and core strength.” Imitation training is essential for helping speed skaters maintain that tough-to-hold forward leaning position. In pairs, with resistance bands around their waists, they take turns mimicking the speed skating motion by crouching low, cross stepping and pushing themselves through the resistance.

“It kind of looks like a bunch of people out in a field looking for coins,” Hughes laughs. “Honestly, you really have to see it to understand it, but I would say that it’s definitely one of the hardest things we do in training, including ice training..”

When summer training gets strenuous, Hughes says it helps to recognize that, come September, she and her team members will only turn in one direction for five solid months. And as a former summer Olympian in cycling, this is her chance to reunite with her bike. Since her transition from cycling to skating, Hughes has cut back her bike time from seven to five hours at a time, but riding is still important for her because being strong on the bike is a confidence boost on the ice.

While speed skaters use the summer months to get outside and try new activities, for athletes excelling in other sports, it’s back to the drawing board – and a refrigerated climate.

The Ice House at Calgary Olympic Park, where Canadian bobsleigh and skeleton athletes practice their push-start techniques. Photo courtesy: CODA photo archivesSummer training for sliding sports may conjure up amateur video scenes of daredevil street luge or the rickety Cool Runnings bobsled. Not so. Canada Olympic Park is home, in Calgary, Alberta, is home to a world-class Ice House.

The Canada Olympic Park Ice House – completed in February 2001 in preparation for the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Games – replicates the first 50 metre start area of a regular bobsleigh or skeleton course. It can emulate outside ambient air temperatures without dipping down to the minus 40 degrees that Canadian sliders sometimes have to deal with during the winter. It’s the ideal setting for athletes to experiment with push-start techniques.

In fact, just in time for the Salt Lake City Games, a few of Canada’s top skeleton athletes – including Paul Boehm, Nathan Cicoria, Duff Gibson, Jeff Pain and Pascal Richard – were responsible for implementing the revolutionary one-handed push technique, something that was practiced in the Ice House in Calgary. According to Cicoria the one-handed push did for skeleton what the “clap skate” did for speed skating.

“Summer is certainly more intense than winter training, and your attention isn’t split with driving, traveling or dealing with jet lag,” says Cicoria, now head coach of Canada’s skeleton development team.

National team skeleton and bobsleigh athletes have to hit world class sprint speeds during push starts, so it’s a given that they spend some of their time on the track for sprint practices as well.

Thanks to specialized summer training facilities, Canada’s athletes are able to continue the same type of technical training they do during the winter. Freestyle skiing is another sport that depends on specialized training facilities when the snow melts.

Cirque de Freestyle

An aerial view of the water ramp used by Canada’s freestyle skiers at Lac Beauport, Quebec. The bubbles on the water’s surface allow for a softer landing for the athletes. Photo courtesy: Phil LaroseCanada’s freestyle skiers kicked off their summer season in Whistler, taking advantage of glacier snow. But come late June, the freestyle athletes will pack their bags and head to Lac Beauport, Quebec or Park City, Utah for water ramp training.

Similar to what they do on snow, athletes ski down a wooden ramp with a plastic surface, launching themselves up to 45 feet in the air, do their tricks and then land in a pool of water.

The bubbled water landing allows freestyle athletes to try new tricks without the degree of risk that comes with a poor landing on the snow.

“We call [the plastic in-run] “meanies” basically because of what it does when you fall,” says aerials head Coach Dennis Capicik of Freestyle Canada. “The water landing is more forgiving but it still hurts when you hit the water on your back or on your face, especially with the kind of air these guys are getting,” says Capicik.

Freestyle athletes also do trampoline training with a four-point bungee spotting harness system. For beginners, or for someone as advanced as Olympic freestyle gold medallist Jennifer Heil, the trampoline gives athletes the air they need to try technically new or advanced positions – minus the bruises or broken bones.

Roller Skiing without Brakes
Canada’s cross-country skiers cover much ground, and unlike other winter sports, there is no artificial climate or facility to train in. Canada’s national team savoured their last bit of snow during a May training camp at the Silver Star ski resort near Vernon, BC, and has since transitioned from snow to roller skis.

Roller skis are best described as elongated inline skates, but without brakes. Cross-country Canada head coach Dave Wood says roller skis have come a long way in the last few years, so summer training on them has more merit.

“[Roller skis] have evolved so they’re lighter, and they track and roll better to feel like a ski on snow,” says Wood.

The national team cross-country skiers don’t typically race on roller skis, yet they are always on the watchful eye and stopwatch of coach Wood, having moved from treed paths to the open roads.

If roller skiing gets old, cross-country skiers have a good balance of cycling, jogging and imitation training, such as hiking with ski poles to fall back on.

Across the Board
There may be a few athletes out there who are able to find time to swing the golf clubs or hit the beach on occasion. But being one of the best athletes in the world isn’t seasonal work. Olympic hopefuls in any sport are constantly committed to mental training, proper nutrition and technical focus.

Members of the Canadian women’s alpine ski team ride from Lake Louise to Whistler during their Summerstart Tour of ChampionsWhile some winter sports depend on artificial climates and specialized facilities during summer, others, such as speed skating, can take time away from the oval by jumping on a bike and hitting the open road. Regardless, the warm months can be a welcome change in scenery away from the everyday venues where they compete. It’s a shift from the anxiety of competition, the monotony of a routine or trick, and the occasional headaches of traveling.

For fans, the 2010 Winter Games may seem far off. But for the athletes, this is the time to push their limits and build a base of strength for what’s to come

June 5, 2007

A major step was taken today towards ensuring socially, economically and environmentally responsible Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010 with the release of Vancouver 2010’s first Sustainability Report online at vancouver2010.com.

The report sets out the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) specific sustainability commitments and progress reporting system for the next three years as it moves from planning to operations and ultimately to Games delivery. It includes accomplishments, success stories and challenges for the 2005-06 reporting period. It also details progress on initiatives for the 2006-07 reporting period, 80 per cent of which are complete or already in progress.

“We are determined to host sustainable Games as promised in our Bid and every member of our team embraces that commitment,” said John Furlong, VANOC chief executive officer. “Delivering on, and being accountable to, that promise is the real test, so this first report tells how we are doing, what we still need to do and how we’ll measure our performance.”

“This report defines sustainability for us, namely managing the social, economic and environmental outcomes of the Games to create lasting benefits locally and globally,” said Linda Coady, VANOC’s vice president, sustainability. “It’s a big concept that translates into thousands of efforts – big and small – that all make a difference. From redesigning Whistler alpine skiing course to avoid the small tailed frog habitat, to supporting Aboriginal youth snowboarders, to planning for a social housing legacy from the Vancouver athletes’ village – these and many more projects like them will leave a Canadian sustainability blueprint for future Olympic and Paralympic hosts to build upon.”

VANOC is the first Games Organizing Committee to integrate not only environmental but also social and economic responsibility. Today’s report outlines VANOC’s six areas of direct decision-making and actionable authority, including accountability; environmental stewardship and impact reduction; social inclusion and responsibility; Aboriginal participation and collaboration; economic benefits from sustainable practices; and sport for sustainable living. VANOC is using Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, a credible international standard in corporate sustainability reporting.

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.

June 2

May 30, 2007

On July 1, thousands of Canadians from coast to coast will run and walk in support of Canadian athletes in the Hbc Run for CanadaTurning 140 is no easy feat so all the more reason to celebrate in a big way. On Canada’s birthday on July 1, thousands of runners and walkers from St. John’s to Victoria will lace up their running shoes and take part in the Hbc Run for Canada.

With a 10k run, 3k walk and 1k kids’ run in 13 communities across the country, the Hbc Run for Canada is Canada’s largest fundraising event in support of our athletes.

A strong fundraising history
The run was initially launched in Ottawa in 2004 and raised $100,000. By 2006, the event grew to 10 communities and raised more than $1.5 million to help Canadian athletes achieve their dreams.

Overall, Hbc has pledged to raise $20 million to support its developing athletes by the year 2012, a significant portion of which will come from the run.

“We felt that in refocusing the Hbc Run for Canada to helping raise funds for Canadian athletes, we could engage all Canadians,” said Diane Gordon, Director of the Hbc Foundation. “Our goal is to raise $2 million dollars at this year’s run.”

Training is a full-time job
Competing on the world stage takes more than extraordinary talent, determination and perseverance: it takes financial support - for equipment, for training, for coaching and for medical services.

The money raised from the run will see 200 of Canada’s most promising athletes, as selected by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Canada and the Canadian Paralympic committee, each receive a $5,000 bursary.

“Less time spent making money to eat and pay the bills means I can focus more on my daily training regime,” said speed skater Brock Miron. “Ultimately, being competitive at the international level is in and of itself a full-time job.”

Providing inspiration to Canadians of all ages
It’s a simple formula: The more run participants, the more money raised for Canadian athletes. With the hopes of attracting 14,000 children and adults to this year’s event, the addition of Red Deer, St. John’s and Windsor, to the already existing roster of Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Algonquin Park, Toronto, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria, is one way to make that expectation a reality.

“I’m a physical fitness advocate and believe strongly in the spirit of the Games,” said Elaine Vallevand, a 10k runner participating in the Vancouver event. “By being part of the Hbc Run for Canada, I can help a young Canadian athlete receive the training he or she requires for success in 2010."

The Hbc Run for Canada is an ideal family outing with a 10k and 1k run, a 3k walk and a chance to meet Canadian athletesHaving three events that cater to both adults and kids, the Hbc Run for Canada is an ideal Canada Day family outing. It not only allows Canadians of all ages to get involved and support Canada’s athletes but it also gives kids a chance to learn the importance of physical activity as well as meet the selected athletes as they work toward achieving their dreams.

“Athletes represent the best qualities that we look for as role models and run participants will have an opportunity to meet athletes and interact with them one-on-one,” said Gordon. “Meeting and interacting with our athletes helps to inspire us all.”

Making a Difference
As one of the 200 selected athletes, skeleton competitor Carla Pavan feels being part of Hbc’s athlete development program is “tremendous. It’s a great boost knowing a company (like Hbc) that is such an integral part of Canadian history is behind its athletes.”

“When the next Games come around, we will all be following the athletes that we helped to support,” said Gordon. “Participating in the Hbc Run for Canada and raising funds for our athletes will instill a tremendous sense of pride in knowing that we helped to make a difference.”

To find out more about how you can help celebrate Canada Day and support Canada’s athletes at the same time, visit the Hbc Run For Canada website.

May 22, 2007

From new sport and community facilities to creating an enhanced talent pool of people with new skills, the delivery of legacies is a cornerstone of 2010 Winter Games planning. With fewer than 1,000 days to go until the Games, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is pleased to report that planning for legacies is well underway.

VANOC’s legacy planning to date is detailed in Appendix 15 of the Vancouver 2010 Business Plan and Budget available at www.vancouver2010.com.

“Since the idea of hosting the 2010 Winter Games surfaced in Vancouver back in 1996, the vision has been consistently clear – in addition to hosting outstanding Games, they must create benefits and legacies for sport and communities,” said John Furlong, VANOC chief executive officer.

“Our primary focus is to build spectacular venues and raise the revenues needed to create world class conditions for athletes and all Games participants in 2010,” added Furlong. “However, we’ve encouraged all Games functions and our partners to think about legacies in every piece of their Games planning.”

Select highlights of 2010 Winter Games legacies include:

With an investment of $580 million, shared equally by the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia, VANOC has worked with local partners to deliver a 2010 Winter Games venue program that will provide spectacular theatres for sport in 2010 and facilities that will create summer and winter sport, community and recreational legacies after the Games.

An additional investment of $110 million, (confirmed during the Vancouver 2010 bid process) shared equally by the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia has created the 2010 Winter Games Operating Trust. This trust was established to support the long-term viability of certain venues (Whistler Nordic Venue, Whistler Sliding Centre, Richmond Oval) adding substantial community and sport assets to the Vancouver-Whistler region.

After the Games, the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Village will become the first phase of a new mixed-use community, contributing 1,100 residential units, 250 of which will be non-market (supportive housing).

After the Games, the Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Village will become a permanent mixed-use neighbourhood designed to support Whistler’s goal of housing 75 per cent of its employees within the community.

Barrier-free guidelines developed for the 2010 Winter Games will be available to VANOC partners and stakeholders to be used by organizations and jurisdictions in their major event planning and hosting capacities.

With the support of VANOC partners, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is being built in Whistler.

Following the Games, certain assets, such as sport equipment, will be donated to youth, National Sport Organizations, persons with disabilities and inner-city and Aboriginal communities for their ongoing use.

Some of the medical equipment used during the Games will be turned over to a number of communities for various legacy uses.

VANOC and WorkSafeBC are actively working together to support worker safety and health at all Vancouver 2010 sites. A series of training manuals and management programs developed for the Games will be available after the Games as a model for safety for future major projects and events.

To find out more about the legacies of Winter Games held in North America since 1980 (Lake Placid, Calgary and Salt Lake), read the Legacies of North American Winter Games report at 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

May 8, 2007

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today posted to vancouver2010.com its business plan that includes a balanced operating budget of $1.63 billion and a venue construction budget of $580 million. The plan supports the delivery of outstanding Games with a goal of positive legacies.

“Our objective has been to produce a balanced budget with a healthy contingency and we have delivered that plan today,” said John Furlong, VANOC chief executive officer. “This is the roadmap for three years of hard work ahead. We will continue to work within our available financial resources and we will not spend what we don’t have. Our budget will stay balanced.”

The VANOC Business Plan blends the experience and lessons from the Salt Lake 2002 and Torino 2006 Games with the expertise and knowledge of VANOC staff and its partners. The plan updates the planning and financial assumptions made in the Vancouver 2010 Bid and maps out what is required to stage the Games in 2010. It has been approved by the VANOC Board of Directors, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

“The VANOC Board of Directors is confident that with this plan the fiscal framework and discipline is in place to not only stage great Games but also to produce community and sport legacies that will last long into the future,” said Jack Poole, VANOC Board chair.

“With this plan we can focus on managing our project efficiently with flexibility to adjust, and to grow our revenues to protect the contingency. This plan is focused on leaving a lasting legacy and we encourage every citizen to take an active interest in the work we are undertaking on their behalf and for the benefit of future generations,” Furlong concluded.

Operating Budget: $1.63 billion (CAD)

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games operating budget is financed by private sector revenue sources. These sources include a portion of the worldwide sale of Games television broadcast rights negotiated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), international and domestic sponsorships, licensing and merchandising, ticket sales and fundraising.

VANOC has collected or has received commitments for revenues for approximately $1.1 billion (69 per cent) of its $1.63 billion operating budget and anticipates collecting an additional $505 million.

Of the $1.63 billion in expenditures, $722 million of goods and services remains to be committed. VANOC is carrying an operating budget contingency of $100 million to address any potential shortfalls in these revenues or increased expenditures.

Capital Budget: $580 million (CAD)

The budget for building new venues and renovating existing facilities to stage the 2010 Winter Games remains at $580 million and is equally funded by the Governments of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. The venue construction program is on time and on budget and has a current contingency of $55.3 million.

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.

May 4, 2007

Having just completed an intensive review of Canada’s National sport organizations’ winter programs and performances for the past winter season, Own the Podium 2010 announced today the next steps toward achieving the goal of being the top nation at the 2010 Olympic Games and to place in the top three nations at the Paralympic Games.

“This is a critical time in our planning that requires a more strategic targeting of sports and athletes,” said Roger Jackson, CEO of Own the Podium 2010. “The outstanding achievements from Canadian winter athletes last season have provided us with a clear indication of the focus and direction that will be required to achieve the highest standard of performance on the world stage. We will continue to do everything we can to give Olympic and Paralympic medal hopefuls the edge that they need to represent Canada to the best of their ability in 2010.”

With two full competitive winter seasons remaining before Canada’s Games in February and March of 2010, Own the Podium 2010 is increasing its targeted approach and support to National Sport Organizations (NSO’s) who have demonstrated a high degree of probable medals in 2010. These sports include Curling, Hockey, and Long Track and Short Track Speedskating, which collectively captured 18 World Championship medals in 2007. Other World Championship medal winners this year included the sports of Alpine, Freestyle, Snowboard, Figure Skating and Bobsleigh. Support will also be provided to Biathlon, Cross-country skiing, Skeleton, Luge and Ski cross.

A detailed backgrounder outlining OTP success stories to date can be found at www.ownthepodium2010.com, or click here.

Looking Ahead - Own the Podium’s Strategic Priorities for the 2007-2008 season and beyond are:

Technical Readiness
Ensuring targeted NSOs have quality High Performance Directors and national coaches in place for planning and implementation of programs.
OTP recently initiated a Coaches’ Professional Development program for coaches of medal potential athletes that is being administered by the Coaching Association of Canada.

Athlete Programs
Increased funding for training camps and competitions to targeted medal potential athletes

Canadian Sport Centres and Performance Enhancement Teams (PET)
Support for sport medicine and science programs and the further development of professionals working to assist coaches and athletes in this area.

Home Field Advantage
Capitalizing on the rare opportunity for Canadian winter athletes to have home field advantage, OTP is working with VANOC, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and other partners to create winning conditions for Canadian winter athletes in 2010.

Research and Innovation
Top Secret - OTP has established an innovative research program designed to give Canadian athletes the edge in equipment, technology, information and training including testing of new prototypes of clothing and equipment. Currently, 33 Top Secret projects are underway.

Performance Technology - OTP is considerably extending its review of the application of technologies to high performance sport including use of video analysis. These techniques provide instant feedback to coaches and athletes and help determine the small factors that can save valuable time and be the difference between a top 10 finish and a podium finish.

NSO Organizational Readiness
A critical element is strengthening NSOs’ ability to implement world class high performance programs.

The Recruitment program which was initiated in 2005 to identify high level athletes from other sports will undergo a significant shift in direction. As time is now limited to bring recruited athletes to world class level, the majority of the recruiting has been completed with only bobsleigh and Paralympic sports still able to identify new athletes this year. This coming season, however, is pivotal in the development of those recruited athletes who have been invited to continue with the High Performance programs within the targeted sports.

Since 2005, the five-year, $110-million OTP initiative has had a fundamental and positive impact on the Canadian high performance winter sport system by providing support and services to National Sport Organizations, Canadian Sport Centres and over 600 Canadian winter athletes on an annual basis. Despite a post-Olympic and Paralympic year which typically results in retirement for a number of high profile athletes, the 2006-2007 season saw Canada capture 135 World Cup medals and 26 World Championship podium performances, finishing second in the overall rankings to Germany.

During the 2006-2007 season, only Wheelchair curling held a World Championship and Canada finished 4th. The Para-Alpine program won 15 out of 30 World Cup medals and Canadian ice sledge hockey captured gold at the 2007 World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Kelowna, B.C. Para-Nordic also captured four World Cup gold medals. World Championships will be held in 2008 involving all of the events on the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games program which will further enhance Paralympic sport tracking.

About Own the Podium 2010
Own the Podium 2010 (OTP) is a sport technical initiative designed to help Canada become the number one nation in terms of medals won at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler, and to place top three at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Half of the $110 Million in funding for OTP originates from the Government of Canada through Sport Canada. The other half of the funding comes from the Province of British Columbia and the VANOC sponsors including Bell Canada as Founding Corporate Partner, General Motors of Canada, Hbc, McDonald’s, Petro-Canada, RONA and RBC Financial Group. The Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Vancouver 2010 also provide professional services and resources to OTP. www.ownthepodium2010.com │ www.anouslepodium2010.com

About the Government of Canada
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada’s sport system, providing more than $140 million annually for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to promote sport participation among Canadians.

About the Canadian Olympic Committee
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic movement, including Canada’s participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is a non-profit, charitable, private corporation that is recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). CPC delivers programs that strengthen the Paralympic Movement in Canada, including sending Canadian Teams to the Paralympic Games. The CPC empowers persons with physical disabilities, through sport, at all levels.

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. www.vancouver2010.com.

May 25

May 23, 2007

Paralympian Stacey Kohut, as featured in an accessibility awareness poster campaignAs a member of the first-ever gold medal team in Paralympic wheelchair curling, Sonja Gaudet has demonstrated she has the skill, precision and mental stamina to compete with the best. Her mastery on ice has taken her across the globe, but on any given day a four-inch sidewalk curb might prevent her from crossing the street.

“It’s very frustrating when what we’re talking about is only inches keeping you from being independent or not,” Gaudet said. “So often it’s not our disability that prevents our access. It’s often just these small physical barriers that are going to stop us from getting to where we need to go.”

Impacting the accessibility movement
While a curb can be an impassable barrier or safety hazard for a person with a disability, such obstacles are usually invisible to the able-bodied. However, with the arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, all that may change.

“I think [accessibility] is one of those aspects of the Games that people aren’t really aware of,” said Kevin McFarland, parks planner for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). “The Games initiative has had a big impact on the whole accessibility movement.”

McFarland played a key role in forming the Whistler Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), a group whose members include local residents, business owners, Paralympic organizers and ski champions. The Committee was created with the goal of strategizing ways to make Whistler more accessible at Games time. But, according to McFarland, a big part of that strategy now involves looking beyond 2010.

This poster is part of a campaign launched by the Whistler Accessibility Advisory Committee“Obviously we’re aware of the Games requirements. But, like a lot of towns in BC, we need to upgrade how we provide services to our citizens, regardless of what game is on,” adding, “The efforts [to promote accessibility] are independent of the Games, but the Games provide a terrific leverage and deadline for us.”

To help bring accessibility to the fore, the group launched a poster series in December 2006 featuring recognizable community members, including Paralympic medallists Stacey Kohut and Phil Chew. Each poster bears a different message, from encouraging general awareness about accessibility to shining a spotlight on access issues.

“It goes beyond physical barriers. It’s also about how people become fully integrated in their community regardless of whether they have a disability or not,” McFarland said. “The whole picture is huge, and there’s no town that’s achieved it, so it’s a remarkable goal.”

For her part, Sonja Gaudet would share this sentiment. She says that while practicing for 2010 in the curling rink of her hometown, in Vernon, BC, she’s already noticed people are thinking differently about accessibility.

Sonja Gaudet competes with the first-ever gold medal team for Paralympic wheelchair curling in Torino, 2006“At the curling arena alone, they are so much more aware now that the venue needs to be accessible,” Gaudet said. “I think that it will definitely have an impact on smaller communities around the venues, and then some,” adding, “One day, I would hope to see the whole world become wheelchair accessible.”

Community impacts
Although hosting the Games will have the most direct impact in the venue cities, the Games have already influenced province-wide awareness about accessibility issues.

Last year, 2010 Legacies Now, a not-for-profit society that’s working to create legacies from the Games to benefit BC communities beyond 2010, launched Measuring Up. It’s a guide for communities to evaluate their accessibility. While Whistler served as a pilot community for Measuring Up, other towns and cities throughout BC have since adopted it in their efforts to become more accessible.

Dena Coward, director of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games, said that “the upcoming Games have been a real catalyst [for accessibility initiatives], either to take it to the next level or to start progress.”

This is certainly change we can all celebrate.

 May 18

May 18, 2007

Research report documents history of positive legacies from Olympic Winter Games held in North American cities

The executive summary of the Legacies of North American Olympic Winter Games report, which was released today by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), documents an impressive trend of positive legacies enjoyed by the North American cities that have hosted Olympic Winter Games since 1980. The executive summary is available at vancouver2010.com

The executive summary reviews the findings of the three previously released volumes of the report and concludes that Olympic Winter Games held in North American cities have all been successful, leaving positive economic and social benefits to the host community. However, notes the report, “the resulting benefits depend largely on how the Olympic Games’ legacy is managed.”

Last week, VANOC announced it is on track to deliver the 2010 Winter Games on time and on budget. “The Legacies report shows that on a continent where enthusiasm for winter sport is widespread, hosting a successful Winter Games can have numerous benefits that will last for generations,” said John Furlong, VANOC chief executive officer. “VANOC is determined to continue this impressive trend, delivering an outstanding Games experience in 2010 that will leave legacies to benefit the community for many years into the future.”

The Legacies of North American Olympic Winter Games report, prepared by an independent researcher, documents and illustrates the possible social and economic trends that result from hosting Olympic Winter Games in North America and the lasting impacts of hosting the Olympic Winter Games on a specific community and region. The full report includes a volume on each of the three previous North American Olympic Winter Games since 1980: Lake Placid, Calgary, and Salt Lake City.

All three of the previous North American Olympic Winter Games examined in the report were deemed a success in their time. The report shows how these host communities continue to:

increase tourism in their regions

remind the world of their attractions at subsequent international competition hosted there

build sports participation

be national hubs for recreational and competitive sport

help the country’s top high performance athletes achieve their full potential

attract major sports companies to locate there

encourage local children to excel in sport and other areas of life

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.

About the Lasting Legacies Report and Author

VANOC commissioned the research and writing of The Legacies of North American Olympic Winter Games report in July 2006. The researcher and author, Kate Zimmerman, has been a journalist in Canada for 27 years, writing for numerous newspapers and magazines. She lives in North Vancouver, BC.

May 16, 2007

The Board of Directors for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today approved a number of recommendations to increase VANOC’s overall public transparency and accountability. The Board members also addressed a number of other items including an overview of VANOC’s draft ticket sales strategy and a decision to contract external expertise in event services to ensure spectators at the 2010 Winter Games have a spectacular and unforgettable in-venue experience at Games events.

“People want to know more about what we are doing to stage the 2010 Winter Games on their behalf and how we are doing it,” said VANOC Board Chair Jack Poole. “The Board meetings will remain under the current format with the participation limited to VANOC Board members, senior management and partners to maintain the best working environment for progress. However, a more extensive reporting out system has been approved that will provide an added level of transparency seen by few other Organizing Committees and we will continue to ensure our information is easily accessible and readily available to Canadians over the coming three years.”

VANOC’s transparency objectives to date include the public issuing of quarterly financial reports, annual reports and business plan as well as hosting numerous community meetings and speeches and presentations, including an annual address before the Vancouver Board of Trade in the fall. VANOC also uses vancouver2010.com as a key public communication tool, posting government reports, protocols, accords and agreements, inner-city reports, Vancouver 2010 progress reports, reports of the activities of its ethics commissioner and the disclosure of contract awards.

Transparency measures approved by the Board today included:

Posting the Board of Directors’ meeting agenda on vancouver2010.com in advance of each Board meeting and maintaining a schedule of Board and Board Committee meetings on vancouver2010.com.

Hosting a media briefing following each Board meeting with the Board Chair, the CEO and other director(s) or members of the VANOC senior management team needed to elaborate on matters to be reported.

VANOC will also issue and post to vancouver2010.com a news release on decisions taken at the Board meeting that are not protected by obligation or by contract.

Hosting regular press briefings – monthly throughout 2007 in months where there is not a Board meeting or quarterly report, and on a more frequent basis throughout 2008 and 2009 as the Games approach.

Continuing to deliver an annual fall update to the Vancouver Board of Trade which will be broadcast across the Province and a transcript of the update will be posted on vancouver2010.com for easy access by the media and the public.

Placing an annual supplement in major newspapers and posting to vancouver2010.com to inform the public on the progress of the Games as outlined in VANOC’s business plan.

Conducting new quarterly website on-line forums to ensure that all Canadians can communicate directly with VANOC.

Other reports/items discussed or decided at the Board meeting today included:

CEO Progress report to the Board of Directors. The report included updates on the majority of the Organizing Committee functions and activities, including the recent release of the business plan, transparency recommendations, updates on villages, venues construction, federal legislation, GM Place venue agreement, accommodation programs, Olympic Truce, 1,000 day countdown activities, protest activity, International Sport Federations, ceremonies, Cultural Olympiad, mascot, Torch Relay and an HR update.

An overview of the 2010 Winter Games ticket sales strategy, which will be presented to the International Olympic Committee in July, with details to be released publicly in 2008 following further development and approvals. VANOC anticipates that tickets will go on sale to the public during the summer of 2008.

An update on the 2010 Winter Games mascot development, selection and approval process. The mascot(s) will be launched internationally in late 2007.

Following a full tendering process, agreement to proceed with the finalization of an Event Services (EVS) contract to ensure an extraordinary experience for all spectators. As one of the largest workforces in the Games, EVS has the most visibility to Olympic and Paralympic guests and visitors and plays a fundamental role in delivering a positive Games experience. Commonly known as the “face of the Games,” EVS staff can provide a memorable experience to spectators while also influencing venue operations. An announcement with further details will be made once the contract is concluded.

An update on VANOC’s venue program, including that contractors have returned to the mountain venues as the snow recedes and the ski hills close for the season. The Whistler Sliding Centre project was fully mobilized at the end of April. The Nordic competition venue was still under snow at the end of April but contractors have now removed snow so that work can commence. At Cypress and Whistler Mountains, work has restarted on the lower elevations. By April 30, work was underway on all competition venues and all completion timelines and budgets remain on target.

An update on government relations, highlighted by the second reading of Bill C-47 in the House of Commons on May 15 and 16. The Bill will proceed to committee hearings in the first week of June.

An update on VANOC’s sport program, including the presentation of a 2007 Weather Impact Summary which mapped 2007 weather against the February and March dates of the 2010 Winter Games and measured the potential sport and operational impacts if similar weather was to occur in 2010. Results of this summary and others in 2008 and 2009 will help the sport team develop its event schedule and will help other VANOC functions and stakeholders plan all logistics around the schedule (report available on vancouver2010.com).

An update on the report to the IOC Executive Board recently in Beijing. Due to encouraging progress on the Vancouver 2010 program, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not visit Vancouver as part as the Project Review meeting scheduled the last week in May, however a series of meetings will take place in Guatemala City early July when VANOC presents to the IOC Executive Board and Session.

A report from the Finance Committee including:

Approval to proceed with final negotiations on a number of venue construction contracts for the upcoming season; contract awards will be reported on vancouver2010.com and in VANOC’s next quarterly report to be released in June.

Sponsorship update including negotiations with a Official Supporter sponsor and progress on a number of potential Official Supplier sponsors.

A report from the Audit Committee including an update that the terms of reference for the Audit and Finance Committees were being redrafted to more clearly reflect the distinction between the duties of each committee.

A report from the Governance and Ethics Committee which included the review of the terms of reference for the Audit and Finance Committees.

An overview of the Strategic Communications Steering Committee comprised of members of the VANOC Board and executive management team. The Steering Committee will work with VANOC’s senior management to implement an integrated communications strategy that will guide VANOC’s external communications activities and messaging.

The next meeting of the VANOC Board of Directors will be held in July.

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.

May 14

Phishing, smishing and vishing – welcome to the new world of Games-based scams

May 14, 2007

When Charles Anderson received a letter informing him that Vancouver 2010 had awarded him a $50,000 lottery prize, he was immediately wary.

“Right away I noticed the logos didn’t look right – they were kind of fuzzy and the colours weren’t really sharp,” said Anderson, who received the letter at his home in Denver, Colorado.

After reading further, Anderson had further cause to be suspicious. He knew that the 2010 Winter Games were in Vancouver, yet the envelope bore a Toronto return address, listed its headquarters as being in Ottawa, and included a contact number with a New Jersey area code. What’s more, the prize was supposed to be delivered by a company that Anderson could not find on the Internet or in the phone directory.

“There were a whole bunch of things that didn’t hang together – it just raised too many questions,” said Anderson.

Anderson contacted the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), and found out that he had uncovered the first known scam claiming bogus association with the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. It’s not expected to be the last.

Constable Ben Hitchcock, a technical examiner with the Technological Crime Program of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), said that members of the public should prepare themselves to see more scam artists trying to turn a profit by claiming false association with Vancouver 2010.

“The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are a highly visible event, backed by the Olympic Games branding,” Hitchcock said. “As such, there is the possibility that criminals will use this information to craft e-mails enticing victims to bogus websites. With the increase in the online auction fraud, there is a strong possibility that counterfeit apparel, tickets and other items may appear on these sites.”

From scam e-mails and fake lotteries to phoney merchandise, supporters of the Games should not assume that everything bearing the Vancouver 2010 logo is genuine.

Protect your community, protect yourself

With each Olympic or Paralympic event, organizers expect to see scam artists trying to capitalize on the excitement generated by the Games. Beijing organizers recently uncovered a website selling bogus tickets to the Beijing 2008 Summer Games, while the website for the London 2012 Summer Games lists 14 reported scams.

These are some common forms of scams listed by the RCMP:

Phishing: Scam artists will attempt to trick individuals into releasing their personal information by sending out mass e-mails (or “spam”). Within the e-mail, e-mail users are encouraged to click a link that leads to a fraudulent page designed to either to capture personal information or download unauthorized software. An odd greeting in the subject line, spelling or grammar errors and an urgent tone (“you must act now!”) are hallmarks of an e-mail phishing scam.

Smishing: Also known as SMS phishing, this scam uses the text messaging technology of cell phones. The cellphone user will receive a text message with a URL address. If the user follows the link, he or she will download malicious software programs.

Vishing: This is a relatively new scam that uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocal) technology to trick individuals into betraying their personal and financial information over the telephone. Typically, the individual will receive an urgent message that will direct the individual to call a number that requests personal numerical information be entered on a telephone keypad to verify the user’s identity. The victim’s caller ID is often manipulated to look as though the scam artist has called from a bank or other legitimate institution, and the message is crafted to sound believable.

Prize Pitch: This scam is usually masked in the form of a prize notification. The victim is led to believe that, in order to collect his or her prize, he or she must pay bogus taxes or fees. In general, if you have not entered a competition, you probably have not won a prize.

Buying official merchandise protects local businessesIf you receive a message, letter or e-mail that seems a little “phishy,” under no circumstances should you provide any personal information or pay any money to the sender of the message. Notify Vancouver 2010 by sending an e-mail to info@vancouver2010.com and delete the email from your Inbox.

Vancouver 2010 will never request that you provide your confidential information over e-mail. Any information from us, whether it related to ticketing programs, volunteer or job opportunities, online merchandising or other Games opportunities, will always be featured on our website at vancouver2010.com.

Vancouver 2010 urges members of the public to protect themselves and their communities from all forms of fraud by learning to recognize “Olympic pretenders.”

Go for the genuine article
While scams such as phishing target individuals, counterfeit merchandising (the sale of bogus Vancouver 2010 products) is a form of fraud that threatens Canadian communities by undermining local businesses who have invested heavily for the right to sell official Vancouver 2010 merchandise.

“One or two t-shirts don’t sound like a big deal, but it adds up. Anytime something is sold that isn’t official merchandise it impacts a lot of people,” said Ian Huntley, vice-president of sales and marketing at Wilson International, a family-owned, Richmond-based company that’s licensed to sell official Vancouver 2010 cotton-based sweatshirts and t-shirts.

When held at different angles, the Vancouver 2010 hologram changes emblems For Huntley, and other small businesses, becoming a licensee for the 2010 Winter Games is an “enormous venture . . . that comes at tremendous risk.” Huntley also noted that he and his staff worked hundreds of hours simply to apply for the right to sell t-shirts and sweatshirts bearing the distinctive Olympic and Paralympic emblems.

The company won in part because of its commitment to ethical production methods.

“We have made sure that we treat our employees right, that our suppliers treat their employees right and that we treat the environment right,” Huntley said. “You know that with an official Olympic product, it has been manufactured in a responsible way. If you want to support you community, then [buying official merchandise] is a good way to do it.”

Official Vancouver 2010 merchandise is easily recognizable by the hologram on the tag. You can also find a list of all official licensees and sponsors on vancouver2010.com.

Everyone can be a fraud detective
By educating yourself about fraud, you too can be a part of the solution. If you think you may have been targeted by a scam artist or counterfeit merchandiser who claims to be acting on behalf of Vancouver 2010, call Campus 2010 headquarters at (778) 328-2010 or send an e-mail to info@vancouver2010.com. By working together we can help protect individuals and communities in the run up to 2010.

May 14, 2007

Human legacy tops economic and other benefits, says former CEO

The third volume of a report commissioned by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) shows how the legacies of the largest sport program in the history of the Olympic Winter Games created unparalleled pride and unity, turned a profit and left behind a legacy of world class venues and an environmental blueprint for future Games to follow.

“The legacy we hold dear in Salt Lake City includes the heart-felt memories of a time when everyone in our community came together to host the world,” says former Salt Lake 2002 Organizing Committee (SLOC) CEO Fraser Bullock. “We remember the awe-inspiring stories of the athletes and the message to our rising generation of what is possible. We have permanent facilities that are not only world-class, but are utilized every day by our citizens and are training the next generation of Olympians. Economic development increased through a permanent increase in the level of tourism and businesses relocating to our State. Finally, we have the legacy of being an Olympic City and everything that is associated with that special title among cities” he said.

The Salt Lake Report, which was released today on vancouver2010.com, is the final volume of the Legacies of North American Olympic Winter Games report commissioned by VANOC. The first two volumes ( Lake Placid and Calgary) were released April 30 and May 7 respectively; an executive summary will be released the week of May 21.

Among the many economic and environmental legacies identified in the Salt Lake report are the following:

The Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games was held less than six months after the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11th, at a time when the American economy was in a recession and travelers were jittery about air travel. Nevertheless, the Games turned a profit of $100 million.

The Games produced 35,000 job-years of employment, an income of $1.5 billion, infrastructure investment of $435 million, visitor spending of $123 million, and a net revenue to state and local government of $76 million.

Olympic Games-related construction and employment cushioned the state of Utah against the dramatic economic falls being experienced elsewhere in the United States in the months up to and following 9/11.

More than 100,000 trees were planted in Utah, and 15 million worldwide, in keeping with SLOC’s commitment to environmental conservation. During the Games, SLOC recycled or composted 95.6 percent of the Games’ waste.

As of August, 2005, Outside magazine was talking about Salt Lake City as “one of [its] 18 towns that have it all.” In an article called Where to Live Now, Outside described the city as “gradually wriggling itself into the environmental forefront…. Light rail lines, christened just in time for the 2002 Winter Olympics, reduce auto traffic by funneling 44,000 riders a day in and out of downtown, while the SLC sewage treatment plant turns released methane in to electricity to help run itself.”

VANOC CEO John Furlong said “Salt Lake City has shown how it is possible to take an environmental approach in planning for the Games. In addition to their financial success and their remarkable venue legacies we can look at Salt Lake's performance with growing confidence that our sustainability legacies can be achieved as well,” he concluded.

Cathy Priestner Allinger, VANOC Executive Vice President, Sport, Paralympic Games and Venue Management commented on Salt Lake’s legacies for sport noting, “VANOC is encouraged by the Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games’ significant contributions to the Utah Athletic Foundation, which is now the largest private non-profit funder of sport in the United States. The Utah Athletic Foundation is able to maintain the Olympic Games facilities without any financial support from the government.”

VANOC commissioned the Legacies of North American Winter Games report believing the most appropriate model for understanding the potential legacies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is the experiences of other Winter Games held within the North American context since 1980. The independently-written reports offer a detailed look back on the experiences of previous North American Olympic Winter Games hosts.

All reports are based on research obtained from many documents including newspaper and magazine articles, official reports, studies, books, and original interviews to outline the legacies to the host communities. The Legacies reports, separately and combined, show how the host communities of Olympic Winter Games in North America continue to:

increase tourism in their regions

remind the world of their attractions at subsequent international competition

build sports participation

be national hubs for recreational and competitive sport

help the country’s top athletes achieve their full potential

attract major sports companies to locate there

encourage local children to excel in sport and other areas of life

“The report shows that, on a continent where enthusiasm for and participation in winter sports is widespread, hosting a successful Winter Games can have numerous, multi-faceted benefits, many of which last for generations to come,” said Furlong.

“VANOC is determined to continue this trend, delivering an outstanding Games experience in 2010 and legacies that will continue to benefit the community for many generations to come,” he concluded.

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.

About the Legacies report

VANOC commissioned the Legacies of North American Winter Games report believing the most appropriate model for understanding the potential legacies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is the experiences of other Winter Games held within the North American context since 1980. The independently written reports offer a detailed look back at the experiences of previous North American Olympic Winter Games hosts.

All reports are based on research obtained from many documents including newspaper and magazine articles, official reports, studies, books, and original interviews to outline the legacies to the host communities of the Games.

About the Legacies Report and Author

Kate Zimmerman has been a journalist in Canada for 27 years, writing for numerous newspapers and magazines. VANOC commissioned her in July 2006 to research and write the Legacies of North American Olympic Winter Games report. She lives in North Vancouver, BC.

May 14, 2007

TransCanada and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced TransCanada as a new Official Supplier in the Natural Gas Pipeline Operator category for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The partnership was announced at the University of Calgary campus, site of the TransCanada Arch which stood proudly in front of the Olympic Village during the Calgary 1988 Winter Games.

"We are excited to play a role in helping share the Olympic and Paralympic experience with all Canadians and the world," said Hal Kvisle, TransCanada's Chief Executive Officer. "Our sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to excellence as a Canadian company, and that commitment extends to playing a role in the success of world-class events held here in Canada."

Building on TransCanada’s proud Olympic history with the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games as part of Team Petroleum, this partnership provides TransCanada with Official Supplier sponsorship rights to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. TransCanada’s financial contribution will also designate TransCanada as the Official Supplier for the Canadian Olympic Team competing in Beijing in 2008, Vancouver in 2010 and London in 2012.

“TransCanada’s past and present commitment to Winter Games in Canada is an example of how a Canadian company can contribute to the staging of great Games while leaving lasting legacies,” said Cathy Priestner Allinger, Executive Vice President, Sport, Paralympic Games and Venue Management. “VANOC shares TransCanada’s ongoing commitment to excellence and is pleased to welcome TransCanada and all of its employees to our Olympic and Paralympic family.”

“Canadian athletes continue to benefit from the legacy of the 1988 Winter Games and the road to Vancouver 2010 truly does go through Calgary. TransCanada’s commitment to the Winter Games in 2010 is a commitment to all of us Canadian winter athletes who are pursuing our dream of representing Canada to the best of our ability in 2010,” said Chandra Crawford, Olympic Gold Medalist (Cross-Country Skiing).

About TransCanada
Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, TransCanada has approximately 3,550 employees.

With more than 50 years experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North America’s energy infrastructure including natural gas pipelines, gas storage facilities, and projects related to oil pipelines and LNG facilities. TransCanada’s network of wholly owned pipelines extends more than 59,000 kilometres (36,500 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is one of the continent’s largest providers of gas storage and related services with approximately 360 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. TransCanada’s common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP.

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, 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 Birks, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Nortel, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and Workopolis.

May 8

May 8, 2007

Chronology of a Business Plan and Games Budget release: May 7, 3:30 pm – Printed copies of the Business Plan and Games Budget 2007 arrive at VANOC’s head office.When you’re responsible for planning, organizing, financing and staging an event of enormous complexity such as the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, it’s imperative that a business plan be developed and followed in order to ensure the delivery of a successful Games.

Business plans are living documents – flexible, realistic and achievable – that are often re-visited over the course of time to ensure an organization is on track.

A business plan allows an organization to make smart business decisions based on its available financial resources. Often described as a blueprint for operating a business, the plan also tells others how you expect to get there.

The planning process
The process of developing a business plan is a monumental task.

VANOC’s first business plan dates back to when the 2010 Winter Games were awarded to Vancouver. Its objective was to reflect the planning and expectations of the Games at that time and included a discussion of future business plans: that the next Business Plan would be developed once function (department) managers had been hired, function planning had moved forward and when the Torino 2006 Winter Games experiences could be properly incorporated.

The result of a rapidly growing organization, the Business Plan and Games Budget 2007 incorporates key information from 50 individual Organizing Committee functions (departments) business plans as well as their roles, responsibilities and delivery strategies. This version was delivered to VANOC’s Board in November 2006. Blending the experience of Salt Lake 2002 and Torino 2006 as well as the expertise and knowledge of VANOC staff and partners, it is the culmination of more than three years of research and study. The Business Plan and Games Budget 2007 paints a current financial picture of what it will take to stage the Games in 2010.

Laying the financial framework

May 8, 8:00 am - VANOC staff and Partners gather at the Vancouver 2010 head office for an overview of the Business Plan.The goal of the Business Plan and Games Budget is to give our government partners, stakeholders and the Canadian public a clear sense of the financial framework in which we must operate.

A notable difference between VANOC’s Business Plan and other business plans is that the Games represent a “major, complex project with a fixed timeline as opposed to an ongoing business with a “rolling” business plan (updated yearly for the next 5 to 10 years) and annual budget cycle,” said Rex McLennan, VANOC’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.

The Plan will not only guide VANOC’s decisions but will also create the conditions to leave positive legacies and benefits long after the Games have concluded.

Budget breakdown

May 8, 9:00 am - Media have an opportunity to review the Business Plan and Games Budget 2007 during media lock-up, prior to the press conferenceThere are two budgets, each with separate revenue sources to stage the Games: the Operating Budget and the Venue Development Budget.

The Venue Development budget of $580M encompasses the building of new venues and the renovating of existing facilities in order to stage the 2010 Games. This budget is dedicated to building many of the physical legacies that will remain long after the Games in the form of new or renovated sport and community facilities. The positive impacts of these legacies will be measured not only in the financial benefits of hosting future sporting events and large-scale functions, but in the renewed investment in community, family and health that this funding represents. The Venue Development budget is funded through equal commitments by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

May 8, 11:00am – The Business Plan and Games Budget 2007 is officially released to the public through a press conference, and available at vancouver2010.comThe Games Operating Budget is set at $1.63B and covers all costs associated with the staging and production of the Games with the exception of the construction of the venues themselves. Examples of Operating Budget costs include items such as transportation, athlete accommodation, community celebrations and launch events, venue signage and temporary seating, fleet vehicles, bus rentals and fuel, staff salaries and benefits, opening and closing ceremonies production and talent. Revenues to fund the Operating Budget are derived exclusively through private or commercial programs and activities, including international and domestic sponsorships, the sale of television broadcast rights, licensing and merchandising, and ticket sales.

Leaving positive community and financial legacies that all British Columbians and Canadians can feel proud of is of the utmost importance to VANOC. Through a disciplined approach to managing the budget, making decisions and monitoring deliverables, VANOC is on track to deliver a fiscally-responsible and extraordinary Games experience in 2010.

Read the full Business Plan and Games Budget 2007.

If you have questions or comments regarding the Business Plan and Games Budget, please let us know.

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