MBN: THE MONTE BUBBLES NETWORK

 Feb 18

When the moment arrived spectators gasped as the enormous clock – measuring three metres wide, more than six metres high and weighing 1,170 kilograms – was unveiled.

“It’s really big,” said Kassie Kelly Charles, who attended the event with her parents. “It looks like an ice cube.”

The landmark clock was created by Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega, the Official Timekeeper of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, who worked with Vancouver-based Karacters Design Group to produce a design that combines precision timekeeping with public art.

“This clock is a stunning example of what’s possible when you tap into local creativity and talent,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “With only 36 months to go until Games time, it serves as a compelling, constant reminder of how close we are to welcoming the world to Vancouver, Whistler and Canada in 2010.”

The clock showcases the contrasting urban and natural settings of the 2010 Winter Games. Steel and glass speak to both the thriving metropolis of Vancouver, Host City of the Games, and also the ice and snow at the heart of winter sport. The clock’s red cedar tower evokes images of Canada’s lush forest landscapes and pay tribute to Aboriginal culture and tradition.

The clock sits atop massive blocks of cast concrete in the heart of bustling downtown Vancouver at the Georgia Street Plaza near the Vancouver Art Gallery. Two electronic displays count down the hours, minutes and seconds remaining until the Opening Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The clock bears the official 2010 Olympic and Paralympic emblems – inviting the world to come together and celebrate in 2010.

Omega is the Official Timekeeper of the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Beijing’s countdown clock presides over the legendary Tiananmen Square.

As Official Timekeeper, Omega will be responsible for the scoring and competition results during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, delivering results to excited audiences from all corners of the globe.

The time between now and Games time in 2010 will really fly, according to Peter Huerzeler, director of Swiss Timing, sister company of Omega. “Three years may seem like a long time, but believe me, three years go by very quickly!”

Feb 11

Search Begins for Executive Producer for Vancouver 2010 Games Ceremonies

“The ceremonies are an extraordinary opportunity to communicate the Olympic and Paralympic dream worldwide,” said VANOC CEO John Furlong. “They are critical to the success of the Games, as they reach out to the hearts of spectators and fuel the dreams of athletes. The Ceremonies will require the participation and tireless efforts of countless individuals and we are thrilled today to be commencing the search for our executive producer.”

Viewed by a worldwide audience of up to three billion spectators, the Games Ceremonies are mandated by the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees to promote international peace and understanding by honouring the world’s greatest athletes and celebrating humanity.

The executive producer will play a critical role in developing the Ceremonies vision and managing the team of producers, artists, designers and craftspeople who will bring the Ceremonies to life through imagination and the magic of state-of the-art lighting, projection, sound and special effects. The Ceremonies will reflect the region, the people and the culture of Canada by highlighting the country’s creativity, linguistic duality, cultural diversity and Aboriginal heritage.

“With just three years to go until the Opening Ceremony, this search is a welcome and exciting milestone in our steady march toward the Games,” said Terry Wright, VANOC executive vice president of service operations and ceremonies. “Every aspect of the Ceremonies is potentially iconic. Who can forget the young aspiring figure skater lighting the torch at the Calgary 1988 Games or, in Torino last year, pyrotechnic Olympic rings and Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan accepting the Olympic flag on behalf of all Canadians?” he asked.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony will take place in Vancouver’s 55,000 seat BC Place Stadium on February 12, 2010. The Closing Ceremony on February 28, 2010 will also be held at BC Place Stadium. This will be the first time in Olympic Games history that the Ceremonies will be staged in the comfort of an indoor venue. The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony is on March 12, 2010 at BC Place Stadium, followed by the Closing Ceremony on March 21, 2010 in Whistler.

 Advertisements that highlight the three-year countdown to the Games on February 12th and the Executive Producer search will appear in French and English national newspapers tomorrow.

VANOC is responsible for planning, organizing, financing and staging 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.

Feb 9

Countdown to 2010 Celebration

Canada’s Games will sparkle: Birks announces sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games

Vancouver 2010 Countdown Clock Unveiling – February 12 – Make sure your lunch plans for February 12 include being on the corner of Georgia and Hornby Streets in downtown Vancouver at noon for the unveiling of the 2010 Countdown Clock.

“More than just counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds, the countdown clock is also a beautiful piece of art that reflects the look of the Games,” says Douglas. “It’s the first time a countdown clock includes both the countdown to the opening of the Olympic and the Paralympic Games, providing the community with a daily reminder of how important both those games are.”

Countdown to 2010 Community Celebration, Whistler – February 12 – It’s a tradition in Whistler to celebrate the 2010 Countdown with cake. This year will also be marked with local talent including musical performers, artists and DJs, all reflective of Whistler’s vibrant arts scene. The festivities begin at 4 pm in front of the 2010 Info Centre.

Sport of the Day – February 13-28 – Occurring daily at the 2010 Info Centre in Whistler, visitors can learn more about 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Sports. A winter sport will be featured each day, providing visitors with a chance to learn more about the sport: see how huge a ski jump ski really is; find out what a sit ski looks like; talk to some athletes. Get up close with the sports of the 2010 Winter Games.

Countdown at the Coliseum – February 17 – From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, head down to the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, site of the 2010 short track speed skating and figure skating competitions. The countdown will be celebrated with free public skating, special guests, activities for kids and families, and much more. There will also be free parking available at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). 

Community Street Hockey – February 17 and 18. Eight teams will compete for glory and bragging rights during the 2nd annual Community Street Hockey Tournament in Whistler. The pedestrian walkway in front of the 2010 Info Centre will be transformed into a street hockey rink complete with commentary, music and some pretty entertaining street hockey.

Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park Venue Groundbreaking – February 23 – Come join us starting at 9:30 am for the official groundbreaking on the Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park competition venue, home to curling and wheelchair curling.

Mystery Community Event – February 28. A surprise event! Keep checking vancouver2010.com for updates.

Plans are currently being finalized to mark the countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

“To reach the podium, an athlete needs to have a balance of energy, speed, and accuracy. And, it goes without saying that to place among the top three, timing is everything!” said David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics. “As we begin this countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, I salute all those who have made this moment possible. Three years and counting!”

 Feb 3

VANOC to unveil Omega countdown clock for 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver: Events throughout BC in February mark three years to go to the Games

Jan 27

Art and coins come together in the launch of a series of commemorative coins for the 2010 Winter Games.

Beginning in February and spanning the period up until Games time, the Royal Canadian Mint will unveil an extensive Olympic and Paralympic-related coin collection. With expressive designs created by Canadian artists, these coins offer an opportunity to relive the Games for years to come.

The first modern Olympic-themed coins were struck to commemorate the 1952 Olympic Summer Games in Helsinki, Finland. Since that time, coins have been produced by the mints of the Games host countries and are an integral part of Olympic culture, history and art.

Over the next three years, 17 coins will be put into circulation encompassing the most extensive Olympic Games circulation coin program ever undertaken by a Mint: from two commemorative Lucky Loonies to 25-cent winter sport-themed coins to a unique series offering Canadians the opportunity to vote on the athletes featured in its design.

“Taking into account the subject and the sport as well as who the audience is, is integral to the designing of coins,” says commemorative coin designer Steve Hepburn of Richmond, BC. “It’s important to convey a sense of what makes that sport special or different from others, and to make it visually appealing while remaining true to the sport and its intricacies.”

Numismatic, or collector coins, are detailed works of art worth far more than their face value and are sought by collectors as commemorative treasures and gifts.

More than a little loose change: denominations of the coins will range from 25 cents to $25.“The audience for collector coins is more specific than that for circulation coins,” says Hepburn. “When designing collector coins, there is more artistic freedom and room to be less conventional.”

Included in the limited mintage collection are sterling silver holographic coins, premium gold coins, and pure gold one-kilogram coins sure to satisfy the most ardent collector.

When designing collector coins Hepburn says “size and readability is a challenge. I worked on designs many times larger than the final product to ensure clean, crisp lines with good proportions. It’s very important to remove unnecessary details and information to make a strong-reading design at its final size.”

One of the design challenges Hepburn says is, “What looks good at 8 feet across may be a jumbled, unrecognizable mess when reduced to one inch. It’s important to involve the viewer when designing coins and to make them as interesting as possible by using perspective, angles and foreshortening.”

“I love sports,” says Hepburn. “When the Mint called, I was thrilled to be part of the project. I consider myself quite patriotic so the Olympic Games carry great importance to me. They’re always exciting and with them being in my backyard in 2010, it’ll be a year to remember. Go Canada, Go!”

Canadians can purchase the commemorative coins through the Royal Canadian Mint’s website. Circulation coins are available at RBC Financial Group and participating Petro-Canada locations. Canadians can also look for these coins in their change – the first coin, curling, will begin circulating on February 23.

Jan 24

Canadian Pacific on track to deliver Canada’s 2010 Winter Games: CP named official rail freight services provider

“Canadian Pacific has a historic connection with Vancouver that includes the naming of the city and an Olympic history that dates back to the 1924 Winter Games in France”, said Canadian Pacific’s President and CEO Fred Green. “This is the right fit for Canadian Pacific and our employees as we continue our strong support for local amateur sports and national teams in communities across the country.”

The six-year partnership designates CP as an Official Supporter of the 2010 Winter Games, including sponsorship rights for the Canadian teams participating at the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

“The railway has played a fundamental role in building this country by connecting Canadians from coast to coast,” said John Furlong, VANOC CEO. “Canadian Pacific’s long-standing commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic movement is once again being demonstrated through this partnership as we work together to bring the spirit of the Games to all Canadians from now through 2010.”

Canadian Pacific’s commitment provides for cash and in-kind logistics, freight rail service and truck service as well as support of special community events across the country. The community events are being developed and will be announced in the coming months.

“Through our company’s innovative logistics and transportation solutions, we will move Games equipment, sponsor materials and supplies to Vancouver for 2010,” added Green. “We will also build on our experience and leverage the use and visibility of our trains to help ensure VANOC makes these 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.

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 International Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada, and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Royal Canadian Mint, Ricoh Canada Inc. and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Vincor Canada and Workopolis.

Canadian Pacific, through the ingenuity of its employees located across Canada and in the United States, intends to be the safest, and most fluid railway in North America. Our people are the key to delivering innovative transportation solutions to our customers and to ensuring the safe operation of our trains through the more than 900 communities where we operate. Our combined ingenuity makes Canadian Pacific a better place to work, rail a better way to ship, and North America a better place to live. Come and visit us at www.cpr.ca to see how we can put our ingenuity to work for you. Canadian Pacific is proud to be the official rail freight services provider for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Jan 23

Ricoh Canada Inc. selected as exclusive provider of document solutions for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

As part of the agreement, Ricoh Canada Inc. becomes the exclusive provider for the 2010 Winter Games and will supply document solutions equipment including multifunctional products, facsimiles and document management equipment. Ricoh’s commitment includes pre-Games support for the rapid growth of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) while also providing for the considerable document management needed at Games time, particularly in the media centres.

In recognition of the fact that approximately 10,000 media will cover the Games, Ricoh will also be developing a media advisory committee - involving key members of the Canadian media with direct Olympic and Paralympic experience - which will advise Ricoh on what the document management and information requirements are from the media’s perspective. “The media are, of course, key consumers of information, and delivering a solution that enables them to do their jobs effectively is a major part of what we will consider a successful deployment,” said Martin Brodigan, President and CEO of Ricoh Canada Inc.

With more than 30 million pages of information generated for the Torino 2006 Winter Games, Ricoh and VANOC recognize the scope of work ahead and are focussed on responsible environmental practices. According to Brodigan, “We’re excited to be part of this program, but we also understand the complexity of the task at hand. Effectively managing the volume in an environmentally responsible way is not simply a fortunate side benefit; it is a core requirement.”

Also present at the announcement was VANOC CEO, John Furlong, who confirmed, “Great communication requires great partners and we are pleased to incorporate Ricoh’s award winning product services into our broad reaching communication requirements to stage the 2010 Winter Games. We are delighted to welcome Ricoh and its 800 employees across Canada to the Olympic and Paralympic family.”

Ricoh’s six-year partnership as an Official Supporter with VANOC provides sponsorship rights for the 2010 Winter Games and for the Canadian teams participating at the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

About Ricoh Canada Inc.
Ricoh has a profound respect for the environment and has integrated that respect into its corporate culture. For over 20 years, Ricoh has led the office automation industry in creating eco-friendly products and processes, striving to prevent pollution, to utilize energy and resources efficiently, and to reduce and dispose of waste products in a responsible manner. Ricoh’s target is a 100 per cent recovery and recycle rate. All of Ricoh’s manufacturing facilities have earned ISO 14001 certification, the global standard for environmental management.

Ricoh Canada Inc, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 70-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics, with fiscal year 2005 sales in excess of $17 billion, a 5.6 percent increase over the previous year.

Ricoh Corporation is a leading provider of document solutions. Ricoh’s fully integrated hardware and software products help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents. Ricoh’s line of document management devices include, color and black & white digital imaging systems, facsimile products, printers, scanners, digital duplicators and wide format engineering systems. Additionally, Ricoh offers a wide variety of document and printing solutions directly and through strategic alliances enhancing office productivity and document workflow. Ricoh’s document management software enhances workgroup collaboration and offers secure storage, retrieval and sharing of critical information.

Ricoh Corporation markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America. For fiscal year 2005, Ricoh Corporation sales exceeded $3 billion, an increase of 8.1 percent over the previous year. Ricoh Canada employs over 800 employees nation-wide.

For more information about Ricoh Canada and to view our entire product line, visit: www.ricoh.ca or call 1.888.Ricoh 1st

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.

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 International Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada, and RONA.

VANOC’s Official Supporters include the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, the Royal Canadian Mint, Ricoh Canada Inc. and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Vincor Canada and Workopolis

FACT SHEET

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Games – Quick Facts

Olympic Winter Games Dates: February 12 – 28, 2010

Paralympic Winter Games Dates: March 12 – 21, 2010

Number of Olympic athletes and officials: 5,000

Number of Paralympic athletes and officials: 1,700

Countries participating in Olympic Winter Games: 80+

Countries participating in Paralympic Winter Games: 40+

2010 Games events tickets available: 1.8 million

Estimated number of media representatives: 10,000

Estimated number of Games volunteers: 25,000

Key Dates

2006-2007 Venue construction: 2010 competition and non-competition sites.

2007 Vancouver 2010 Winter Games mascot to be selected.

Winter 2007/2008 2010 Winter Games venues to be available for athlete training.

2008 VANOC to begin volunteer recruitment. An estimated 25,000

volunteers are required to stage the Games.

Aug. 8 – 24, 2008 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, China. VANOC sends an

observation team.

Sept. 6 – 17, 2008 2008 Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing. VANOC sends an

observation team.

2008 Vancouver 2010 Winter Games ticket sales.

2008 Media Accreditation for the 2010 Winter Games. An estimated

10,000 media members expected to be accredited.

Winter 2008/2009 Official test events for the 2010 Winter Games.

Fall 2009 2010 Winter Games Olympic Flame (torch) Relay.