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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media Contacts:

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

explore.org
Liz Marks
liz@explore.org
310.209.4577

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

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

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,
this is a book that both Games and torch relay aficionados alike will want to have in their collection.

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
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

About John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd.
Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Since 1968, Wiley Canada has been providing must-have content and services to Canadian customers including professionals, students, and consumers. Its core businesses include professional and consumer books on personal finance, business, health, sports, and current affairs, as well as educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students. The company’s web site can be accessed at www.wiley.com. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb.

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

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 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, including the Drumheller dinosaur, the Harry Jerome runner in Stanley Park, the Lion’s Gate Bridge lions and sported Red Mittens. 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
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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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; and John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the 2010 Paralympic Games/ Ticket information

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

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

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

About VANOC

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

About the Government of Canada

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

About Coca-Cola and the Olympic and Paralympic Movements

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

About RBC

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

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

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.

Paralympic transportation plans

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

• Public transportation service will reflect the anticipated number of transit riders during the Paralympic Games, with event level service planned to serve Paralympic venues in Vancouver, and the Games Express service continuing in Whistler.
• Paralympic Games event tickets include access to public transit for the day of the event.
• Olympic lanes removed in Vancouver as of March 2, though a temporary Paralympic lane will remain on Highway 99 in Whistler from Function Junction to the Village.
• Sea to Sky traffic checkpoint removed as of March 1; no permits required to travel north of Squamish.
• Lane demarcations on Highway 99 will be removed between March 1 and 5.

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.

Whistler (AFP) – Razzoli clocked a combined total of 1min 39.32sec over the two runs, 0.16sec ahead of Croatia’s Ivica Kostelic with Andre Myhrer of Sweden taking bronze, a further 0.28sec adrift.

The Italian, whose sole World Cup victory came at Zagreb this season, led by 0.43sec after the first run but put any nerves to one side on the second run to nail an impressive day’s skiing in difficult conditions that included heavy rain, thick fog and very wet snow.

Razzoli edged Austrian Benjamin Raich into fourth place, meaning the Austrian men’s team remained medal-less for the first time since 1936 when alpine skiing was first introduced at the Olympic Winter Games.

“It’s a dream because I’ve been training a lot for this day. It’s incredible,” said Razzoli.

“It’s been a long time coming, the last time Italy had a medal in the slalom was in 1992, and now in 2010, it’s fantastic.”

The Italian who won silver at the Albertville Games was Alberto Tomba, who is now Razzoli’s coach.

“It’s an amazing day,” Tomba said. “He won a gold medal and it’s great.

“He lives close to my house. He was first in Zagreb, then first in Kranjsak Gora but went out in the second run.

“So he came here in great shape. I told him to keep quiet and keep focused.

“Watching the slalom in the finish area is unbelieveable. Now I can imagine what it’s like for parents. He’s like a son to me.”

Kostelic, who also claimed silver in the super-combined, said the snow conditions had been to his liking.

“I really like to ski in these conditions,” he said. “It’s spring snow, but we always train in this kind of weather.

“This result means, realistically speaking, that I had two chances for medal in the super-combined and slalom and I took both.”

Myhrer, who finished fourth in the slalom at the Turin Games four years ago, said: “The slope was okay, but there was a track and I tried to stay in it.

“I’m really happy with the medal. It has been a huge goal for me, my whole life to take an Olympic medal, and it’s an amazing feeling to get one.”

With Raich in fourth at 0.49sec, team-mate Marcel Hirscher was next at 0.49sec.

Slovenian Mitja Valencic, who was second after the first run, lost his speed in mid-course and finished in sixth at 1.03sec.

In poor visibility and heavy rain, the course claimed a number of high-profile casualties, notably Austria’s reigning world champion Manfred Pranger and American Bode Miller among 47 who did not finish the first leg.

American duo Ted Ligety and Miller also skied out, the latter after only three gates to bring his Olympic Games to a sad end after he had won super-combined gold, super-G silver and downhill bronze.

If Miller had medalled he would have become the first skier to have won medals in all five disciplines, but it was not to be as later racers were hampered by deteriorating visibility in thick fog.

But the 32-year-old American said he would leave the Games pleased with his three-medal haul.

“I’m 100 percent pleased. It couldn’t be better,” he said.

“Slalom’s always had a special place for me. I skied it well in the super-combined and it won me gold. And it’s the Olympic medal I don’t have.

lp/dj10

Whistler (AFP) – Norway’s Petter Northug won the men’s 50km cross-country skiing gold on Sunday, beating Germany’s Axel Teichmann in a two-up sprint to the line.

Teichmann ended with silver and Johan Olsson of Sweden took the bronze.

Northug’s second gold of the Games, after his victory in the team sprint event, came after a thrilling end to the two-hour nordic epic.

After most of the field had been left trailing by a lead group of 20 skiers Teichmann upped the pace in the final kilometre.

That took a further toll on the chasing bunch and when they sighted the stadium on the final descent, the German was soon in everyone’s sights.

Northug, the overall World Cup leader, pushed hard on his poles to pull level with Teichmann as they raced around the final bend.

And the Norwegian carried that momentum over the next 100 metres to the finish line where he beat Teichmann by just 0.3sec. Olsson was third at 1.0sec.

Northug now has four medals from the Vancouver Winter Games.

After a slow start to his campaign, the 24-year-old won bronze in the individual sprint and gold in the team sprint after leaving his rivals for dead on the final hill.

He then anchored the Norway team to a second place finish in the 4×10km relay on Wednesday.

jd/mp

Vancouver (AFP) – Joannie Rochette thanked the public for their support in a gala finale which featured gold medallists Kim Yu-Na and Evan Lysacek and brought the curtain down on two weeks of Olympic figure skating on Saturday.

Rochette, 24, skated a Celine Dion-themed tribute “Vole (Flight)” for her mother Thérèse who died just days before her bronze place finish in Vancouver.

Wearing dark mauve, the Canadian bronze medallist again earned an ovation from the home crowd, as she bid farewell to the Pacific Coliseum rink which has been the scene of the most painful and memorable moments of her life.

The 12 medallists from the four disciplines – men’s, women’s, pairs and ice dancing – performed during a two-and-a-half hour show alongside top-placed finishers, children and up-and-coming Canadian skaters.

South Korean superstar Kim took to the ice to the chants of “Yu-Na” from her many fans.

The fact she missed her opening jump didn’t matter, as the 19-year-old’s rivalry with Japan’s Mao Asada was forgotten in her skate to Jules Massenet’s “Meditation from Thais.”

Silver medallist Asada, introduced to the public as the “Queen of the triple axel”, skated to Paganini’s “Caprice” while teammate Miki Ando chose the classical “Requiem” by Mozart.

“It’s sad that it’s come to an end, it’s been a dream,” said Lysacek, who performed to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”

“Tonight we skate freely, without rules and show our technical skills and passion for performance. The greatest skaters in the world are skating as one.

“I haven’t got much sleep since (his gold medal performance), I just want to stay awake to enjoy the whole experience.”

Canada’s first ice dance gold medallists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir received a rousing reception for their comical routine “Everyone Dance Now” where she plays the ballerina in a black tutu to his Canada ice hockey fan.

Russia’s Yevgeny Plushenko, the deposed men’s champion, skated to the French song “Je suis malade” by Serge Lama, while Japan’s Daisuke Takahashi performed to Okawari’s “Luv Letter.”

China’s acrobatic pairs skaters were well represented, led by gold medallists Shen Xhe and Zhao Hongbo, who skated to Andrea Boccelli’s “Io Ci Saro” before a spectacular display of fireworks brought the event to a close.

ea/dj10

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:
Kathleen Edwards          www.kathleenedwards.com
The Weakerthans           www.theweakerthans.org
Antoine Gratton             www.antoinegratton.mu
The Trews                     www.thetrewsmusic.com
Justin Hines                   www.justinhines.com
Serena Ryder                www.serenaryder.com
DJ Chili Thom                 www.chilithom.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 will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

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