Tag Archive for 'John Furlong'

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Vancouver 2010 and partners donate $300,000 to UNICEF to help rebuild Haiti as part of Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce – News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on May 7, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Vancouver, BC — To help children and teenagers in Haiti rebuild after the devastating earthquake there on January 12, a $300,000 CAD donation has been made to UNICEF to commemorate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce and to serve as a lasting legacy of Canada’s Games.

The donation, announced today, will provide an opportunity for the children of Haiti to once again play in good health and freedom. The donation is made possible by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), as well as explore.org and the Annenberg Foundation, l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and Teck Resources, an Official Supporter of the 2010 Winter Games and the metals supplier for the Vancouver 2010 medals.

“When a tragic situation occurs, such as the earthquake in Haiti, it is incumbent on all of us to come together as global citizens to assist,” said VANOC CEO John Furlong. “Sport has the power to unite and heal, especially among children, which is why we’re working with our partners through UNICEF. We encourage everyone in the world who watched the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games to continue to support Haiti as it works to rebuild.”

Under the auspices of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce, the $300,000.00 donation has been sent to UNICEF, the lead international organization responsible for relief and assistance to youth in Haiti. Over the past few weeks, various organizations have collectively pooled their funding to create a greater overall contribution, including: the Annenberg Foundation ($50,000) through the multimedia organization explore.org; Teck Resources and its employees ($156,000); l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) ($45,000); and VANOC (approximately $54,000).

VANOC’s contribution was raised in part by workforce members and the public at events such as the Olympic Torch Relay celebration in Vancouver and the opening night of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, as well as from the corporate Vancouver2010 Olympic truce budget. Other sponsors have also made separate, considerable donations towards relief efforts in Haiti.

“In the spirit of the Olympic Games, which embraces camaraderie and teamwork, Teck Resources is pleased to be able to provide assistance to the people of Haiti so that they may rebuild their country and create a better tomorrow,” said Don Lindsay, CEO of Teck Resources.

Charles Annenberg Weingarten, explore.org founder and vice president and director of the Annenberg Foundation, added: “In line with explore.org’s philanthropic mission to provide grant funding to exceptional organizations, a $50,000 grant was pledged to UNICEF in support of the Olympic Truce and Haitian relief efforts. Explore.org shares the values of inclusion, tolerance and respect, using film and photography from around the world to highlight and inspire the selfless acts of others.”

“The OIF would like to demonstrate a solidarity with Haïti and its youth,” said Audrey Delacroix, spokesperson for the OIF. “In addition to this financial contribution, the OIF will be also be at the disposal of the Haïtian authorities should they wish to use our expertise in any way.”

The OIF was represented in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games by Pascal Couchepin, Grand Témoin de la Francophonie. Couchepin was tasked in 2009 by Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), with supporting VANOC’s efforts to ensure bilingual Games in Vancouver and Whistler.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce legacy donation is in addition to a commitment made by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge on the eve of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games that the Olympic Movement would be supporting reconstruction of sport facilities for Haitian youth.

About the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce
The philosophy of the Olympic Truce is simple: sport can inspire peace. In 2010, athletes will set aside their political, religious and social differences and compete on a level playing field in the pursuit of excellence. Their sportsmanship and behaviour are examples of how countries and individuals can find constructive ways to uphold the values of respect and friendship.

The 2010 Winter Games mark the first time Canada has been responsible for leading Olympic Truce efforts since the ancient tradition, dating back to 776 BC in Greece, was revitalized in 1992. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, is patron of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce. For more information, visit www.olympictruce.org.

About Teck Resources Limited
Teck is a diversified resource company committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, metallurgical coal, zinc and energy. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TCK.A and TCK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TCK. Further information about Teck can be found at www.teck.com/vancouver2010.

About explore.org
Explore.org is a multimedia organization that documents leaders around the world who have devoted their lives to extraordinary causes. Both educational and inspirational, explore.org creates a portal into the soul of humanity by championing the selfless acts of others. Founded on the principles of the film style cinema vérité, explore.org anchors its content in unbiased realism. www.explore.org  

About l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, created in 1970, represents one of the biggest linguistic zones in the world. Its members share more than just a common language. They also share the humanist values promoted by the French language. The French language and its humanist values represent the two cornerstones on which l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie is based. Its mission is to embody the active solidarity between its 70 member states and governments. For more information, visit www.francophonie.org.

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

 

Media Contacts:

VANOC Communications
Tel: 604.403.1611
E-mail: mediarelations@vancouver2010.com

explore.org
Liz Marks
liz@explore.org
310.209.4577

Teck
Kate Best
Tel: 604.862.2280
E-mail: kbest@national.ca

Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
Anissa Barrak, head of communications
anissa.barrak@francophonie.org
Nathalie Heneman, officer in charge of media relations
Tel. (+33) 1 44 37 32 52 nathalie.heneman@francophonie.org

 

VANOC commends Government of Canada for Own the Podium contribution in federal budget – News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on May 7, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Vancouver, BC?? The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today commended the Government of Canada for committing an additional $17 million annually in funding in support of the Own the Podium program: $11 million for winter athletes and $ 6 million for summer athletes. The funding announcement came as part of the Government of Canada’s release of the federal budget.

“The Prime Minister and Government of Canada have today confirmed that sport counts in Canada – that sport is an important and vibrant part of the fabric of life in our country,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Canadian winter athletes, through their stellar performance at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and at the upcoming Paralympic Games, are making a significant impact on the country, inspiring national pride and a showing what can be done when confidence is raised to the highest level through strong support. Our summer athletes have tremendous potential as they prepare for the London 2012 Games,” he said.

“As the Own the Podium 2010 program showed, ultimately, it’s about partnership, and corporate Canada played an important and meaningful role, demonstrating that a private /public partnership can not only work, but can win.  We encourage corporate Canada to continue to support these programs and, together with the Government of Canada, to build on the success of Vancouver 2010,” he concluded. 

The Own the Podium 2010 program played a critical role in developing the strongest Canadian Olympic and Paralympic teams ever, as demonstrated by the outstanding performance of Canada’s athletes at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and what promises to be a best ever performance at the 2010 Paralympic Games.  Canada set a new all-time team high at the 2010 Olympic Games with 26 medals, including 14 gold medals ? the highest number of gold medals Canada has ever won at any Games, and the most gold medals ever won by any nation at an Olympic Winter Games. The program is a partnership of Canada’s 13 winter national sport organizations, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Sport Canada and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) .

Approximately half of the funding originated from the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada. VANOC raised the other half through corporate, provincial, territorial, and public support. Bell Canada is the founding corporate partner and other corporate partners include General Motors of Canada, Hudson’s Bay Company, McDonald’s Canada, Petro-Canada, RBC Financial Group and RONA. Provincial and territorial support is provided by the governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

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

Media Contact:
VANOC Communications
Tel: 604.403.1611
E-mail: mediarelations@vancouver2010.com

 

First-ever Canadian Paralympic Torch Relay signals the start of Vancouver/Whistler Games – News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on May 7, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Unique flame ceremonies to see ashes from all 13 celebration sites united in final flame at Opening Ceremony March 12

Ottawa, ON ? As Canada gets ready to host the world’s best Paralympic winter athletes starting on March 12, the inspirational 10-day journey of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay is officially underway with the first group of Paralympic Torchbearers – one from each province and territory – gathering in the nation’s capital to create stories that will inspire the nation. More than 600 torchbearers will proudly carry the flame as the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC and supported by the Government of Canada and the Province of BC, visits 11 communities over the next 10 days, culminating in the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron at BC Place in downtown Vancouver on March 12, 2010. Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are still available (see ticketing information below).

The Paralympic Flame, which has no ancestral home, was ignited and blessed this morning by Aboriginal firekeepers of the Pikwakanagan and Kitigan Zibi Algonquin bands on Victoria Island during a special ceremony. It was then placed in a lantern and brought to the Parliament Buildings where it was passed to three youth representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Métis National Council.

They in turn brought the trio of flames to the stage located on the Hill’s historic front lawn where Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed and Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob, on behalf of the Four Host First Nations, reunited the flames in the Paralympic Cauldron.

Arnold Boldt, celebrated multi-sport Paralympian with many world records to his credit, officially sparked the start of the flame’s journey when he dipped his torch into the Paralympic community cauldron in front of a crowd including the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada; the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages; the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport); the Honourable Mary McNeil, Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed; Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee; and John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

“To carry the Paralympic Flame is truly an honour,” said Boldt, who triumphed on home soil at the Toronto 1976 Paralympic Games in the long jump and set a world record of 1.86 metres in the high jump. “I hope it sparks inspiration and dreams in people of all abilities across Canada and the world as it travels to Vancouver for the start of the Games. Dreams will come true here in 2010.”

Boldt handed off the flame to 15 other torchbearers at the ceremony in Ottawa ? one to represent each province and territory. The torchbearers were:

  • Founding president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Dr. Robert Steadward (Alberta);
  • comedian Rick Mercer (British Columbia);
  • daughter of seven-time Paralympian Clayton Gerein, Jasmine Gerein (Saskatchewan);
  • swimmer Chelsea Gotell (Nova Scotia);
  • swimmer Erica Noonan (Newfoundland and Labrador);
  • golfer Simon Koomak (Nunavut);
  • medal-winning Paralympian Jared Funk (Manitoba);
  • advocate for the rights of people with disabilities Rick Goodfellow (Yukon);
  • ice sledge hockey player Colin MacLeod (Prince Edward Island);
  • singer-songwriter Justin Hines (Ontario);
  • Paralympic wheelchair racer Dean Bergeron (Quebec);
  • para-swimmer Katherine Elkin (Northwest Territories);
  • four-time Paralympian and wheelchair basketball player Sabrina Pettinicchi Durepos (New Brunswick).

Aboriginal dance champion, volunteer, athlete and coach, Justine Belair was selected as a representative of Canada’s Aboriginal communities and the final torchbearer during the Ottawa celebration was marathon runner Rick Ball, selected by VANOC, a three-time world record holder and 2012 Paralympic Summer Games hopeful. 

“The Paralympic Torch Relay is designed to illuminate the extraordinary achievements of Paralympians and celebrate the endless possibilities of the human spirit,” said John Furlong. “We encourage Canadians to come out and experience the energy and wonder of the Paralympic Flame throughout its 10-day journey.” 

“The Paralympic Torch Relay ignites the flame in each one of us, as we witness this exciting lead-in to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. It will be a magnificent journey for the world to see, with each Aboriginal custom representing not only their own origins, but the Paralympic spirit and values,” said Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee.

The Paralympic Flame, carried in a curved steel blue torch designed and manufactured by Bombardier, will visit community celebration sites as follows:

  • Ottawa (March 3)
  • Quebec City (March 4)
  • Toronto (March 5)
  • Victoria and Esquimalt (March 6)
  • Squamish (March 7)
  • Whistler (March 8)
  • Lytton and Hope (March 9)
  • Maple Ridge (March 10)
  • Vancouver (March 10, 11 and 12)

All the torchbearers will receive as their own official keepsake, the matching blue torchbearer uniform, produced by the Hudson’s Bay Company.

“This flame highlights the courage and determination of the Paralympic athletes who have been training long and hard and are ready to shine at the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games,” said the Prime Minister. “The people of Canada are proud that for the first time in our history, we are hosting the Paralympic Winter Games.”

To start each day of the relay, a new Paralympic Flame will be created by members of the local Aboriginal community, in accordance with their customs, wherever the daily torch relay celebration is taking place.  Ashes from each flame creation ceremony will be collected and united in the final fire on March 11 at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and then carried to the official opening of the Games

“The Government of Canada is extremely proud to support the Paralympic Torch relay, which will allow us to show Canadian excellence to the entire world,” said James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. “Canada is getting ready to host the Paralympic Winter Games for the first time. It will be great to celebrate this important moment in our history with Canadians from all over the country.”

“Collecting and uniting ashes from each ceremony will truly bring the entire country together as the Paralympic Winter Games approach in the Host Province of British Columbia,” said Mary McNeil, Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC.  “We have seen the ability of a tiny flame to inspire this country. We want the Paralympic Flame to create a flicker in British Columbians, Canadians and citizens of the world — a flicker of inspiration, moments of pride and a renewed belief that anything is possible.”

On March 11, 2010, the relay will turn into a 24-hour event through Vancouver’s downtown core surrounding Robson Square as part of a day-long celebration of culture and sport counting down the final moments until the magical Opening Ceremony of the Games in front of tens of thousands at BC Place. 

“The world’s best winter Paralympians are powerful reminders that if you keep pursuing your dreams, no matter the obstacles, you can achieve great things,” said Mayor Robertson. “We look forward to welcoming these inspirational athletes to our city and cheering on all the amazing people who will carry the flame on its journey to Vancouver for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.”

“This relay is all about celebrating everyday heroes who embody the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration, and equality in their everyday life — much like the Paralympians who will inspire us with their performances in Whistler at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Olympic Games, starting in just 10 days,” said Mayor Melamed.

For more information on the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay, visit www.vancouver2010.com/torchrelay.

About the 2010 Paralympic Games/ Ticket information

Approximately 1,000 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries will take part in five sports (alpine and cross-country skiing, ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling and biathlon) at the Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler. The international sporting event comes just 12 days after the region hosts the Olympic Winter Games.

Tickets for all Paralympic events are available at www.vancouver2010.com. Tickets for the Opening Ceremony at BC Place on March 12 range in price from $30 to $175. Individual ticket prices to sport events start at $15. Group ticket prices — available for most sport events for groups of 20 or more people — are just $10. More than 70 per cent per cent of all individual tickets are priced at $20 or less.

Customers may also purchase tickets at Main Ticket Centre locations in Vancouver and Whistler operated by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), or by phone at 1.800.TICKETS (1.800.842.5387). A TDD/TTY service is available for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing at 604.629.7140.

About VANOC

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

About the Government of Canada

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

About Coca-Cola and the Olympic and Paralympic Movements

The Coca-Cola Company has been associated with the Olympic Games since 1928 and is the longest continuous corporate supporter of the Olympic Movement. Through the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Coca-Cola encourages people to create their own path of “positivity” in everyday life by believing that anything is possible. The Coca-Cola Company is the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage provider to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information about Coca-Cola Canada, please visit our website at www.cocacola.ca or our parent company’s website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About RBC

As part of our commitment to help create a better Canada, RBC sponsors amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport associations that support the development of amateur athletes who compete at home and abroad. As a long standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Teams, RBC continues its sponsorship through the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and is proud to help showcase Olympic and Paralympic sport as presenting partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays.  RBC is also a premier sponsor of Hockey Canada, the Canadian Snowboard Team, the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team, Athletics Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Visit www.rbc.com/sponsorship.

About the Government of British Columbia
The Government of British Columbia is the proud Host Province for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Paralympic Torch Relay represents a significant opportunity to create understanding and awareness about people with disabilities and the Paralympic Movement. Through the Paralympic Torch Relay, the Government of British Columbia is promoting healthy communities, healthy lifestyles and individual excellence. For more information on British Columbia’s contribution to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, visit www.gov.bc.ca/themes/2010olympics.

Closing Ceremony: Canada says congratulations and goodbye to world’s top winter athletes – News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on May 7, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

After 17 wonderful days of top athletic competition, Canada says congratulations and goodbye to world’s top winter athletes during light-hearted Closing Ceremony of 2010 Olympic Winter Games

Ceremony pokes fun, celebrates three of Canada’s greatest exports:
talent, innovation and humour with homegrown comedic talents, musical superstars

See the Closing Ceremony photo gallery

Vancouver, BC ? Canada bid adieu to the world’s best winter athletes tonight, ending 17 days of thrilling athletic achievements and rousing displays of patriotism with a spectacular ceremony full of pomp and circumstance and a tongue-in-cheek homage to Canadiana for the official closing of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Relaxed and joyous in spirit to reflect the celebratory atmosphere of the athletes, the ceremony started with a dramatic countdown by more than one thousand young British Columbians chanting “Vancouver” and slamming down their snowboards like dominoes to form the countdown numbers and the iconic words “strong and free” from O Canada.

The more than 2,600 Olympians who competed at Canada’s Games entered the indoor stadium no longer grouped by nation but altogether as “one nation of athletes.” They appeared as Nikki Yanofsky, Derek Miller and Eva Avila belted out the upbeat debut of the song Let’s Have a Party written expressly for the night.

“Athletes of the world, at your hands and through your determination and tenacity we have felt every imaginable emotion,” said John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “We have lived the agony and the ecstasy with you as if we ourselves were competing. Boys and girls you will never meet now know that it is possible to achieve greatness through the power of a dream.

“I believe we Canadians tonight are stronger, more united, more in love with our country, and more connected with each other than ever before. These Olympic Games have lifted us up. That quiet, humble national pride we were sometimes reluctant to acknowledge seemed to take to the streets as the most beautiful kind of patriotism broke out all across our country.

“And finally to those who have watched us all over the globe we hope you enjoyed these Games and the telling of our humble Canadian story. The young men and women you sent here are coming home ? you can be very proud of them.”

During the ceremony, Vancouver 2010 volunteers Ingman Bysse, Julien Capraro, Julia Li, and Bet Tuason were recognized with bouquets of flowers as a tribute to the tireless 18,500 volunteers who have worked hard ? some for years ? to help welcome the world and make Canada’s Games a success.

The night also featured the official handover of the Olympic flag by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson to Anatoly Pakhomov, mayor of Sochi — Host City of the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014 showcasing the best of Russian culture and sport, including Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova as a magical fairy, a live orchestral performance from Red Square led by maestro Valery Gergiev in Vancouver, members of the Bolshoi and Kirov ballets, and opera singer Mariya Gulegina performing atop a stylized troika, or three-horse Russian sleigh, encased in a glowing white “zorb.”

“We have shared the joy of dreams fulfilled. We have been moved by tears of elation and tears of disappointment. We have witnessed extraordinary acts of courage and exceptional determination by athletes who refused to give up. Thank you to the people of Canada, for your generous hospitality, your warmth, and this unique and joyous celebration of Olympism,” said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge.

“And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the XXI Olympic Winter Games closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in Sochi, to celebrate the XXII Olympic Winter Games.”

The most emotional moment of the night came as the tens of thousands of spectators watched as the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Cauldron flickered and then was extinguished by falling snow in BC Place as Canadian rock legend Neil Young sang Long May You Run in tribute to the athletes. Olympic fans gathered outside at the legacy cauldron, located along the Vancouver waterfront, as it was simultaneously extinguished around 6:30 pm Pacific Time.

The later part of the evening was devoted to a cheeky audiovisual and musical extravaganza of Canada’s three greatest exports: talent, innovation and humour. Three of Canada’s most famous actors (didn’t know they were Canadian, eh?!) — Star Trek’s William Shatner, SCTV alumnus and Hollywood comedic talent Catherine O’Hara, as well as Family Ties and Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox — kicked off the segment. Shatner gave a bravo performance on the glories of the Great White North’s landscape called We Dream Big, while O’Hara poked fun at the Canadian reputation for politeness in We’re Sorry. In his routine We Will Claim You, Fox warmly declared all the world’s athletes Canadian as they prepare to depart for home.

David Atkins, executive producer and artistic director, and Ignatius Jones, artistic director, created and produced the ceremony with a Canadian and international artistic team including director of design Doug Paraschuk, director of music Dave Pierce and director of choreography Jean Grand-Maître.

“We would like to thank that country for giving us the opportunity to work with them, those fabulous, warm, chronically polite and frankly, crazy Canucks. They’ve battled so hard to create these ceremonies, and laughed and smiled and pushed on when we asked them to do yet another impossible thing,” said Atkins, and Jones.

“We’d like to thank our truly magnificent crew, many of whom have travelled from every corner of the globe to work with the Canadian team and who’ve done an unbelievable job. And of course, we’d like to thank Vancouver, for pulling out all the stops to show the world what it can do. So party hard, Canada, BC, Vancouver and Whistler. Tonight the applause is yours, and you’ve earned it all.”

The fun continued with an elaborate ? and deliberately over-the-top ? musical routine in the style of Hollywood master Busby Berkeley playing off some of Canada’s most iconic and lampooned cultural imagery. As crooner Michael Bublé gave a swinging, jazzy rendition of the Canadian standard The Maple Leaf Forever he was joined by singing and dancing performers dressed in the red serge uniforms of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), tabletop hockey players, voyageurs, lumberjacks, dancing canoes, flying maple leaves, giant inflatable beavers and moose, as well as a motorized Stetson hat in homage to this staple of the traditional RCMP uniform.

As the athletes flooded back onto the main stage, one of Canada’s most famous rock bands — Nickelback — launched into rockin’ renditions of their hits How You Remind Me and Burn It to the Ground, followed by songstresses Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette, Montreal-based punk-pop outfits Simple Plan and Hedley, and French-Canadian pop-rock idol Marie-Mai and the rollicking kitchen party folk and world beat rhythms of La Bottine Souriante.

Toronto-born award-winning rapper k-os ended the evening on a joyous note with a wicked Eye Know Something as hundreds of hip-hop dancers from XXS (Xtreme Soul Style), NON (Now or Never) and Hip Hop Youth of Vancouver took over the aisles and stage with Scrap Arts Music and Beat Nation Drummers playing along.

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

See John Furlong’s speech from the Closing Ceremony and the Ceremony’s photo gallery

Opening Ceremony: My greatest day, says Gretzky – AFP News : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on February 13, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Vancouver (AFP) – Ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky said lighting the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games was one of the greatest days of his life.

Gretzky, widely-regarded as the best player of all time, helped light the cauldron inside the BC Place indoor arena before leaping onto a pick-up truck to make the trip to the waterfront Coal Harbour where he lit the permanent flame for the February 12-28 Games.

“Obviously, it was one of the great days of my life not only for me but my entire family, starting today with my dad getting the chance to run with the torch,” said Gretzky, whose father Walter had run in the relay earlier Friday.

The Ceremony suffered a technical hitch when only three of the four columns, designed to support the temporary cauldron inside BC Place, rose from the ground.

That left Gretzky, NBA star Steve Nash and Olympic gold medal skier Nancy Greene Raine to simultaneously light the cauldron while fourth torch bearer, speed-skater Catriona LeMay Doan, was forced to stand by.

“We’ve all known (about the ceremony duties) since about October second. We promised we’d keep it a secret. We didn’t even tell each other,” added Gretzky.

“The last thing he (VANOC chief executive officer John Furlong) said to us before he asked us to take on the responsibility was that ‘if it gets out you’re replaced’ so none of us wanted to talk about it.”

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Vancouver 2010 cauldron to stand as permanent legacy of Games in downtown Vancouver Terasen Gas Inc. provides iconic symbol located at Jack Poole Plaza – News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on February 12, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Vancouver, BC ? In a celebration of the 2010 Winter Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron will become a permanent landmark on the Vancouver waterfront through a legacy partnership announced tonight between Terasen Gas Inc. and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

This legacy will ensure the cauldron, lit tonight by Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky at the conclusion of the spectacular Olympic Opening Ceremony at BC Place, will be a lasting reminder of the Games.

Gretzky, the all-time record holder for goals scored in the National Hockey League (NHL) and executive director of the Team Canada gold medal-winning men’s hockey team at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Games, ignited the almost 10-metre-high steel and glass cauldron after a flatbed truck transported him and the Olympic Flame through the streets of downtown Vancouver to the waterfront location.

“The cauldron and the flame ignite the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games and will be a source of inspiration to people in B.C. and around the world. Terasen Gas is pleased to partner with VANOC and this cauldron is a very fitting way for us to contribute to the Games and provide a legacy for British Columbians and all visitors to our province for years to come,” said Randy Jespersen, Terasen Gas Inc.’s president and CEO.

The cauldron, which VANOC designed and fabricated, is located on the west side of the International Broadcast Centre at Jack Poole Plaza at 1055 Canada Place. The plaza will be officially dedicated at a later date in memory of Poole; the founding chairman of VANOC’s board of directors. Poole passed away in October 2009 just hours after the Olympic Flame was lit in Greece signalling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

“This is a special night for all British Columbians, for Canadians and for Olympic fans around the world. Terasen’s contribution means the spark of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will forever burn in people’s memories whenever they visit this incredible location,” said the Honourable Gordon Campbell, premier of British Columbia.

“This is particularly special because now one of the most photographed and visible icons of the Games will be forever located here in Jack Poole Plaza. This place is named in honour of a great friend and visionary who was instrumental in bringing the Olympic Spirit to our province and back to Canada for a third time.”

The cauldron will be shown throughout the world during broadcasts of the Games and will showcase the scenic backdrop of majestic snow-capped North Shore Mountains and the waters of Burrard Inlet. It will also be used for the Paralympic Winter Games, which officially open a month later on March 12, 2010.
“Four outstanding Canadian athletes lit the iconic ceremonial cauldron in BC Place tonight and on their behalf Wayne Gretzky has now carried the Olympic Flame to the end of its incredible journey across our great land. This flame and these four athletes have touched millions of Canadians and we hope this moment will inspire the world’s athletes in the pursuit of their dreams,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s CEO. “They have travelled this journey with us since we won the bid in 2003 and it is only fitting that they are here tonight and that the cauldron lit by Wayne Gretzky will serve as a lasting legacy of the Games in the city.”

Gregor Robertson, mayor of the City of Vancouver, also acknowledged the importance of this legacy to the Host City of the Games. “We deeply appreciate Terasen’s legacy to the people of Vancouver. This cauldron and its flame will draw people not only during February and March 2010 but in the years to come as a potent symbol of our time in the limelight as the successful host of the world’s best winter athletes.”

Under its agreement with VANOC, Terasen Gas Inc. has a right to market and promote their association with the 2010 Winter Games, as well as with the Canadian Olympic Teams competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games. In return, Terasen Gas Inc. made a financial investment in the Games by funding the cost of the cauldron.

About Terasen Gas
Terasen Gas is composed of the operations of Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc. and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc., both indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. The Terasen Gas utilities serve over 95 per cent of the natural gas consumers in B.C. in 125 communities across the province. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, serves approximately 2,100,000 gas and electric customers and has total assets exceeding $12 billion. Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.

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

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

VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, Bombardier, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada, Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Resources.

VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Acklands-Grainger, Aggreko, ALDA Pharmaceuticals Corp., Aquilini Investment Group, Avaya Canada Corp., Birks, Britco, Canada Post, Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium, Canwest Publishing, COLD-FX, Concord Pacific, Deloitte, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills, Hain Celestial Canada, Haworth Canada, Jackson Triggs, Karl’s Global Events Inc,. La Presse, Millennium Development Corp., Molson, Nike Canada Corp., Offsetters, Port Metro Vancouver, Purolator Courier Ltd., Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, SNC-Lavalin Inc., Sun Microsystems of Canada, Terasen Gas Inc., The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Weston Bakeries, Workopolis and Wrigley Canada.

VANOC confirms next steps with regard to investigation of death of Georgian luge athlete – News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on February 12, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

February 12, 2010, Vancouver – VANOC confirms the following next steps with regard to the death of the Georgian luge athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili, during the final training session at the Whistler Sliding Centre this morning.

The investigation on the cause of death of Mr. Kumaritashvili is led by the Coroners Service of British Columbia and the RCMP.

The Coroners Service of British Columbia is responsible for the investigation of all unnatural, sudden and unexpected, unexplained or unattended deaths. No other details are available at this time. 

A second investigation is underway by the Federation International de Luge (FIL). 

The next update from VANOC and the IOC on this tragic accident will be Saturday, February 13th at 11:00am at the Main Media Centre when the IOC and VANOC begin their regularly scheduled daily briefings.

There will be several measures taken on Friday evening at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games to honor the 21 year old luge athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili.

The President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge and the VANOC Chief Executive Officer, John Furlong, will honor the memory of Mr. Nodar Kumaritashvili during the Ceremony. The Olympic and Canadian Flags will be lowered to half mast, and the audience will also have the opportunity to participate in honoring him.

The Georgian National Olympic Committee (NOC) and its athletes announced this afternoon that they will wear black stripes as they march in the Opening Ceremonies to recognize their teammate’s untimely death.  They will also place a black patch on the Georgian flag that will be raised immediately following the parade of athletes. 

MikeDski: VANOC CEO John Furlong is a class act. #Olympics

Published on February 12, 2010 in Athletes twitter. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

MikeDski: VANOC CEO John Furlong is a class act. #Olympics

Joint Statement from IOC, VANOC and FIL – News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on February 12, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

It is with great regret that we confirm the death of the Georgian luge athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili, during the final training session at the Whistler Sliding Centre, this morning.

Mr Kumaritashvili died after crashing on the last corner of the course during training.  Doctors were unable to revive the athlete, who died in hospital.

“Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the athlete.  The whole Olympic Family is struck by this tragedy, which clearly casts a shadow over these Games”, said the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge.

“We are deeply struck by this tragedy and join the IOC in extending our condolences to the family, friends and teammates of this  athlete, who came to Vancouver to follow his Olympic dream”, said John Furlong, the CEO of VANOC, the Games Organising Committee.

For the International Luge Federation, President Josef Fendt said: “This is a terrible accident.  This is the gravest thing that can happen in sport, and our thoughts and those of the ‘luge family’, are naturally with those touched by this event.”

An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the accident. Training was suspended and technical officials are now trying to establish the causes. 

Governor General of Canada hosts high-energy gathering of youth to empower Canada’s young leaders, promote peace as part of Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce – News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

Published on February 11, 2010 in Olympics. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Vancouver, BC — To the thumping rhythms of Aboriginal drumming and hip hop, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, hosted a spirited celebration today of Canada’s multicultural identity and the ability of sport to inspire peace.

On the eve of the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, more than 500 young leaders from across the country, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth involved in the Vancouver 2010 Indigenous Youth Gathering, came together to participate in the GG’s 2010 Olympic Truce Youth Dialogue: Promoting Mutual Understanding at the Vancouver Public Library in downtown Vancouver. 

The youth were delighted to discuss global issues and peace with dignitaries and leaders such as

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco; Canadian astronaut Julie Payette; Pascal Couchepin, Grand Témoin de la Francophonie; Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo; and Justice Murray Sinclair, chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“Joining these indigenous youth leaders from across Canada is absolutely a powerful and life changing opportunity,” explained Chibon T. Everstz, a participant and member of the Kahnawake Mohawk Nation. “I am humbled and honoured to represent my people at such an important gathering of culture and nations.”

Alyssa Harrison of Langley, BC, added: “I think it’s one of Canada’s greatest strengths and sources of pride that we are able to acknowledge and embrace the individuality and beauty of the diverse cultures and peoples that comprise this beautiful country.”
As patron of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce, the Governor General has held similar dialogues across the country to encourage young people to become ambassadors of peace and solidarity and empower them to create a more compassionate, just and fraternal world. The upbeat conversation style of these public forums encourages young people to share and hear from others their age, as well as be inspired by the life stories and experiences of Olympic athletes, foreign dignitaries, government officials, and other special guests.

“At the heart of the Olympic Truce is the idea that sport can inspire peace and the 2010 Olympic Winter Games are a great example of how this can happen,” said John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “This 17-day event here in Canada will show how people from different nations, cultures, and religions can put aside their differences and compete in the spirit of excellence and friendship. And, if it can be done for 17 days, why not for a longer period of time? It shows us all what is possible when we try.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce Program has focused on taking a grassroots approach to explore how peace, mutual understanding, inclusion and co-operation can be used in communities to resolve many of the common challenges faced by society today. Through a number of initiatives surrounding the theme “Make Your Peace,” the program has encouraged Canadians and the world to adopt a philosophy of peace in their lives and communities.

This idea is beautifully demonstrated in Room to Make Your Peace, an interactive art installation located at the library where people turn their peace reflections into delicate pieces of origami and send them into flight. Participants at the youth dialogue added their thoughts on peace to the installation, which members of the public and the online community are contributing to during the Games period.

These small “peace” creations, each with their own little LED light, collect high above the pedestrian atrium and shimmer in the air as the collective art piece grows in size with each contribution. The installation reminds us that peace requires intention and action.

The GG’s Youth Dialogue is part of the Sharing the Dream Webcast Series, a Ministry of Education-led component of the Vancouver 2010 Education Program where senior leadership students conduct live online interviews of renowned people on topics related to the overarching theme of global citizenship and to components of the Vancouver 2010 Education Program.

Editors Note:

A webcast of the GG’s Youth Dialogue is available at www.sharingthedream.gov.bc.ca/resources/webcasts/welcome.php as part of the British Columbia Ministry of Education’s Sharing the Dream webcast series. The webcast is also available at www.gg.ca.

About the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce
The philosophy of the Olympic Truce is simple: sport can inspire peace. In 2010, athletes will set aside their political, religious and social differences and compete on a level playing field in the pursuit of excellence. Their sportsmanship and behaviour are examples of how countries and individuals can find constructive ways to uphold the values of respect and friendship.

The 2010 Winter Games mark the first time Canada has been responsible for leading Olympic Truce efforts since the ancient tradition, dating back to 776 BC in Greece, was revitalized in 1992. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, is patron of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce. For more information, visit www.olympictruce.org.

About VANOC

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