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Official source of Olympic Games tickets, merchandise, results, medals, schedules, athletes, teams, news and photos for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics
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Overtime pucks added to gold medal game pucks on sale at www.vancouver2010.com/auction Vancouver, BC ? The permanent home of perhaps the most famous six ounces of hard rubber in hockey history ? the puck with which Canada?s Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal on Team USA during the overtime period of the Olympic gold medal game ? will go to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and four pucks used in the same overtime period are now available for purchase at www.vancouver2010.com/auction International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President René Fasel and Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) CEO John Furlong jointly made the announcement of the donation of the gold medal winning puck to the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF). The famous puck has been delivered by the IIHF to the HHOF, where it will be put onto public display as soon as possible. VANOC also confirmed that four pucks used in the overtime period and collected for VANOC by on-ice officials have been added to the selection of sport memorabilia now available through public auction at vancouver2010.com/auction. All of the pucks feature the Olympic rings in white and Vancouver 2010?s distinctive blue and green Look of the Games. Gold medal game winning puck: The game winning puck was retrieved through joint efforts by the IIHF, VANOC and the HHOF to locate it following the game. In the celebrations and tumult of media attention and post-game activities, various officials who had possession of the puck could not immediately identify the appropriate person to hand it off to and so safeguarded it until it could be handed over directly to the IIHF last week. Photos of the gold medal game winning puck are available with this news release and at http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/media-centre/image-gallery/event-photos/event-photos_144050sl.html ?I am happy to see that the puck is going to the hockey hall of fame,? said Sidney Crosby. ?I feel very lucky to have been part of that team and that game as well and I am glad hockey fans will get the chance to share the moment by seeing things like the overtime winning puck up close.? ?What an incredible hockey tournament in Vancouver capped off with a gold medal game that will never be forgotten,? said René Fasel. ?The IIHF is proud to help ensure that this valuable piece of hockey history will hold an honoured place for all to see it and to remember where they were and what they felt at the exact moment the goal was scored.? ?The moment of the winning goal from the men?s gold medal game at the Vancouver 2010 Games is burned into the memory of Canadians ? and all hockey fans ? forever,? said John Furlong. ?This puck and the teams that fought hard to score with it in overtime represent some of the most exciting moments of the 2010 Games and we?re delighted to donate it to the Hockey Hall of Fame so that everyone can enjoy it for years to come.? ?The gold medal winning puck is a treasure that will attract so many hockey fans to the Hall and we?re extremely happy that it?s on its way here,? said Phil Pritchard,? Curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame. ?Thanks to the IIHF and to VANOC for making this happen and we look forward to getting the puck and making arrangements for it to take its rightful place with the other memorabilia that represent great moments in hockey history.? Gold medal game warm up, regulation time and overtime pucks at www.vancouver2010.com/auction: VANOC put into place a process whereby at any stoppage of play in the gold medal hockey game linesmen swapped out the puck in play for a new one and the game pucks were collected and marked for the period in which they were played. Pucks collected in the game warm up and first three periods of the gold medal game have already sold at auction for between $3500 - $5900 CDN, with warm up pucks selling for up to $700 CDN. The four pucks used during the overtime period of the gold medal game have been added to the online auction at vancouver2010.com/auctions and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity About the IIHF: The IIHF, the governing body of international ice hockey and inline hockey, features 68 member associations, each of which is the national governing body of the sport in its nation. Besides controlling the international rulebook, processing international player transfers, and dictating officiating guidelines, the IIHF runs numerous development programs designed to bring hockey to a broader population. The IIHF also presides over ice hockey in the Olympic Games and over the IIHF World Championships at all levels, men, women, juniors under-20, juniors under-18 and women under-18. Each season, the IIHF in collaboration with its local organizing committees, runs around 25 different World Championships in the five different categories. Visit www.iihf.com About the HHOF: The Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in 1943 to establish a memorial to those who have developed Canada's great winter sport -- ice hockey. Incorporated in 1983, Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum ("HHFM") exists in order to honour and preserve the history of the game of ice hockey, and in particular, those who have made outstanding contributions and achievements in the development of the game. The HHFM collects, preserves, researches, exhibits and promotes all objects, images and histories which are determined to be significant to the story of ice hockey in Canada, and throughout the world. Visit www.hhof.com 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 are hosting the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com |
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Over 3.5 million pairs of Red Mittens purchased in support of Canadian winter athletes Vancouver, BC ? The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today thanked Canadians and all fans who showed their support for the Canadian athletes and the 2010 Games by purchasing a pair of Red Mittens. Over 3.5 million pairs of mittens were sold during the five-month campaign and the mittens quickly became one of the most enduring and popular items of the pre-Games and Games-time period. The full inventory of Red Mittens has now been sold. ?To everyone who bought a pair of Red Mittens, who waved at a torchbearer in their community, who showed their spirit every day, or who wore them while cheering their team at the venues or while watching on television, we send a heartfelt 'thank you'," said John Furlong, VANOC's Chief Executive Officer. "Red Mittens were more than a souvenir, they became the "it" item to show support for the Games and we're grateful to everyone who literally wore their hearts on their hands. We also thank our partners, and particularly the Hudson's Bay Company and CTV, Canada's Olympic Network, for their strong support of the Red Mittens campaign.? Since VANOC launched Red Mittens last fall to raise funds to support Canadian athletes at the 2010 Winter Games, Red Mittens have been seen on the hands of a prince, a premier, a prime minister, the IOC President and millions of proud Canadians and worldwide visitors. Numerous statues also sported Red Mittens, including the Drumheller dinosaur, the Harry Jerome runner in Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge lions. A hit from the beginning, by December 2009, the mittens had reached VANOC?s established goal: one million pairs sold. By the time the Olympic Winter Games ended, on February 28, 2010, more than 3.5 million pairs had been sold. The mittens were made available on www.vancouver2010.com and through Hudson?s Bay Company stores, including Zellers, the Bay and Home Outfitters locations. Red Mittens were conceived as an affordable, fun and unique way for Canadians and all Games fans to connect with Vancouver 2010 and support Canadian athletes. Demand grew as soon as the Olympic Torch Relay and Olympic torchbearers started, on October 30, to wind their way across the country wearing Red Mittens. As the Christmas holiday season approached, their popularity ? both as a gift item and as practical, fun winter apparel ? grew rapidly. In January/February 2010, demand for Red Mittens peaked as Canadians and international visitors sought out the fun and distinctly Canadian Red Mittens. Net proceeds from every pair of Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens sold help complete the funding of the five-year Own the Podium 2010 initiative, which provided Canadian athletes with top Games-related equipment and training. Any additional funds raised through the Red Mittens campaign support a variety of 2010 Winter Games athlete- and sport-based initiatives. About VANOC For more information: |
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Vancouver, BC ? With the 2010 Olympic Winter Games over and the Paralympic Games set to start on March 12, fans and enthusiasts can now experience the Games through a number of official licensed books offered by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). These books are already available for purchase or pre-order at vancouver2010.com or on their local bookstore shelves. The latest book to hit store shelves this week is A Path of Northern Lights: The Story of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. This beautiful, full-colour book tells the story of the Olympic Torch Relay and its 106-day, 45,000-kilometre journey from coast to coast to coast across Canada. Filled with emotional stories, behind-the-scenes details and stunning imagery and a complete list of all 12,000 torchbearers, Also part of the family of Games-related books is O Siyam: Aboriginal Art Inspired by the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This unique coffee-table art book, a first in Games history, showcases the stunning artwork by First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists showcased at Vancouver 2010 venues. The range of art covered by the book is extensive, and includes sculpture, painting, beadwork, tapestry, carving, and masks by more than 100 Aboriginal artists. Published in November 2009, O Siyam not only offers imagery of the art, but also captures the artists at work during the creative process and includes an introductory piece by feature essayist Gerald McMaster, an artist, author, educator and curator of Canadian art at the Art Gallery of Ontario. The final book to hit store shelves following the Paralympic Games ? and undoubtedly the jewel in any Games enthusiast?s collection ? is With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brilliants exploits: The Official Commemorative Book of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games. To be published in late May, but currently available for pre-order through vancouver2010.com, With Glowing Hearts/des plus brilliants exploits is the only official book commemorating the spirit, passion and beauty of the 2010 Winter Games. It will feature hundreds of pages of original imagery capturing the grace and skill of the athletes, the spectacular Opening, Closing and Victory Ceremonies and a unique, behind-the-scene insider?s view of the journey to 2010. John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd. Is the publisher of all three licensed books. About VANOC About John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd. Contact |
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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 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 About explore.org About l?Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) About VANOC Media Contacts: VANOC Communications explore.org Teck Organisation internationale de la Francophonie |
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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. Media Contact: |
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2010 Olympic Transportation plan a success - News Releases : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics |
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Citizens urged to keep travelling smart as changes to the road network remain for Paralympic Winter Games Vancouver, BC ? The Olympic and Paralympic Transportation Team (OPTT) today thanked the people of Metro Vancouver and the Sea to Sky regions for making the 2010 integrated Olympic transportation plan a success, while urging people to keep traveling smart in view of changes to the transportation network for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Transportation planners ? charged with one of the most complex and critical elements of the Games ? set the lofty goal of achieving at least a 30 per cent reduction in vehicle use during the Olympic Games, in order to ensure athletes, officials and others could get to their events on time and local residents could move efficiently. Throughout the Games, Metro Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor saw record numbers of people walking, cycling and taking transit, and an overall reduction in vehicle use. In particular, vehicle use was reduced by an average of more than 35 per cent each day. In addition, TransLink, the public transit operator in Metro Vancouver, moved an average of 1.5 million people per day during the Games, an increase from 730,000 trips per day, while BC Transit, the public transportation provider in the Sea to Sky corridor, saw five times the ridership on the public transit system over normal winter levels. Venues Building on this success, the OPTT is reminding the public to continue to ?travel smart? during the Paralympic Winter Games. While most road networks have been returned to normal, some closures and parking restrictions remain around Paralympic venues during the transition to and throughout the Paralympic Games. These areas include UBC Thunderbird Arena, the Vancouver Paralympic Centre, Paralympic Village Vancouver and BC Place (for March 12 Opening Ceremony). In Whistler, these areas include Whistler Creekside and Paralympic Village Whistler. The public is asked to continue to use sustainable modes of transportation throughout the month of March 2010 and beyond. Details of the 2010 integrated Paralympic transportation plan are outlined in the attached fact sheet. ?We were very happy with the transportation choices that everyone made during the Olympic Winter Games,,? Penny Ballem, city manager of the City of Vancouver said on behalf of the OPTT. ?With fewer changes to the road network during the Paralympic Winter Games, we encourage residents, commuters and visitors to continue to leave their vehicles behind and walk, cycle or take transit to get around during this period.? ?It?s important we ensure our Paralympic athletes and other guests have a smooth, positive experience here during the Games,? added Terry Wright, VANOC executive vice president, services and Games operations. ?With road closures, parking restrictions and increased volumes around Paralympic Games venues, traveling smart is still the way to go and everyone should know before they go.? Paralympic Torch relay and Opening Ceremony March 11 and 12 The public is also reminded the Paralympic torch relay will be underway in downtown Vancouver from 2 pm on March 11 to 2 pm on March 12. The current proposed route is a loop that will involve areas along Robson, Granville and Smithe Streets. Traffic will continue to flow on most major streets, however, there will be road closures and restrictions to vehicle traffic along a few blocks of Robson, Smithe, Granville and Bute. Other cross streets will remain open with rolling intermittent road closures as the torch runs past. Commuters are advised to find alternate routes and modes of transportation around the Robson Square area for March 11 and 12. In addition, temporary road closures and pedestrian corridors will be in place in downtown Vancouver on March 12 to support the Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony at BC Place. Cambie Bridge, as well as portions of Beatty Street and Robson Street will be closed for most of the day on March 12, so driving will be challenging. Up to date information will be made available on the Host City website through travelsmart2010.ca,so that everyone can plan ahead. Other transportation highlights For the most up-to-date transportation information, visit www.travelsmart2010.ca. About the OPTT Members of the Olympic and Paralympic Transportation Team (OPTT) are VANOC, the City of Vancouver, Resort Municipality of Whistler, TransLink, BC Transit, the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit. Planning is also supported by other partners, including Transport Canada and the municipalities of Richmond and West Vancouver. |
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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: 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: 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 |
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Whistler, BC ? The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today unveiled the lineup of Canadian talent that will pay tribute to the medal-winning athletes of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games with nightly headline performances at Whistler Medals Plaza. The six concerts from March 13 to March 18, as well as the Paralympic Winter Games Closing Ceremony on March 21, will take place at the world-class outdoor amphitheatre, which also played host to the nightly Victory Ceremonies for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The headline musical artists are: singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards (March 13); award-winning indie rock band The Weakerthans (March 14); francophone composer/performer Antoine Gratton (March 15); rockers The Trews (March 16); singer/songwriter Justin Hines (March 17); and Juno winner Serena Ryder (March 18). Local Whistler artist and fan favourite Chili Tom will act as the nightly pre-show DJ. ?We are honoured to celebrate the athletic achievements of the competitors at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games with a lineup of talent worthy of both our medal winners and the world,? said Christy Nicolay, VANOC?s vice president of sport production and Victory Ceremonies. Spectator access is free to the Victory Ceremonies at Whistler Medals Plaza and via an at-venue queue, located in Village Stroll directly outside the plaza. Spectator access is limited to 5,000 people nightly. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Medals will be awarded in the Paralympic sports of alpine skiing, biathlon and cross-country skiing at Whistler Medals Plaza. Ice sledge hockey and wheelchair curling medals will be awarded in-venue in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia (also known as the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre) and the Vancouver Paralympic Centre. From March 19 to 21, Whistler event medals will also be awarded in-venue so the plaza can prepare for the Closing Ceremony. In just 10 days, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will officially open the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games on March 12 at BC Place in downtown Vancouver. The Opening Ceremony will be a wonderful, affordable celebration with spectacular performance components that showcase dance, highlight unique abilities and celebrate the athletes. More than 4,000 volunteer performers including dancers, singers, acrobats, athletes, and musicians will celebrate the compelling achievements of the 1,000 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries around the world at the Games. The ceremony?s grand finale will be the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron, signalling the official start of the Games and the end of the 10-day Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay, which starts on Wednesday, March 3 in Ottawa, ON. Tickets to the Opening Ceremony range in price from $30 to $175 and are available now to Canadian residents on a first-come, first-served basis at www.vancouver2010.com. The Paralympic Closing Ceremony on March 21 at Whistler Medals Plaza is already soldout. Tickets for all Paralympic events are available at www.vancouver2010.com. 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. For more information, visit www.vancouver2010.com. For more information on the headline artists visit: About VANOC Media Contact: |
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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: 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 See John Furlong's speech from the Closing Ceremony and the Ceremony's photo gallery |
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Vancouver, BC ? After 17 days of thrilling athletic competitions, amazing displays of sportsmanship and magical moments when lifelong dreams were finally realized on the podium, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will draw to their official close tonight. In looking back and celebrating the impact of Canada?s Games and the future of the Olympic Winter Games, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) would like to share some of the initial statistics available. By the numbers: The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games February 12 to 28, 2010 |
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VANCOUVER (AFP) - Superstar Sidney Crosby scored the winner in overtime as Canada won the Olympic title Sunday, beating the United States 3-2 to become the first host nation to capture men's hockey gold in 30 years. Crosby got the winning goal 7:40 into the overtime period, taking a pass from Jarome Iginla and sliding a shot under the pads of US goaltender Ryan Miller. "It doesn't even feel real. It feels like a dream," said Crosby as Canada clinched a record eighth Olympic men's hockey gold. "Our team worked really hard in regulation time and they got that one by us in the end. But we came out in overtime and this is just an unbelievable feeling." Canadian forward Patrick Marleau added: "It is unbelievable. I have never felt something like this before. As far as hockey goes it is the best moment I have ever had." Crosby was held off the scoresheet for most of the tournament but he has a knack for scoring dramatic goals. Earlier in the tournament he scored the game winner in a shootout as Canada beat Switzerland 3-2 in the preliminary round. Jonathan Toews and Corey Perry had earlier given Canada a 2-0 lead before the US fought back, equalising with just 24 seconds left in regulation time. Roberto Luongo was superb in goal, making 34 stops for Canada who became the first host to win an Olympic final since the US triumphed at Lake Placid in 1980. Ryan Kesler and Zac Parise scored for the US who suffered their first loss of the tournament after five straight wins. "It is devastating," said US defenceman Jack Johnson. "We were one goal shy of a gold medal. It is the biggest game any of us have ever played in. Nothing we did before compares to this. You lose the silver you don't win it." Canada had a 2-1 lead in the third and looked headed for victory but the US clawed back with Parise scoring his dramatic late leveller to send the final into sudden-death overtime. Over 10 million Canadians were expected to watch the game on TV while, inside the arena, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was joined by Hollywood actors Vince Vaughn, Michael J. Fox and William Shatner as well as singers Michael Buble and Neil Young. Crowds began forming outside the Canada Hockey Place arena four hours before the highly-anticiplated showdown between the two best teams in the tournament. The game lived up to its billing as the teams traded chances throughout, and both goalies Luongo and Miller had to be at the top of their games. It was a battle between Canada's potent scoring attack and the American defence anchored by Miller. Forward Toews opened the scoring with just over seven minutes left in the first period beating Miller after picking up a rebound. Mike Richards stole the puck from defenceman Brian Rafalski at the side of the US goal and took the first shot but it bounced right to Toews. It was the first goal of the tournament for Toews to go with seven assists. Forward Perry picked up a loose puck and wristed it past Miller in the second period to make it 2-0 for Canada. Ryan Getzlaf started the play by carrying the puck into the US zone. He tried to backhand a pass to Patrick Marleau but it hit a skate and Perry picked it up and easily beat Miller. Kessler scored on a tip in just over four minutes later to cut the Canadians lead to one goal. Luongo got a piece of it but not enough as it trickled in to make it 2-1, setting the stage for Parise's game tieing goal. Finland beat Slovakia for the bronze on Saturday. gph/mp |
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Canada: We own the podium, say Canadians - AFP News : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics |
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Vancouver (AFP) - Ecstatic Canadian team chiefs Sunday said their 'Own the Podium' programme had been justified, and Jacques Rogge agreed, as the country ended with the most gold medals ever won at an Olympic Winter Games. The host nation captured their 14th gold when their men's ice hockey team beat the United States 3-2 in overtime in the Games' last event. It put Canada one clear of the previous best golden haul of 13 held by Russia and Norway. Before the Games, Canada vowed to win the most medals in the controversial, and hugely expensive, programme but later were forced to back down when it became clear the task was beyond them. The programme sparked debate across the country and beyond, with some saying it was arrogant while others felt it promoted national pride. But team chiefs on Sunday praised the performance of their athletes who finished third in the total medal count. "As I said in the opening press conference, we were going to own the podium and we did -- the very top of the podium. Our very own Canadian team has reached a new level of excellence," said Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) president-elect Marcel Aubut "The Games have produced heroes from all corners of their country. What a tremendous accomplishment." International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge agreed that the programme had worked. "It is paramount for the home team to win to create the sort of atmosphere we have seen," he said. "I believe 'Own the Podium' is a success. There has been criticism but you can legitimately ask whether there would have been any gold without 'Own the Podium'." COC president Michael Chambers said the Games had been an "unprecedented success," defending the "Own the Podium" programme as bold and well thought-out. "Canada's athletes came to these Games not with a swagger but with a confidence that they could do what they were setting out to do. They believed in themselves. "I truly believe that what they have done over the course of these past two weeks, they've inspired an entire nation to believe in themselves." "Canadian athletes have won more medals at this Olympic Winter Games than any Canadian Olympic Winter team has ever won," he added. "It is a greater number of gold medals at either a Summer or Winter Games than an Olympic team has ever brought back to Canada or in this case kept in Canada." He praised organising committee VANOC for "inspiring a nation" and thanked the national sporting federations for their part in the success. Canadian chef-de-mission Nathalie Lambert thanked the Canadian team for the "17 best days of my life" and for providing moments that would stay with her forever. Team chiefs, meanwhile, announced that Joannie Rochette, who won a bronze in figure skating just days after her mother died suddenly, would carry the flag in Sunday's closing ceremony. jw-mp/dj10 |
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