2010 Winter Games Secretariat - News

VANOC Releases 2006-07 Sustainability Report for the 2010 Winter Games

3/31/2008 3:10:14 PM

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today released its second corporate Sustainability Report, re-affirming its commitment to deliver a socially, economically and environmentally responsible Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The report covers the 12-month period between August 1, 2006 and July 31, 2007, and can be viewed at www.vancouver2010.com.

Based on Vancouver 2010 Bid commitments and sustainability reporting guidelines established by the internationally recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the report tracks VANOC’s performance to date on its sustainability objectives. It also discusses the Organizing Committee’s challenges and future plans on sustainability issues within its decision-making authority.

“Sustainability touches everything at VANOC,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “It is a consideration in all our planning and daily activities. With just under two years remaining until the 2010 Winter Games, this report details the steps we are taking to live up to our commitment to convene sustainable Games and to produce enduring benefits locally and globally.”

VANOC’s 2006-07 Sustainability Report takes a comprehensive look at outcomes in six performance areas under VANOC’s direct control: accountability; environmental stewardship and impact reduction; social inclusion and responsibility; Aboriginal participation and collaboration; economic benefits; and sport for sustainable living.

This is the second of five sustainability reports that VANOC intends to issue during the course of the project. It reflects input from the general public, VANOC’s own workforce, and representatives from inner-city, environmental, sustainability, persons with a disability, labour and human rights organizations. While developing the report, VANOC also consulted with its government partners, corporate sponsors and a special multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee it has established to advise its Board of Directors on sustainability performance issues.

“Our team underwent extensive consultation with close to 100 individuals from 40 different organizations about what should be in this report,” said Ann Duffy, VANOC’s corporate sustainability officer. “The feedback and collaboration we received helped guide content as well as selection of the 31 key performance measures used in our second report.”

Two versions of the Sustainability Report are available this year; a shorter ‘snapshot’ version for readers interested in a summary, and a longer, more technical version for those who want more detail. Both versions are available in French and English on the VANOC website.

Areas indicating progress by the Organizing Committee in the 2006-07 report include:

building venues on compact sites that minimize waste from construction
building venues that:
conserve water and energy
reduce greenhouse gas/carbon emissions
provide barrier-free accessibility
compliance with environmental regulations
training opportunities for inner-city youth
support for housing legacies
ethical sourcing and sustainable purchasing
economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples
raising awareness about sport among Aboriginal communities
raising awareness about Paralympic sports locally
workforce safety

Sustainability performance areas VANOC says it is aiming to improve and/or focus on during the next 12 months include:

transportation planning
avoiding disruption or displacement in inner-city communities during Games-time
additional reductions in carbon emissions and development of a program for neutralizing or offsetting the carbon footprint of the Games
food and beverage services
diverting further waste from landfill
training, recruitment and business opportunities for inner-city residents and businesses, Aboriginal communities, persons with a disability, and social and environmental enterprises
public participation opportunities that increase awareness of sustainable living choices

Vancouver 2010 enhances team with the strength and experience of Deloitte's professional services

9/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has selected Deloitte as its Official Supplier of professional services. Deloitte will support VANOC as preparations for the Games increase by providing the Organizing Committee with a wide range of professional services including financial, accounting, strategy, operations and human resources consulting.

As an Official Supplier, Deloitte will receive the opportunity to use Vancouver 2010 marks for promotional purposes and sponsorship rights to the Canadian Olympic Team for the Vancouver 2010 and the London 2012 Games.

“The Olympic Games are the standard of excellence in athletics and the celebration of the human spirit. At Deloitte our vision is to be the standard of excellence,” said Alan MacGibbon, Managing Partner and Chief Executive for Deloitte Canada. “We are excited about being able to serve the diverse professional services needs of VANOC and to help Canada welcome the world to Vancouver in 2010.”

“With a strong 150-year Canadian history and a reputation for integrity, quality and service excellence, Deloitte’s ability to provide innovative ideas and solutions makes them a welcome addition to the Vancouver 2010 team,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted to have them on board.”

Deloitte professionals will begin working with VANOC immediately with some professionals dedicated full time to VANOC and others providing their specialized expertise at various stages through the end of the Games.

ABOUT DELOITTE

Deloitte, one of Canada’s leading professional services firms, provides tax, audit, consulting, and financial advisory services through more than 7,600 people in 56 offices. Deloitte operates in Québec as Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche s.e.n.c.r.l. The firm is dedicated to helping clients and its people excel. Deloitte is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its member firms.

VANOC Board of Directors received positive venue construction report.

9/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

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

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

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

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

CEO and Senior Management Reports

Beijing 2008

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

Budget Update/Functional Reviews

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

Sport

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

Sponsorship

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

Report of the Finance Committee

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

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

Venue Construction Update

Procurement: Only minor awards are outstanding. Procurement for Vancouver 2010 construction is over 93 per cent complete.

Venue contingency analysis: The venues central contingency balance, as of the last report, was $15.77 million. A drawdown of $2 million was approved by the VANOC Board today to cover additional costs at the Whistler Athletes’ Centre that will bring the balance of the venue contingency to $13.77 million. VANOC remains on track to finish its venue construction program on or under its $580 million budget.

Richmond Olympic Oval: Construction is on track to be completed on schedule. Work on removing and replacing roofing material is nearing completion. Installation of a test ice sheet was successfully completed at the beginning of August. A new ice sheet was installed at the beginning of September. Members of the Canadian speed skating team were the first athletes in the world to have access to the Oval and have successfully tested the ice over the past few days.

Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre: Construction is on schedule. The final sand and insulating layers for the curling venue’s competition ice slab are complete. Work on the building’s envelope continues and interior finishes are proceeding. Drywall in the curling venue is 80 per cent complete.

Trout Lake training venue: The concrete building structure and main structural steel and glulam erection are complete. Roof decking is underway. Mechanical and electrical work is ongoing.

Killarney training venue: Concrete tilt-up wall panels and main structural steel have been erected. Arena roof metal decking is one-third complete and roof decking for the lobby is nearly complete. The Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver: Significant progress has been made on all building structures. The bridge and related approach (to access the site) are substantially complete.

Olympic and Paralympic Village Whistler: The Whistler Village townhomes are nearing completion. The bridge and related approaches (to access the site) are substantially complete. Whistler Athletes’ Centre: The steel roof erection is complete on the High Performance Centre. Construction of the lodge building and townhomes is ongoing. Factory fabrication is complete on townhomes, and site installation is ongoing.

Report of the Strategic Communications Steering Committee

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

BACKGROUND:

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

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

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

Next Meeting

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

Demand for 2010 Olympic Sponsorship Strong After Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

9/8/2008 12:00:00 AM

With the recent completion of the incredibly successful Beijing Olympic Games, the start of Canada’s Games in Vancouver and Whistler — and the worldwide attention that comes with it — grows closer every day. Now with nine Worldwide Partners, six National Partners, 10 Official Supporters and 28 Official Suppliers, Vancouver 2010 has become a popular organization to associate with.

“We’ve had overwhelming support from Canadian companies since we were awarded the right to host the 2010 Winter Games,” said Dave Cobb, VANOC executive vice president, revenue, marketing and communications. “The momentum created by the Beijing Games and the unique marketing and hospitality opportunities enjoyed by sponsors has brought a strong interest from companies asking about remaining sponsorship opportunities. This is proof of the ripple effect that one Games can create for another.”

By the numbers

Revenue currently generated from domestic sponsorship for the 2010 Winter Games is at $735 million or 97 per cent of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC’s) overall target of $760 million. National Partner and Official Supporter revenue targets have been achieved, but VANOC expects to sign another six to eight Official Suppliers. When combined with an estimated $200 million to be received from international worldwide sponsorship, VANOC’s total sponsorship commitment will be just under the $1 billion mark — an unprecedented sum in the history of Canadian sports marketing.

New horizons

“Our goal has always been to raise enough money from the private sector to ensure we have a financial surplus at the end of the Games,” Cobb continued. “As such, our team has worked hard to identify and implement other revenue generating programs.”

VANOC’s newer revenue programs — while they do not include marketing rights provided by the corporate sponsorship program — will supply important funding to stage the Games and support the athletes in return for certain rights and benefits. The programs were also developed in response to requests from parties wanting to support the Games, but without the need for marketing rights or the ability to participate as a sponsor. Four examples of these programs are as follows:

Launch of the RONA and VANOC Fabrication Shop in November 2007. (VANOC photo)Friends of the Games is one of the newest additions to VANOC’s revenue programs, which will be primarily used to reduce the cost of VANOC’s goods and services during the procurement process. The donor-based program offers businesses an opportunity to provide required products and/or services to help stage the Games in exchange for a range of benefits, such as networking and hospitality opportunities, and access to purchase a small number of Olympic Family tickets.

The Vancouver 2010 Club is a patron’s program, similar to the donor program developed for the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Games. This new program offers individuals and corporations an opportunity to make a direct contribution towards VANOC’s mission to deliver an extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic experience, with lasting legacies. Part of each financial contribution will be allocated to VANOC’s Charitable Ticketing Fund, which will provide tickets to various underprivileged groups in the Greater Vancouver area and Sea to Sky corridor. In return, Vancouver 2010 Club patrons will receive access to transportation, limited hospitality and a select number of tickets from the Olympic Family allocation.

VANOC has also demonstrated continued success with its Contributing Province/Territory Program and has raised a total of $13.2 million to date supporting operational costs and the Own the Podium (OTP) program.

Lastly, online auctions have been identified as an additional revenue stream for Vancouver 2010. As with past Games, VANOC will implement a substantial auction process to sell collectibles and memorabilia, such as limited edition sports items, leading up to the 2010 Winter Games and beyond.

“Opportunities to purchase these kinds of products will create a once-in-a-lifetime connection to the Games and will no doubt attract sports collectors and enthusiasts from around the world,” said Caley Denton, VANOC vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing.

Companies and/or individuals interested in revenue programs with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games may contact sponsorship@vancouver2010.com.

2010 Aborigival Pavilion to showcase First Nations

2/2/2009 12:00:00 AM

VANCOUVER – Aboriginal and other leaders from across Canada joined the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) in downtown Vancouver today to unveil plans for the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion.

“Today we salute the vision, the coming together and the outreach of our four Chiefs and our four communities,” said Tewanee Joseph, CEO of the Four Host First Nations. “We’d especially like to recognize the strong support we’ve received from VANOC, our federal, provincial and city government partners and the leaders of the Aboriginal communities of Canada.”

Centered on a 65-foot high inflated multi-media sphere, the pavilion will use the latest technology to showcase the diversity of Aboriginal art, business, culture and sport from across Canada. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors will enjoy this experience in the relaxed, informal setting of the Pavilion.

“This pavilion will be a place of pride for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, a place to come together to celebrate our rich history and culture during the 2010 Games,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “The traditional territories of our First Nations partners hold many wonderful stories, and we expect to experience many of them at this unique 2010 Aboriginal gathering place.”

“These are indeed ‘Canada’s Games’ made all the more so by the full participation of the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada,” said Senator Gerry St. Germain. “For this reason, the federal government is pleased to be a partner with the Four Host First Nations Society and with VANOC, as the economic benefits of the Games will extend far beyond these traditional territories to the benefit of all Canadians.”

Special “theme” days will showcase Aboriginal groups from all regions of Canada. Live events will include Inuit throat singing, Métis jigging, hoop dancing, as well as spotlighting contemporary Aboriginal performances and other fields of achievement.

The event hosts are the FHFN Chiefs: Leonard Andrew, Lil'wat Nation; Ernest Campbell, Musqueam Nation; Bill Williams, Squamish Nation; and Leah George-Wilson, Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Other speakers on stage include Premier Campbell; Senator St. Germain, representing the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and the Honourable Gary Lunn, Secretary of State for Sport; National Chief Phil Fontaine, Assembly of First Nations (AFN); Mary Simon, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK); Clément Chartier, President, Métis National Council (MNC); Mayor Gregor Robertson, Vancouver; John Furlong, CEO, VANOC; and Mr. Joseph.

Located on the plaza of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver, within easy walking distance of BC Place and GM Place, the 8,000 square-foot 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion will be right in the heart of Olympic activity, with Vancouver’s Celebration Site located immediately across Cambie Street.

“This plaza is in the heart of our city’s cultural district, and I am so proud that we’ve been able to provide space for the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion at the QE Plaza,” said Mayor Robertson. “The Musqueam, the Squamish and the Tsleil-Waututh have been part of these lands long before we became a city, and I’m so pleased that together we will celebrate Aboriginal contributions here during 2010.”

VANOC CEO John Furlong said “The 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion is a true celebration of the partnerships that have been brought together in the spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Our host First Nations partners have reached out to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada to join them in showcasing the best of themselves to the world through the Pavilion, demonstrating that these indeed are Canada’s Games.”

In keeping with the Salish traditions, honoured guests were called upon to officially witness the event, including Squamish hereditary Chief Gibby Jacob, VANOC Board of Directors; Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit; Grand Chief Matthew Mukash, Grand Council of the Cree; Grand Chief Andy Carvill, Council of Yukon First Nations; President Bruce Dumont, Métis Nation British Columbia; Kevin Mckay, Executive Chair, Nisga'a Lisims Government. FHFN partners from other regions of the country were not able to attend but conveyed their support.

The $3.5-million construction project, supported by VANOC and the FHFN, features a high-tech 3,000 square-foot sphere, surrounded by a Coast Salish Longhouse. The Longhouse, which features a 1,500 square-foot Trading Post, will be relocated after the Games as a permanent legacy. As well, the adjacent 2,000 square-foot QE restaurant will be converted into a Reception Hall, featuring Aboriginal exhibitry and cuisine.

“The 2010 Winter Games represent a turning point in our history,” said National Chief Fontaine. “For the first time in Olympic history, Indigenous Peoples are full partners in hosting these Winter Games and we will work closely with the four Host Nations to ensure there are lasting legacies for our people.”

“The Inuit of Canada are proud participants in 2010, and proud partners of the FHFN,” said ITK President Mary Simon. “We are keen collaborators in sharing the story of Aboriginal Peoples from across Canada with a world audience. It is with pride that Inuit stand with the FHFN in sharing the story of our culture, showing the world the people behind the Inukshuk.”

“Citizens of the Métis Nation are extremely proud of our culture, our heritage and the unique role we have played in building Canada,” said MNC President Clément Chartier. “During the Games, we invite the world to share in our arts and our culture at the pavilion stage, and to experience that pride first hand.”

“This Pavilion will be the Aboriginal gathering place at the biggest potlatch the world has ever seen –the 2010 Games – hosted here within our shared traditional territories,” said Squamish Chief Williams, Chair of the FHFN Board of Directors. “We’re welcoming the world, and this pavilion will be the place to experience the best in Aboriginal culture, business and achievement.”

“Most of Canada’s history has been written in hundreds of years,” said Lil’wat Chief Andrew. “Our peoples have shared these lands for thousands. We look forward to welcoming the world here for an authentic Aboriginal experience in 2010.”

“The people we see gathered here today in support of the FHFN Pavilion shows what can happen when we treat each other with mutual respect,” said Musqueam Chief Campbell. “We are proud partners in these Games, and appreciate that our First Nation, Inuit and Métis friends stand with us here today and will be a welcome part of this Pavilion.”

“This pavilion is our Longhouse. This is where we will welcome friends, family and visitors,” said Tsleil-Waututh Chief George-Wilson. “The Olympic focus on youth and on sport, combined with the experiences this pavilion will offer, will become a very positive story to be told and celebrated by many generations to come.”

The pavilion will open in February 2010 and run throughout the Winter Olympic Games.

VANOC releases updated balanced budget for 2010 Winter Games

1/30/2009 12:00:00 AM

Vancouver, BC — An updated, balanced operating budget of $1.76 billion, with a contingency of $77 million was released today by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). The updated budget places a priority on athletes, sporting competitions and the spectator experience at the Games and on television.

The operating budget was approved by VANOC’s board of directors earlier this month and is designed to ensure great Games and strengthen VANOC’s ability to manage through activities in the final year of preparation, including managing through the global economic downturn. This is VANOC’s final formal budget update.

“We are committed to staging spectacular Games within our available financial resources,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We have a balanced budget with a contingency that we believe positions us well to deliver great Games to the world.”

“Our priority in re-examining our budget has always been to ensure the best experience possible for the world’s best athletes while they’re here in Vancouver and Whistler in 2010,” Furlong added. “The field of play and the atmosphere in the venues must be world-class. We also want to make sure the spectators — from here and guests from around the world — take away great lifelong memories from their Olympic and Paralympic experiences.”

With these priorities in mind, cost savings were identified in areas of VANOC’s budget during an extensive project review to update the budget, and funds were moved to areas such as sport, services and Games operations. The process started in the spring of 2008 and was revisited again in the fall after the world financial slump sharpened.

To make the most accurate comparison to VANOC’s previous $1.63 billion operating budget, the same accounting principles that were used in the business plan released in May 2007 should be used to assess the updated budget. Under this direct comparison, VANOC’s updated total operating budget is relatively unchanged from the previous budget.

However, at this advanced stage in the planning, VANOC is now able to make accurate estimates of certain offsetting revenues and expenses that could not be reasonably estimated in the previous budget. To be consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) VANOC has now budgeted an additional $127 million in revenues and expenses. These offsetting revenues and costs are managed on a break-even basis and result in an updated balanced budget of $1.76 billion.

These offsetting items include a number of products and services VANOC will acquire on a cost-recovery basis for user groups such as the Olympic Family. Examples include buses and cars for sponsors, media and broadcasters; outdoor advertising space; and media facilities in the Main Press Centre such as office space, televisions and computers. These activities are recorded as equal amounts of revenues and expenses and therefore have no net impact on the budget.

A summary, including the previous and current budgets, and a backgrounder explaining changes and break-even items are available at www.vancouver2010.com.

Operating Budget: $1.76 billion (CAD)

Most of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games operating budget is financed by private sector revenue sources. These sources include domestic and international sponsorships, a contribution by the International Olympic Committee, international licensing and merchandising, ticket sales and fundraising.

Venue Construction Budget: $580 million (CAD)

The budget for building new venues and renovating existing facilities to stage the 2010 Winter Games is entirely separate from the operating budget and remains at $580 million. It is equally funded by the Governments of Canada and the Province of British Columbia; the venue construction program is on time, on budget and within a few weeks of completion.

Cultural Olympiad 2009’s seven-week celebration of the arts kicks off this weekend!

1/29/2009 12:00:00 AM

Massive cultural program part of one-year countdown festivities to the 2010 Winter Games

Vancouver, BC — Some of the world’s best will be in Vancouver to play, dance, sing and create as part of the sprawling artistic showcase known as Cultural Olympiad 2009, presented by Bell. It all starts this Sunday with a magical sea of lights and lanterns ushering in the Lunar New Year, and a music-fuelled trip through the zodiac following the Chinese New Year Parade.

More than 400 free and ticketed performances and exhibitions will take place from Sunday, February 1 to March 21 at over 70 venues in Metro Vancouver and British Columbia’s Sea to Sky corridor.

The full slate of events is listed in the Cultural Olympiad 2009 Program Guide, distributed as an insert in the local editions of The Globe and Mail and Vancouver Sun newspapers last weekend and available for free at cafés, cultural centres, public libraries and Bell stores throughout the Games region. The program guide, as well as information about tickets, is also available online at www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad.

“We’re partnering with some of the best and brightest in the Canadian creative community to produce an extraordinary festival of arts and popular culture,” said Burke Taylor vice president, culture and celebrations for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “These events are the perfect antidote to long winter days; those who get out to explore these new experiences will be richly rewarded.”

Robert Kerr, program director for the Cultural Olympiad added: “The program spans music, dance, visual arts, literary arts, theatre, film and new media representing Vancouver, British Columbia and Canadian creative communities. But we’ve also reached out to include some of the most exciting artists on five continents.”

The 2009 program also extends the celebration across Canada through the National Presentation and Touring Program and into the digital sphere with a ground-breaking new suite of programs called CODE (the Cultural Olympiad Digital Edition). Eighty-five per cent of Cultural Olympiad 2009 content is Canadian — half of which is from British Columbia, the host province of the 2010 Winter Games.

“Bell is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, a celebratory showcase of Canadian and international arts and popular culture,” said Loring Phinney, Bell vice president for corporate and Olympic marketing. “Our support of the Cultural Olympiad will help make it possible for even more Canadians to experience the 2010 Winter Games through the delivery of unique and compelling cultural content.”

One of the program highlights is the One-Year Countdown Celebration on February 12, headlined by multiple Grammy and Juno award winner Sarah McLachlan at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. A special Cultural Olympiad collectors’ pin will also be issued and will be available for purchase at the concert in honour of the One-Year Countdown to the 2010 Winter Games.

The first ever “Lantern-A-Mania” — a display of uniquely decorated twinkling lanterns — helps kick off Cultural Olympiad 2009 on February 1. The LunarFest event at the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza is inspired by the ancient traditions of the lunar new year. Another notable event is the Talking Stick Festival, where the artistic wealth of Canada’s First Nations will be honoured. In its eighth year, this week-long event starts February 9 and features over 30 offerings at multiple venues throughout Vancouver.

Other must-sees include: Quebec band Bell Orchestre, featuring members of Arcade Fire, at the Commodore Ballroom on February 19, and the four-night series New Songs, New Voices at the Waterfront Theatre, starting February 25, where the next wave of great Canadian singer-songwriters will be showcased.

Tickets and details about these shows and other Cultural Olympiad events are available at www.vancouver2010.com.

Background

About the Cultural Olympiad

The Cultural Olympiad is a series of multi-disciplinary festivals and digital programs showcasing the best in Canadian and international arts and popular culture. Launched in 2008, this multi-year celebration features an expanded program in 2009 (February 1 to March 21, 2009). The program culminates with the 60-day Cultural Olympiad 2010 (January 22 to March 21, 2010), which begins before and continues throughout the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Partnerships

Corporate

Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner and the exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the presenting sponsor for the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers with solutions to all their communications needs, including telephone services, wireless communications, high-speed internet, digital television and voice-over IP. Bell also offers integrated information and communications technology (ICT) services to businesses and governments, and is the Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO) to small and medium businesses (SMBs). Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. For information on Bell's products and services, please visit www.bell.ca. For corporate information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.

Government

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

About VANOC

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

One year to go to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games: Let’s Make Some Noise Canada!

1/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

Special online toolkit to help every community join in the fun

Vancouver, BC – With only one year to go before Canada hosts the 2010 Winter Games, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is inviting communities across the country to help celebrate the countdown to 2010 in their own unique way.

One of the easiest ways to participate is by simply making some noise on February 12 — one year from the start of the Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony. At exactly 6:00 pm local time, in time zones across the country, Canadians of all ages are invited to make some noise. You can honk car horns in downtown Toronto or sound foghorns in Halifax, ring sleigh bells in Prince George, chant folkloric songs, or dance to Aboriginal drumming in St. John’s . . . anything to show Canadians’ pride as the Games draw near. The noise will roll like a wave of sound across the land as the clock strikes 6:00 pm in each of the country’s six time zones.

In addition to this national cacophony, VANOC has created a One-Year Countdown Celebration Toolkit to serve as a quick and easy inspirational tool to help get each community started on planning its own events. The guide contains more than 20 fun, practical and affordable ideas, as well as information on booking Olympic and Paralympic athletes, staging green activities and an event production checklist.

“Celebrate a local athlete, host a weekend street hockey tourney, or “hurry hard” to organize a community curling bonspiel. Maybe a torchlight parade of skiers suits your town more, or a showcase of the best art, sculpture and performers in a door-to-door culture crawl,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “These are Canada’s Games and we invite the whole country to join in the fun.”

The online toolkit can be downloaded at: http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/about-vanoc/organizing-committee/public-communications/one-year-countdown/-/62600/1n1edlh/index.html .

These ideas are only the beginning. VANOC wants to hear about the unique celebrations planned for every community. Canadians are encouraged to submit ideas and write-ups prior to their event to info@vancouver2010.com with the subject line “One Year To Go.” VANOC will post the event listing and, following the event, a selection of the best photos, videos and stories at vancouver2010.com.

About the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will also host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. An estimated 5,500 Olympic athletes and team officials from more than 80 countries will take part in 86 medal events during the 17-day Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Another 1,350 athletes from more than 40 countries will take part in 64 medal events at the 12-day Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games. In addition, an estimated three billion people worldwide will tune in to watch the Games. For more information, please visit www.vancouver2010.com

City of Richmond Unveils New 2010 Celebration Plans

1/28/2009 12:00:00 AM

In recognition of the global economic downturn, the City of Richmond has revised its legacy and celebration programs for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Council has reduced the City’s financial contribution by almost 40 per cent to $6.3 million from the $10 million originally proposed for its 2010 strategic plan. The total value of the program, with sponsor and partner contributions is estimated to be in excess of $23 million. The revised program will continue to maximize Richmond’s Olympic opportunities for the benefit of all residents, as well as for the City’s partners and sponsors.

“It will create lasting community legacies for Richmond, as well as ensuring all our residents have the opportunity to share in the Olympic Games experience,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “With the changes to the O Zone, we’ve been able to reduce the City’s financial commitment while maintaining the overall integrity of our original program plans. In addition, the City’s investment will leverage millions of dollars in investment from corporate and community partners and sponsors and generate economic spin-offs valued in the tens of millions. Yes, we are bringing the Olympic Games to Richmond, particularly for those families who don’t have tickets for the events, and it’s free.”

The most important change is moving the O Zone, Richmond’s official 2010 Games celebration site, to the heart of the city. Flowing throughout the Minoru Civic Precinct, from Richmond City Hall’s Meeting House and public plaza through to the Richmond Cultural Centre and adjoining civic facilities and into Minoru Park, the O Zone will host a free 2010 Celebration site and festival spanning the 2010 Olympic Winter Games period.

The Richmond O Zone will be a showcase of art, culture, entertainment, sport and people. Features include a main stage with international calibre entertainment and top local performers, the ice zone for open-air skating, the IOC’s Olympic Expo – an exhibition of Olympic Games and athletes’ artefacts and memorabilia – interactive public art, large screens with live feeds to connect to venues and other celebration sites, a taste of the Games, First Nations storytelling and more. The O Zone will also feature a spectacular Ice Gate at its main entrance, a 100-foot long, 14-foot high ice installation created by internationally acclaimed Canadian artist Gordon Halloran.

“The Richmond O Zone will be one of the most exciting places to be during the 2010 games for residents and visitors alike,” added Mayor Brodie. “It will allow us to create memorable Olympic experiences for our residents. Together the Richmond Olympic Oval and the O Zone will make Richmond one of the premier destinations for Olympic participants.”

The new more centralized location provides better transportation access for the entire community, has existing event support infrastructure that allows for more cost effective programming and is better suited to staging a winter-time festival that includes outdoor activities.

The City has already begun discussions with Minoru Park user groups and public consultation will be undertaken with City Centre residents living near the park.

The revised 2010 plan includes an investment of up to $2 million in a number of legacy initiatives, some of which are already underway including programs designed to strengthen the arts and culture community within Richmond and to build volunteer capacity, along with gateway beautification and other initiatives that will promote long-term tourism and economic development

The $6.3 million in funding has already been secured from a variety of City surplus accounts, meaning the 2010 Plan will have no impact on the general operating budget or property taxes.

Ice Gate to Welcome 2010 Visitors to Richmond

2/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Gordon Halloran, the B.C. artist who invented the new art form of paintings made in ice, Paintings Below Zero, has been commissioned to create a monumental installation in the Richmond O Zone, an official celebration site for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The City of Richmond will be an official Venue City for the 2010 Winter Games as home to the speed skating competition at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Richmond has contracted with Halloran to create an enormous “Ice Gate” to serve as the primary entrance to the Richmond O Zone.

Made with a uniquely Canadian art form, Paintings Below Zero, the Ice Gate will be the largest installation the artist has created to date, measuring up to 100 feet in length and 14 feet in height.

Inspired by a glacial wall in its final stages of movement toward the ocean, the installation will evolve over time with natural and planned changes, encouraging visitors to return frequently to observe the activity. The installation, enormous in scale yet intricate in detail, will reveal stunning patterns created by the interaction of pigment with the crystal structure of the ice.

Flowing throughout the Minoru Civic Precinct, from Richmond City Hall’s Meeting House and public plaza through to the Richmond Cultural Centre and adjoining civic facilities and into Minoru Park, the O Zone will be an official celebration site of the 2010 Winter Games and host a nightly free festival of art, culture, entertainment, sport and people. Features include a main stage with international calibre entertainment and top local performers, the ice zone, interactive public art, large screens with live feeds to connect to venues and other celebration sites, a taste of the Games, First Nations storytelling and more.

“The Richmond O Zone is going to be one of the most exciting destinations during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Ice Gate will be a spectacular attraction that will provide a unique welcome to visitors to our celebration site,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.

In 2006, Halloran was Canada’s only official representative at the Cultural Olympiad for the Olympic Winter Games in Turin. His invitation was “an homage to Canada” as host of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Last year, Halloran created an enormous Ice Wall for Chicago’s Millennium Park, an installation called Museum of Modern Ice. The two-sided painting was displayed for the month of February to an audience of over 176,000 people.

Halloran is the only artist in the world creating these paintings in ice. He uses portable refrigeration technology: modular aluminum plates that efficiently conduct the cold. These tabletop-size plates assembled into different configurations help in crating, displaying and maintaining the ice works, regardless of temperatures.

The artist’s past experience of his boyhood in rural Ontario and the vastness of the Canadian winter landscape inspired the artist to work with large ice surfaces.

“Canada is a big country, why not make big paintings?” asks Halloran.

"As a child in Trenton, Ontario, I spent many hours in sub zero temperatures, laying down sheets of backyard ice with my dad's old garden hose. Playing hockey seemed to be the rationale for going to all the trouble, but I remember being reluctant to allow anybody to use the rink – lest they scrape this magical, shiny, newly-flooded creation.

“I’ve always loved the way ice freezes, moves and forms,” Halloran added. “Making an ice rink was probably my first artistic experience.”

For more information on Gordon Halloran visit www.paintingsbelowzero.com.
For more information on the City of Richmond’s plans for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games visit www.richmond.ca.