Their undulating forms evoke British Columbia’s mountains, ocean and snow. Their faces are drawn from West Coast First Nations artwork depicting the orca and raven. Each is unique. And their substantial size gives them a significant presence. Meet the medals of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Today, VANOC and Vancouver 2010 Official Supporters — the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Resources Limited — unveiled the Olympic and Paralympic medals that will decorate the gold, silver and bronze medallists of the 2010 Winter Games.

The Creators

Paralympic medals Making the 2010 Winter Games medals was a two-year project because they’re so unique. It was a collaborative effort between Canadian Aboriginal designer/artist, Corinne Hunt, internationally renowned industrial designer, Omer Arbel, the Royal Canadian Mint, Teck Resources Limited, and VANOC’s in-house design team. Together this team created medals that reflect the magnitude of the accomplishments they represent: They are among the heaviest medals in Olympic and Paralympic history, weighing between 500 grams to 576 g depending on the medal. As for size, the Olympic medals are 100 millimetres in diameter and about six mm thick, while the Paralympic medals are 95 mm wide and about six mm thick.

Orca and the Raven

The blueprints for these medals are based on two large master artworks (Olympic and Paralympic) from which each of the medals was hand-cropped. No crop is the same as another so that ensures every medal is unique. The master artworks were created by Corrine Hunt, a Vancouver, BC-based artist of Komoyue and Tlingit heritage. Hunt chose the orca as the motif for the Olympic medals, and the raven as the motif for the Paralympic medals.

Olympic medals reverse side The orca, designed across four panels in the style of a traditional West Coast First Nations bentwood box, is often associated with the attributes of strength, dignity and teamwork. The sleek and powerful black and white whales are common to travel in pods through the waters off Canada’s West Coast, but are also found in all the world’s oceans.

“The orca is a beautiful creature that is strong but also lives within a community," said Hunt. "I felt the Olympic (Games) are a community, too. The athletes may be training but they’re always somehow connected to their community, to their teammates, or to their country. The orca is a creature that has wonderful capabilities but can’t really survive without its pod.”

Overall Olympic medal design For Hunt, the raven is symbolic of Paralympians. The strong black wings and proud profile appear in a three-part composition in the style of a totem pole. The raven, a species that can be found around the globe, is often associated with transformation and healing abilities and represents determination, creativity and wisdom.

“My design for the Paralympic medal — a raven on a totem rising — is close to my heart and in honour of my uncle who is a paraplegic," explained Hunt. "The raven is a creature that is all things and I think Paralympic athletes have that in them. They’re sometimes given challenges and they rise above them and the raven does the same. I think the creativity of the raven gives us hope — to accept when things don’t work out and really rejoice when they do.”

The International Paralympic Committee also recognizes the great significance of the raven for the Paralympic medal design.

“The choice of the raven as the artwork is especially important to us because it symbolizes the powers of transformation and determination — qualities every Paralympian embodies on and off the field of play,” said Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). "No doubt the beauty of these medals will spur them even higher as they strive to reach their dreams and triumph against adversity yet again in 2010.”

More Unique Traits

Overall Paralympic medal design The matte orca or raven design is lasered onto the front face of the medals, and within this design is a delicate wood grain pattern that can be seen up close. Canadian industrial designer and architect Omer Arbel, also of Vancouver, used his extensive knowledge of materials and fabrication processes to create the innovative undulating design of the medals, which are struck nine times each to achieve the distinctive look as part of the 30-step medal fabrication process.

The Olympic medals are circular in shape, while the Paralympic medals are a superellipse or squared circle.

Production Details

On the reverse side, the medals contain the official names of the Games in English and French, the official languages of Canada and the Olympic Movement, as well as Vancouver 2010’s distinctive emblems and the name of the sport and the event the medal was awarded in. On the Paralympic medals, braille is also used. The entire medal is protected to prevent tarnishing, nicks and scratches.

Paralympic medal reverse side The Games motto With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits is written in white lettering on the medal’s blue and green ribbon where it will rest at the base of the neck.

The Royal Canadian Mint will produce 615 Olympic and 399 Paralympic medals for the 2010 Winter Games at their headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario. The Mint began striking the medals in July and will finish the historic task this November. It is the second time the Mint has manufactured Olympic medals; the first time they produced them was for the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games. Teck Resources Limited, a Vancouver-based mining, mineral processing and metallurgical company, is supplying the 2.05 kilograms of gold, 1,950 kg of silver and 903 kg of copper used in the production of the medals. The metals were sourced from Teck’s operations in British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Alaska, Chile and Peru.

Medals to Inspire

The word athlete is derived from the Greek word for prize-seeker. Looking at recent Games medals, it’s certain that athletic prizes have certainly evolved since the ancient Greek games in Olympia, where a wreath of olives was the only reward.

The hope is that these medals will be shared with children, families and the watching world. It symbolizes a life’s accomplishment and a dream come true, forever.

Canadian Veronica Brenner, 2002 Olympic silver medallist in aerials: “The great part about the medals is it’s something that reminds you for the rest of your life of the journey. Every single medal and every athlete have their own story about what they had to put into it and how they got there. A medal should be shared. I know I wasn’t alone in winning this medal. When I was standing up on the podium the last person I was thinking of was myself.”

• Take a 360 degree interactive tour of the Vancouver 2010 medals >>>
• View the Making of the Vancouver 2010 Medals video >>>

Art breathes life into a space. That’s certainly what’s achieved with the installation of Aboriginal art at the 2010 Winter Games venues. In a two-day exhibition starting Saturday, October 17, the public will have an opportunity to meet more than 50 of the brilliant artists behind the fantastic, permanent Aboriginal art installations at Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games venues. Visitors may also view a selection of additional paintings, carvings and photography works at the Vancouver Convention Centre; admission to the exhibition is free.

With the support of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), the exhibition will feature artworks by master and emerging First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists from every region in Canada.

Aboriginal Art at Venues

Sculpture by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, Haida The pieces on display as part of the exhibition will be displayed at venues during the 2010 Winter Games in February and March as part of a larger celebration of Aboriginal culture.

“The striking new works created by Aboriginal artists across Canada for the 2010 Winter Games through the Vancouver 2010 Venues’ Aboriginal Art Program are being taken a step further with this exhibit and auction,” said Tewanee Joseph, Chief Executive Officer of the Four Host First Nations.

“Our goal is twofold: to increase public understanding of the diverse works being created by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and to raise funds for our young people so they can follow their dreams, which may include becoming successful Aboriginal artists themselves. We hope this develops into an annual event.”

A Permanent Legacy

There are close to 140 individual pieces of original artwork produced for the Vancouver 2010 Venues’ Aboriginal Art Program at Games venues from Richmond to Whistler. As part of the $3-million program, whose participants were announced by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) in June 2009, over 40 of the artworks will be part of the permanent legacy of the 2010 Winter Games at the venues. Installation of the works started in late 2008 and the majority of the art will be completed this week.

The program was enhanced by artistic and economic development workshops held by INAC. Five showpiece artworks created through these workshops, including a large, colourful tapestry from the Inuit of the Arctic, were purchased by VANOC and are among the permanent venue art installations. The Nuu-chah-nulth Arts Association, Mi'kmaq Association of Cultural Studies, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Manitoba Aboriginal Arts Council Inc. and the National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition (Métis 10) participated in the program and the resulting higher profile from their 2010 work is encouraging other cities to consider sister sculptures of their own.

O Siyam

The Aboriginal artworks displayed in the venues will be featured in O Siyam: Aboriginal Art inspired by the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, published by John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd. The full-colour coffee table book will be available in stores on November 2 — the first official Games-related book to be published. Copies of the book can be pre-ordered at the exhibition.

Auction Pieces

Proceeds from an auction, on Friday, October 16, will go towards the Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Youth Legacy Fund. Artworks up for auction include:

•Paintings by Sammy Kudluk of Nunavik, Quebec and notable Mi’kmaq artist Alan Syliboy of Millbrook, Nova Scotia.
•A woven human figure and traditional Nuu-chah-nulth hat by Delores Bayne of Hesquiaht, British Columbia.
•An intricately carved silver bracelet by Rodney Sayers of Hupacasath, British Columbia.
•Smudge and Smog by Métis photographer Sara Roque of Shebahonaning (Killarney), Ontario.
•A pink resin cast buffalo skull by Kevin McKenzie of Vancouver, British Columbia.
•A 2-D abstract elk by Jason Baerg of Toronto, Ontario.
•Colleen Cutschall’s One Horned Buffalo Curling Rocks sculpture from Brandon, Manitoba.

The exhibition, auction and artwork are made possible through the strong partnership between the Government of Canada, the province of British Columbia, VANOC and the Four Host First Nations.

“We’re proud to support this important initiative to highlight and celebrate the unique talent of Aboriginal artists in Canada,” said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “Our Government is committed to working with our partners to enhance artistic recognition and promote economic opportunities for Canada’s Aboriginal artists.”

Aboriginal Art Auction
When: Friday, October 16 from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Pan Pacific, Vancouver
For table purchase inquiries for the auction, please e-mail Connie_Watts@vancouver2010.com

Aboriginal Art Exhibition
When: Saturday, October 17 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday, October 18 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, Hall A, located at 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission is free

The Olympic Superstore — located inside The Bay store at 674 Granville Street in downtown Vancouver — is a one-stop shopping destination for all official licensed merchandise of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

To celebrate today's grand opening, there is live music, athletes, as well as the unveiling of the Team Canada Vancouver 2010 team uniform with representatives from the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

The expansive space (20,000 square feet) is located on the main floor of The Bay’s iconic downtown heritage building. Based on past Games’ Olympic Superstore traffic, 10,000 people are expected to visit the location each day of Vancouver 2010.

Anchor Location

Steve Yzerman The Olympic Superstore at The Bay will serve as the anchor retail location for the 2010 Winter Games. Official licensed merchandise can also be purchased at Olympic Stores at the Vancouver International Airport and in Whistler, BC, online at vancouver2010.com, and in all competition and non-competition venues.

“The store is quite simply amazing and we owe a great deal of thanks to all our partners, especially the Hudson’s Bay Company for providing us with this fantastic downtown location,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer.

This is the first Olympic Superstore housed within an existing retail establishment, rather than a temporary Games-time structure. The concept of the Olympic Superstore was first introduced at the Sydney 2000 Games. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Superstore will operate during The Bay’s regular business hours leading up to the Games, with extended hours starting February 12, 2010 when the Games begin, making The Olympic Superstore a great stop to pick up a pair of the iconic Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens.

Team Canada Uniform Preview

As part of the opening day festivities, the Hudson’s Bay Company and Canadian Olympic Committee gives a sneak peek of the Team Canada Vancouver 2010 uniform. The fashion show is a glimpse of how Canadian athletes will be outfitted in this new a line of bold, modern, fashion-forward clothing designed by Hudson’s Bay Company. Fans can purchase replica 2010 Canadian Olympic Team apparel at The Bay, Zellers and HBC online.

“For more than 338 years, the Hudson’s Bay Company has been a part of this country’s proudest moments — including supporting Canadian athletes at home and abroad,” said Jeff Sherman, CEO, Hudson’s Bay Company. “From the first time our Canadian Olympic winter athletes wore Hudson’s Bay Company clothing in 1936, to its ongoing fundraising efforts in support of Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams, our company is fully committed to supporting the hopes and dreams of Canada’s athletes.”

The 2010 Canadian Olympic Team Apparel collection includes a parka, toque, knitted sweater, and buffalo plaid — fun pieces that capture a contemporary Canadian look and feel.

Related Links
The Bay Vancouver Downtown
vancouver2010.com/redmittens

The Olympic Superstore — located inside The Bay store at 674 Granville Street in downtown Vancouver — is a one-stop shopping destination for all official licensed merchandise of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

To celebrate today's grand opening, there is live music, athletes, as well as the unveiling of the Team Canada Vancouver 2010 team uniform with representatives from the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

The expansive space (20,000 square feet) is located on the main floor of The Bay’s iconic downtown heritage building. Based on past Games’ Olympic Superstore traffic, 10,000 people are expected to visit the location each day of Vancouver 2010.

Anchor Location

Steve Yzerman The Olympic Superstore at The Bay will serve as the anchor retail location for the 2010 Winter Games. Official licensed merchandise can also be purchased at Olympic Stores at the Vancouver International Airport and in Whistler, BC, online at vancouver2010.com, and in all competition and non-competition venues.

“The store is quite simply amazing and we owe a great deal of thanks to all our partners, especially the Hudson’s Bay Company for providing us with this fantastic downtown location,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s Chief Executive Officer.

This is the first Olympic Superstore housed within an existing retail establishment, rather than a temporary Games-time structure. The concept of the Olympic Superstore was first introduced at the Sydney 2000 Games. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Superstore will operate during The Bay’s regular business hours leading up to the Games, with extended hours starting February 12, 2010 when the Games begin, making The Olympic Superstore a great stop to pick up a pair of the iconic Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens.

Team Canada Uniform Preview

Sonja Gaudet  As part of the opening day festivities, the Hudson’s Bay Company and Canadian Olympic Committee gives a sneak peek of the Team Canada Vancouver 2010 uniform. The fashion show is a glimpse of how Canadian athletes will be outfitted in this new a line of bold, modern, fashion-forward clothing designed by Hudson’s Bay Company. Fans can purchase replica 2010 Canadian Olympic Team apparel at The Bay, Zellers and HBC online.

“For more than 338 years, the Hudson’s Bay Company has been a part of this country’s proudest moments — including supporting Canadian athletes at home and abroad,” said Jeff Sherman, CEO, Hudson’s Bay Company. “From the first time our Canadian Olympic winter athletes wore Hudson’s Bay Company clothing in 1936, to its ongoing fundraising efforts in support of Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams, our company is fully committed to supporting the hopes and dreams of Canada’s athletes.”

The 2010 Canadian Olympic Team Apparel collection includes a parka, toque, knitted sweater, and buffalo plaid — fun pieces that capture a contemporary Canadian look and feel.

Related Links
The Bay Vancouver Downtown
vancouver2010.com/redmittens

Beginning October 1, Canadians everywhere will want to sink their hands into a thick and cozy pair of Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens. The iconic Canadian Red Mittens will become a symbol of the 2010 Winter Games and the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

The knit Red Mittens — with their soft fleece lining and white maple leaf on the palm — are $10 (plus taxes) with all net proceeds going toward supporting Canadian athletes. Manufactured by the Hudson’s Bay Company, Red Mittens are sold through the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters. They’ll also be available at Olympic Stores, The Olympic Store at vancouver2010.com, and in select areas along the Torch Relay Route.

Torch Relay and Red Mittens

Tara Semchuk The Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens were first seen in Whistler on February 12, 2009 during the one-year countdown celebrations when the 2010 Olympic Torch was unveiled for the first time. Next to the mostly white torchbearer uniform, these hot little mittens will certainly become a stand-out piece.

VANOC has heard of torch relay celebration communities getting a jump on the Red Mitten craze. For one, Tara Semchuk of Drumheller, Alberta, sewed a special (unofficial) pair of red fleece mittens for their 86-foot-tall, 65,771 kilogram Tyrannosaurus Rex. Talk about community spirit! The world’s largest replica dinosaur will be wearing her Red Mittens during the winter holiday season and of course January 3 to 16, around the time that the Olympic Flame comes through town. Another sign that torch relay communities are getting creative and ready for some fun.

Related Links
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Store Online

vancouver2010.com/redmittens
The Bay Stores
Zellers Stores
Home Outfitters Stores
CTVOlympics.ca

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will visit the community of Lindsay, Ontario on December 16, 2009. To mark this day, art students from four local high schools — Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI), I.E. Weldon, St. Thomas Aquinas and Fenelon Falls — created life-sized papier mâché Olympic sport figures.

One of 189 community celebrations on the Olympic Torch Relay route, Lindsay will host a celebration using the papier mâché snowboarders, figure skaters, hockey players, freestyle skiers and curlers to decorate the stage. These figures have also been displayed at local events to promote the upcoming celebration.

Where did the idea of doing such a project — over and above the school curriculum — originate? Don Thomas, a member of the Olympic Torch Relay Community Task Force, came up with the idea. “I realized we would need something to decorate our stage and keep the Olympic theme. I thought of the sport figures and I approached the art departments of the four schools”, said Thomas. “At first, some teachers were reluctant but at my second visit into the schools, I was armed with our Mayor Ric Magee, along with roll ends of newsprint donated by the Lindsay Post, chicken wire and dowels donated by a local hardware store as well as a cheque from the task force. It worked!”

The work

This project was a technical challenge considering the life-sized aspect of the work, and each school approached the making of the figures differently. I.E. Weldon Secondary School students wrapped a willing model in chicken wire, removed all the pieces carefully and fastened all of them together with wire. Next, a layer of papier mâché was used to cover the wire and smooth the holes, then a layer of plaster bandages was modeled on the top of the papier mâché layer to achieve the finer detail.

“We actually used real skis, skates, hockey stick and jersey to obtain more realistic surfaces and shapes,” explained Lesley Drummond, head of arts at I.E. Weldon. “The figures were then coated with primer to seal any holes and an outdoor urethane for weatherproofing. The most difficult part was trying to figure out how to insert and use the pole that had to be included so the figures can be mounted on a base for easy display.”

The experience

A few of the life-sized papier mâché Olympic sport figures. (Courtesy of Don Thomas) Approximately six to 10 students from Grades 11 and 12 in each of the four schools participated in the project. They had three weeks to create the sport figures they had chosen. “Originally, each school was told to do two figures and my students were willing to wrestle to have this opportunity! They were allowed to pick the figures (sports) they wanted to do. We tried to coordinate with everyone so there was no overlap” said Drummond.

Jacob Jackson, one of the students that participated in the project, was the first at LCVI to express his interest and enthusiasm in doing something beyond the school curriculum. “What I loved most in this project was working with my partner Mike Wills, sharing our ideas as well as surpassing boundaries we faced. The biggest challenge was weight distribution because the figure was heavy as it was inverted. There were also time issues because it was taking longer than expected and we had a lot of ideas we wish we could have had time to apply,” explained Jackson.

Now a student in multimedia design at Durham College and a fan of snowboard, bobsleigh, curling and ice sledge hockey, Jackson is thrilled that his community will be a part of the Olympic Torch Relay and looks forward to the event. “When you think of Lindsay, you certainly don’t think of any major events taking place here. The opportunity is overwhelming and many people, including myself, can’t wait!” he continued.

“We got to work with some cool material like plaster to make it look as real as possible. It was not easy recreating exact body positions, especially out of chicken wire and attaching them together. This took a lot of re-working and re-placing our chicken wire limbs”, said Megan Pilat, a student at I.E. Weldon. “I’m really excited for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the torch relay’s visit in Lindsay. It’s super awesome to be a part of such a huge event!”

A rewarding project

The figures were unveiled on the lawn of the Lindsay City Hall in June 2009 and the community has been quite impressed with the work. “The students did an excellent job and it’s nice to see that recognized,” said Community Task Force chair Gord James.

“I really wanted to tap into the talent of our local kids and get them revved up for the arrival of the Olympic Flame. It was really rewarding to see the interest, enthusiasm and talent of the students when they presented the figures at City Hall,” said Thomas.
Drummond is ready for another shot. “If the mayor kicks in a bit more plaster money, I’m sure we could farm out the job of doing some Paralympic figures to the new students this year!”

Check out the Lindsay Celebration Community Facebook Page!

What’s your vision for the future of the Olympic Games? The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and three-time Olympic gold medallist, sprinter Usain Bolt, want to know and they’re asking to see your ideas in the form of a YouTube video.

Attend the Olympic Congress 2009

In conjunction with the Olympic Congress — held October 3 to 5, 2009 — the IOC is offering two free trips to Copenhagen, Denmark, for the best YouTube video about the future of the Olympic Games. The lucky winners will attend the entire Congress.

Interested in sharing your ideas? Pull out a video camera out and have your say on youtube.com/olympiccongress before September 15. Contest rules and eligibility are available on the IOC website.

What is the Olympic Congress?

Held every few years, an Olympic Congress is a discussion lead by the IOC President, IOC members and the Olympic Family to generate ideas for improving the Olympic Games. Themes vary for every congress.

The Olympic Congress 2009 will encourage dialogue on the following themes:

•The athletes
•The Olympic Games
•The structure of the Olympic Movement
•Olympism and youth
•The digital revolution

The congress is attended by IOC members and honorary members, representatives of the International Federations, National Olympic Committees, Organizing Committees for the Olympic Games, athletes and athlete support staff (coaches, doctors and medical staff), referees, judges and technical officials, the IOC's Olympic Partners, and the media.

A Fast-Paced World

The IOC uses Olympic Congresses to discuss not only sport, but world issues and changes that influence sport. Previous congresses have introduced themes such as amateurism in sport, athletes’ voice and the health of the environment. A current topic is the power of the Internet and how the digital revolution impacts the Olympic Games.

Main outcomes of the last three Olympic Congresses (information courtesy of the IOC):

Varna 1973
Re-thinking the idea of amateurism was at the centre of discussion. The new eligibility rule for the Olympic Games authorized the financial and material assistance which had meanwhile become crucial to elite-level training, while only personal profit derived from a sports activity remained prohibited.

Baden-Baden 1981
Unprecedented attention was devoted to the concerns of the athletes. For the first time, the athletes played a leading role in a congress. Their narratives rang with an authenticity that nobody dared contradict and the congress in Baden-Baden thus paved the way for the creation of the IOC Athletes' Commission, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

Paris 1994
The congress in Paris proved trend-setting in an area of great interest today: protection of the environment, with the environment declared to be an essential component of Olympism. A survey was conducted and measures to optimize the Olympic Movement's contribution to preserving the environment were defined. Also, for the first time, the media were invited to speak at the congress, and an entire theme was given over to them.

Related Links:

The Olympic Congress
YouTube/OlympicCongress
Follow the IOC on Twitter

About 40 years ago, as a young law student and competitive athlete at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Doug Mitchell learned many of the principles that would guide him through his life as a husband, father, lawyer and citizen. At UBC he discovered the true meaning of teamwork and the importance of perseverance. These lessons would shape his relationships and his drive to give back to sport.

In recognition of his profound experience at UBC, Mitchell, with a team of his family and friends, recently donated $10 million dollars to the university to support the further development of sport.

“Playing sports taught me that none of us can thrive alone; we need a team,” said Mitchell at the ceremony on August 21, 2009 outside the UBC Thunderbird Arena, the venue for the Olympic ice hockey and Paralympic ice sledge hockey during the 2010 Winter Games. “It also taught me that it’s not the falling down, it’s the getting up that counts!”

The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

University President Stephen Toope announced that the facility would be named the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in recognition of Doug’s gift and his lifelong commitment to amateur and professional sport in Canada, especially ice hockey.

The financial pledge — among the largest-ever to a Canadian varsity athletics facility — will support UBC’s share of the costs in building the new winter sports complex and help to provide one of the best university winter sports facilities in the country for UBC students, athletes and the community.

Doug Mitchell and his wife, Lois, who live in Calgary (host city of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games) are longtime supporters of UBC sports. In 2006, Lois Mitchell established the Hayley Wickenheiser Thunderbird Ice Hockey Endowment to support the UBC women’s ice hockey team, and in 2007, Mitchell established the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Scholarship Endowment to support UBC athletes.

A Refurbished Arena

Opened in September 2008, the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre contains the refurbished Father Bauer Arena, a new practice ice rink and 7,500-seat arena that will host ice hockey and ice sledge hockey during the 2010 Winter Games. About 40,000 people use the centre every month, with more than 230 hours per week devoted to community use, including hockey leagues, youth instructional programs, high school rentals, community rentals and drop-in programs. The centre is accessible for adaptive athletes and spectators with physical disabilities. It is also home of the UBC Sports Hall of Fame. VANOC will maintain the name UBC Thunderbird Arena for the 2010 Games given the advanced stage of our publications and naming systems, but will ensure the new name is noted in select public communications such as vancouver2010.com and news releases.

Photos courtesy of Rich Lam/UBC Athletics

Vancouver 2010 mascots Quatchi, Miga and Sumi haven’t been kicking their paws and fins up this summer. The three friends have been tirelessly trekking the globe, spreading the warm welcome of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Since their November 2007 introduction, they’ve made close to 700 appearances including fairs and festivals, in parades and hospitals and at sports events.

Just like the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Quatchi, Miga and Sumi are committed to delivering their finest moments, whether it’s bringing smiles to children’s faces or giving high-fives to their adoring fans.

The trio have been across Canada visiting every province and territory trying every activity they can fit in, including cross-country skiing, snow tubing, ice hockey, curling, and even riding their very own tandem bike made for three. They’ve made good use of their passports too: so far their international visits include Australia, China, Germany, Japan, Korea and the United States, and next week they head to sunny Mexico.

Starting October 30, the mascots will bring the party to Torch Relay Celebration Communities as the torch relay weaves through the Canadian landscape. Then, after welcoming the athletes to the Olympic Villages, the mascot team will make appearances before most Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games scheduled events. You can’t miss them.

If you haven’t caught up with Quatchi, Miga and Sumi lately, here’s a glimpse of what they’ve been up to.

Watch their latest home video on the VANOC Web Team YouTube channel.

About 40 years ago, as a young law student and competitive athlete at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Doug Mitchell learned many of the principles that would guide him through his life as a husband, father, lawyer and citizen. At UBC he discovered the true meaning of teamwork and the importance of perseverance. These lessons would shape his relationships and his drive to give back to sport.

In recognition of his profound experience at UBC, Mitchell, with a team of his family and friends, recently donated $10 million dollars to the university to support the further development of sport.

“Playing sports taught me that none of us can thrive alone; we need a team,” said Mitchell at the ceremony on August 21, 2009 outside the UBC Thunderbird Arena, the venue for the Olympic ice hockey and Paralympic ice sledge hockey during the 2010 Winter Games. “It also taught me that it’s not the falling down, it’s the getting up that counts!”

The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

University President Stephen Toope announced that the facility would be named the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in recognition of Doug’s gift and his lifelong commitment to amateur and professional sport in Canada, especially ice hockey.

The financial pledge — among the largest-ever to a Canadian varsity athletics facility — will support UBC’s share of the costs in building the new winter sports complex and help to provide one of the best university winter sports facilities in the country for UBC students, athletes and the community.

Doug Mitchell and his wife, Lois, who live in Calgary (host city of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games) are longtime supporters of UBC sports. In 2006, Lois Mitchell established the Hayley Wickenheiser Thunderbird Ice Hockey Endowment to support the UBC women’s ice hockey team, and in 2007, Mitchell established the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Scholarship Endowment to support UBC athletes.

A Refurbished Arena

Opened in September 2008, the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre contains the refurbished Father Bauer Arena, a new practice ice rink and 7,500-seat arena that will host ice hockey and ice sledge hockey during the 2010 Winter Games. About 40,000 people use the centre every month, with more than 230 hours per week devoted to community use, including hockey leagues, youth instructional programs, high school rentals, community rentals and drop-in programs. The centre is accessible for adaptive athletes and spectators with physical disabilities. It is also home of the UBC Sports Hall of Fame.

Photos courtesy of Rich Lam/UBC Athletics

You know the 2010 Winter Games are just around the corner when team uniforms are being revealed. For an athlete who, for years, has rung every ounce of effort into his or her sport, seeing the official team uniform is a signal that they’re closing in on their Olympic or Paralympic dream.

Today, Hockey Canada unveiled the Team Canada 2010 hockey jerseys, the result of a creative partnership between Hockey Canada, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC). Made by Nike Canada, this jersey will be worn at the 2010 Winter Games by the Canadian men’s and women’s ice hockey and ice sledge hockey teams.

“We are very proud to unveil the new Team Canada hockey jerseys that our hockey athletes will wear to help bring back the gold,” says Maria Montaño, general manager, Nike Canada. “We expect fans will love it, especially since they will be able to see it in action on home ice.”

In collaboration with Musqueam artist Debra Sparrow, Nike Canada designed a jersey that incorporates historical Canadian imagery with a contemporary look. Within a central maple leaf crest are smaller maple leafs, symbolizing the gold medal count for Canada’s men’s and women’s Olympic ice hockey and Paralympic ice sledge hockey teams. Other symbolism includes a hockey player with a stick in hand and two powerful First Nations icons — the thunderbird and eagle — supporting the central maple leaf. The Team Canada 2010 Olympic jersey also features a new interpretation of the Vancouver 2010 inukshuk and COC marks on the sleeve and tail. Team Canada’s 2010 Paralympic Winter Games jersey features the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games emblem and the CPC logo.

“Working with our partners at Nike, we have developed a design that — while not a major departure from our current jersey — incorporates imagery in a different and meaningful way,” says Scott Smith, Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer. “We believe that the jersey honours the game of hockey and also celebrates our rich Canadian history and culture. Our teams and fans across the country will be proud to wear it during this special moment in 2010”.

There will be two versions of the jersey — one in red and one in white — that the teams will wear during competition at the 2010 Winter Games. And whether you’re watching the Games from your home chesterfield, at the pub with friends or in person at the venue, Team Canada jerseys are an easy way to show Canadian spirit.

With a suggested retail price of $135, the Team Canada 2010 Olympic replica jerseys are available today in Nike stores across Canada, The Olympic Store at vancouver2010.com, Hudson’s Bay Company Bay stores, and later this fall at Olympic Stores in Vancouver, Whistler, and the Vancouver International Airport. They will also be sold in the Olympic Superstore at the Bay Downtown Vancouver and hockey venue concession stands operated at Games time by VANOC’s merchandise concessionaire, XP Canada ULC.

Today the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) received the Excellence for Green Building award from the Globe Foundation and the World Green Building Council. The award — handed out during a ceremony at the newly constructed Trout Lake Arena — is in recognition of the Organizing Committee’s leadership in establishing green building criteria for the 2010 Winter Games venues. In addition, 15 architects who designed the venues also received awards of recognition for their excellence in green building practices.

Walter Francl is one of the leading venue architects to receive the award for work on the Trout Lake Arena, a figure skating training venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. His work there began approximately four years ago with several groups including the forward-thinking clients of the surrounding Trout Lake community and the Vancouver Park Board.

“They’re a very kind and giving community group that spends a lot of volunteer time organizing and fostering the recreational and social activities in the community,” says Francl. “The ability to deliver to them something that they really see as a big improvement and something that they, as a community, can be proud of is something that I take a lot of personal pleasure in. That’s the most satisfaction you can get in this profession. And there’s the fact that it happens to be related to the Olympics in some small way. That is nice as well.”

Francl says the biggest challenge in creating an environmentally low impact arena is exactly that: it is an arena. Ice rinks are essentially big refrigerators with a hungry appetite for energy and a producer of much excess heat. To alleviate the situation, the waste heat from the rink will be used to heat the soon-to-be-built swimming pool in the community centre next door. Francl is presently working on the plans for the new pool system and the community centre that will be revamped post-Games in 2010.

Sound Solutions

Much of the careful planning included tearing down the old arena structure and using the already existing footprint as the foundation for the new arena in the bog-like geology. Not only was it an environmentally sound solution, but more cost prudent also. And you wouldn’t know it by looking at it, but the wood beams spanning the ceiling inside the building come from salvaged trees that were blown down during wind storms in Vancouver’s Stanley Park almost three years ago.
For Francl, a building’s environmental footprint is a big responsibility, and as wisely as you can steward that consumption, the better you are.

“We are all responsible for what we consume and all that we do not consume, and what we leave to future generations,” says Francl. “That’s the attitude we take in our building style.”

British Columbia — World’s Greenest Olympic District

Dan Doyle of VANOC (L) and Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Village architect, Roger Bayley (R). (VANOC photo) VANOC and its venue partners, such as the City of Vancouver, Resort Municipality of Whistler and the City of Richmond, shared the commitment to find innovation solutions to deliver the 2010 Winter Games venues as environmentally friendly structures that the venue communities would be proud of. Following through on the bid commitment for the Games, every new venue is built to a minimum silver rating of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standard. Not only that, but by design, green buildings have operational efficiencies that make the buildings cheaper for the community to operate as a legacy in the long term.

The venue program wasn’t possible without the support from VANOC’s government partners —the $580 million venue construction budget for the Games is equally funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Mitigating Environmental Impacts

Canada and BC’s investment in the 2010 venue construction program also includes some overseeing of the Games environmental assessment process. Aside from construction, each Vancouver 2010 competition venue has undergone some level of environmental assessment to conserve natural environments to manage, mitigate and offset negative impacts. The Ministry of Canadian Heritage and the Province of BC’s Environmental Assessment Office have been working with VANOC and its venue partners to ensure environmental impacts for many of the key Games venues have been assessed, and plans are in place so impacts can be managed from the start of construction until the venues are decommissioned many years later. Visit the environmental assessment page at vancouver2010.com/sustainability to learn more about the environmental assessment process for the venues.

Powering the Venues with Minimal Carbon Impact

The power for the 2010 Winter Games will have little to no net carbon impact. BC Hydro will provide clean power for the Games, which means carbon dioxide emissions from power generation for the venues will be reduced close to zero net carbon emissions, the lowest level yet for an Olympic Winter Games.

About the Award

Award recipients. (VANOC photo) The award for Excellence in Green Building Practices is a one-time award being presented to architects in the form of a handcrafted parallam clock. Vancouver woodworker David Gilmore was commissioned to create the clock, which is made from salvaged British Columbia wood. Representatives from the following architectural firms received awards in connection with 2010 Winter Games venues: Walter Francl Architecture, Acton Ostry Architects, Hughes Condon Marler Architects, Nick Milkovich Architects, Merrick Architecture, GBL Architects Group, IBI/HB Architects, DA Architects + Planners, MCM Partnership, LMN Architects, Cannon Design, CJP Architects, Stantec, Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects, and Burrowes Huggins Architects.

Today the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) received the Excellence for Green Building award from the Globe Foundation and the World Green Building Council. The award — handed out during a ceremony at the newly constructed Trout Lake Arena — is in recognition of the Organizing Committee’s leadership in establishing green building criteria for the 2010 Winter Games venues. In addition, 15 architects who designed the venues also received awards of recognition for their excellence in green building practices.

Walter Francl is one of the leading venue architects to receive the award for work on the Trout Lake Arena, a figure skating training venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. His work there began approximately four years ago with several groups including the forward-thinking clients of the surrounding Trout Lake community and the Vancouver Park Board.

“They’re a very kind and giving community group that spends a lot of volunteer time organizing and fostering the recreational and social activities in the community,” says Francl. “The ability to deliver to them something that they really see as a big improvement and something that they, as a community, can be proud of is something that I take a lot of personal pleasure in. That’s the most satisfaction you can get in this profession. And there’s the fact that it happens to be related to the Olympics in some small way. That is nice as well.”

Francl says the biggest challenge in creating an environmentally low impact arena is exactly that: it is an arena. Ice rinks are essentially big refrigerators with a hungry appetite for energy and a producer of much excess heat. To alleviate the situation, the waste heat from the rink will be used to heat the soon-to-be-built swimming pool in the community centre next door. Francl is presently working on the plans for the new pool system and the community centre that will be revamped post-Games in 2010.

Sound Solutions

Much of the careful planning included tearing down the old arena structure and using the already existing footprint as the foundation for the new arena in the bog-like geology. Not only was it an environmentally sound solution, but more cost prudent also. And you wouldn’t know it by looking at it, but the wood beams spanning the ceiling inside the building come from salvaged trees that were blown down during wind storms in Vancouver’s Stanley Park almost three years ago.
For Francl, a building’s environmental footprint is a big responsibility, and as wisely as you can steward that consumption, the better you are.

“We are all responsible for what we consume and all that we do not consume, and what we leave to future generations,” says Francl. “That’s the attitude we take in our building style.”

British Columbia — World’s Greenest Olympic District

Dan Doyle of VANOC (L) and Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Village architect, Roger Bayley (R). (VANOC photo) VANOC and its venue partners, such as the City of Vancouver, Resort Municipality of Whistler and the City of Richmond, shared the commitment to find innovation solutions to deliver the 2010 Winter Games venues as environmentally friendly structures that the venue communities would be proud of. Following through on the bid commitment for the Games, every new venue is built to a minimum silver rating of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standard. Not only that, but by design, green buildings have operational efficiencies that make the buildings cheaper for the community to operate as a legacy in the long term.

The venue program wasn’t possible without the support from VANOC’s government partners —the $580 million venue construction budget for the Games is equally funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Mitigating Environmental Impacts

Canada and BC’s investment in the 2010 venue construction program also includes some overseeing of the Games environmental assessment process. Aside from construction, each Vancouver 2010 competition venue has undergone some level of environmental assessment to conserve natural environments to manage, mitigate and offset negative impacts. The Ministry of Canadian Heritage and the Province of BC’s Environmental Assessment Office have been working with VANOC and its venue partners to ensure environmental impacts for many of the key Games venues have been assessed, and plans are in place so impacts can be managed from the start of construction until the venues are decommissioned many years later. Visit the environmental assessment page at vancouver2010.com/sustainability to learn more about the environmental assessment process for the venues.

Powering the Venues with Minimal Carbon Impact

The power for the 2010 Winter Games will have little to no net carbon impact. BC Hydro will provide clean power for the Games, which means carbon dioxide emissions from power generation for the venues will be reduced close to zero net carbon emissions, the lowest level yet for an Olympic Winter Games.

About the Award

Award recipients. (VANOC photo) The award for Excellence in Green Building Practices is a one-time award being presented to architects in the form of a handcrafted parallam clock. Vancouver woodworker David Gilmore was commissioned to create the clock, which is made from salvaged British Columbia wood. Representatives from the following architectural firms received awards in connection with 2010 Winter Games venues: Walter Francl Architecture, Acton Ostry Architects, Hughes Condon Marler Architects, Nick Milkovich Architects, Merrick Architecture, GBL Architects Group, IBI/HB Architects, DA Architects + Planners, MCM Partnership, LMN Architects, Cannon Design, CJP Architects, Stantec, Hottson Bakker Boniface Haden architects + urbanistes, and Burrowes Huggins Architects.

Do you dream of carrying the Olympic Flame during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay? If you haven’t yet signed up to be a torchbearer at rbc.com/carrythetorch, it’s time to apply today! With the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay beginning in four months, RBC is closing its contest on July 15th, 2009.

“We still have close to 500 torchbearer spots available. This is the last chance Canadians have to be an Olympic Torchbearer, be a part of Canadian history and make a contribution to the legacy of these Olympic Winter Games,” said Jacqueline Ryan, director, Olympic marketing at RBC.

The Carry the Torch contest invites Canadians to “create a better Canada” by simply sharing a personal pledge to do something small or large in their daily lives that will make Canada an even better place to live. “RBC has a proud heritage of supporting community initiatives, and the Olympic Torch Relay is an ideal way to recognize many community-minded people,” said Ryan.

Inspiring pledges

Among the numerous applications received, RBC has recognized a few inspiring pledges. “For a few of the winning torchbearers, we read their pledge and felt it was compelling and demonstrated how a simple act — volunteering, mentoring or making lifestyle changes — can make a difference in our communities and help create a better Canada. We wanted to recognize them publicly so they could inspire others,” said Ryan.

Thirty-eight year old Jeff Pattison of Oakville, Ontario made the pledge to start running and compete in long distance races to raise money. He’s donating what he raises to charity in honour of his late grandfather who was a huge Olympic fan. “In addition to the money, I hope that I inspire my family and friends to lead a more active lifestyle.”

Shelley Deacon of Burnaby, BC, teaches at an elementary school in east Vancouver and became a committed basketball coach to a group of grade seven girls. She pledged to continue coaching while on maternity leave to help the girls advance to high school with a strong sense of self. “I feel that by showing them a strong role model (eating healthy, getting exercise and by being a positive coach) they will head into high school feeling a strong sense of self-worth and know who they want to be.”

RBC also recognized a number of pledges during their Community Celebration Week from June 22 to 26 that honour the efforts of Canadians, big or small, who make a difference in their communities.

Bicentennial School's Principal and first RBC Olympic Torchbearer in Halifax, Frank Hayden with his students One such pledge was made by Frank Hayden of Halifax, Nova Scotia who wants to create stronger communities. “At my school, where I am the principal, we have a breakfast program and I plan to expand this support for students by starting a school food bank. My own personal pledge is to purchase and donate extra grocery items every time I do my own shopping. I will continue to create initiatives at school where students, staff and the community donate food items and/or vouchers,” he wrote.

It’s not too late to apply to be a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer! If you’re taking action to make yourself, your community or your country better and if you would like to carry the Olympic Flame at home in Canada, enter today at rbc.com/carrythetorch.

Exactly 23,600 students responded with enthusiasm and creativity to the 2009 Canada Day Poster Challenge, whose theme was the 2010 Winter Games motto — With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits. With the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games right around the corner, each region of the country displayed hearty enthusiasm and this year’s theme was well chosen to engage young Canadians aged five to 18 in the spirit of this unique event.

One entry most impressed the judges — the one from 15-year-old Allison Forseille of Saskatchewan, who is the national winner of this year’s challenge. Thirteen finalists — one from each province and territory — have been chosen. You can view their art in the Fun Zone.

Allison’s drawing depicts what represents Canada best: maple leaves, a Canada goose, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, mountains, water, a lighthouse, a bobsleigh, the 2010 Winter Games mascots and Canadian fans. “The cheering fans are not only welcoming the world and Olympians to Canada, they are also cheering for the pure beauty that our country has to offer,” Allison said. “In my poster, I also depict cultural diversity in Canada by clothing the fans in the colours of other countries.”

Manitoba finalist - Jennifer Bruneau's drawing Her work is now the official poster for Canada Day and has been distributed across the country. “Drawing and being creative is something that I really enjoy,” Allison explained. “I just recently learned how to airbrush and I applied this technique to parts of my poster. I don’t draw as much as I would like due to school, sports, work and other activities.”

This is her third participation in the national contest; in 2007 she won first place in her age category. It’s the first time that Allison is attending the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, along with the 12 other provincial and territorial finalists. “I have always entered the contest because it gives me a good excuse to put aside time for drawing. I also wanted to try and win a trip for my family to go to Ottawa,” she said.

Allison is not only attending the celebrations in Ottawa — this year she also wins a special grand prize consisting of an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2010 Winter Games. She said, “I’m still completely astounded that I get to attend the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in my home country. My family and I are thrilled and excited to be able to cheer on our Canadian athletes. We know that we’ll attend the Opening Ceremony, and the number one event on my list is definitively to watch the National Hockey Team play.”

New Brunswick finalist - Joshua Bastarache's drawing

Sixteen-year-old Jennifer Bruneau of Manitoba came second, while eight-year-old Joshua Bastarache of New Brunswick placed third.

The Canada Day Poster Challenge was launched for the first time in 1987 as a national project by the Department of the Secretary of State, which is now a part of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Every year, the department invites young Canadians to visually express what inspires them about their country. If you would like to receive a copy of the official Canada Day poster (with a calendar on the back), please contact your regional Canadian Heritage office.

Do you dream of carrying the Olympic Flame during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay? If you haven’t yet signed up to be a torchbearer at rbc.com/carrythetorch, it’s time to apply today! With the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay beginning in four months, RBC is closing its contest on July 15th, 2009.

“We still have close to 500 torchbearer spots available. This is the last chance Canadians have to be an Olympic Torchbearer, be a part of Canadian history and make a contribution to the legacy of these Olympic Winter Games,” said Jacqueline Ryan, director, Olympic marketing at RBC.

The Carry the Torch contest invites Canadians to “create a better Canada” by simply sharing a personal pledge to do something small or large in their daily lives that will make Canada an even better place to live. “RBC has a proud heritage of supporting community initiatives, and the Olympic Torch Relay is an ideal way to recognize many community-minded people,” said Ryan.

Inspiring pledges

Among the numerous applications received, RBC has recognized a few inspiring pledges. “For a few of the winning torchbearers, we read their pledge and felt it was compelling and demonstrated how a simple act — volunteering, mentoring or making lifestyle changes — can make a difference in our communities and help create a better Canada. We wanted to recognize them publicly so they could inspire others,” said Ryan.

Thirty-eight year old Jeff Pattison of Oakville, Ontario made the pledge to start running and compete in long distance races to raise money. He’s donating what he raises to charity in honour of his late grandfather who was a huge Olympic fan. “In addition to the money, I hope that I inspire my family and friends to lead a more active lifestyle.”

Shelley Deacon of Burnaby, BC, teaches at an elementary school in east Vancouver and became a committed basketball coach to a group of grade seven girls. She pledged to continue coaching while on maternity leave to help the girls advance to high school with a strong sense of self. “I feel that by showing them a strong role model (eating healthy, getting exercise and by being a positive coach) they will head into high school feeling a strong sense of self-worth and know who they want to be.”

RBC also recognized a number of pledges during their Community Celebration Week from June 22 to 26 that honour the efforts of Canadians, big or small, who make a difference in their communities.

Bicentennial School's Principal and first RBC Olympic Torchbearer in Halifax, Frank Hayden with his students One such pledge was made by Frank Hayden of Halifax, Nova Scotia who wants to create stronger communities. “At my school, where I am the principal, we have a breakfast program and I plan to expand this support for students by starting a school food bank. My own personal pledge is to purchase and donate extra grocery items every time I do my own shopping. I will continue to create initiatives at school where students, staff and the community donate food items and/or vouchers,” he wrote.

It’s not too late to apply to be a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer! If you’re taking action to make yourself, your community or your country better and if you would like to carry the Olympic Flame at home in Canada, enter today at rbc.com/carrythetorch.

Exactly 23,600 students responded with enthusiasm and creativity to the 2009 Canada Day Poster Challenge, whose theme was the 2010 Winter Games motto — With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits. With the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games right around the corner, each region of the country displayed hearty enthusiasm and this year’s theme was well chosen to engage young Canadians aged five to 18 in the spirit of this unique event.

One entry most impressed the judges — the one from 15-year-old Allison Forseille of Saskatchewan, who is the national winner of this year’s challenge. Thirteen finalists — one from each province and territory — have been chosen. You can view their art in the Fun Zone.

Allison’s drawing depicts what represents Canada best: maple leaves, a Canada goose, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, mountains, water, a lighthouse, a bobsleigh, the 2010 Winter Games mascots and Canadian fans. “The cheering fans are not only welcoming the world and Olympians to Canada, they are also cheering for the pure beauty that our country has to offer,” Allison said. “In my poster, I also depict cultural diversity in Canada by clothing the fans in the colours of other countries.”

Manitoba finalist - Jennifer Bruneau's drawing Her work is now the official poster for Canada Day and has been distributed across the country. “Drawing and being creative is something that I really enjoy,” Allison explained. “I just recently learned how to airbrush and I applied this technique to parts of my poster. I don’t draw as much as I would like due to school, sports, work and other activities.”

This is her third participation in the national contest; in 2007 she won first place in her age category. It’s the first time that Allison is attending the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, along with the 12 other provincial and territorial finalists. “I have always entered the contest because it gives me a good excuse to put aside time for drawing. I also wanted to try and win a trip for my family to go to Ottawa,” she said.

Allison is not only attending the celebrations in Ottawa — this year she also wins a special grand prize consisting of an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2010 Winter Games. She said, “I’m still completely astounded that I get to attend the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in my home country. My family and I are thrilled and excited to be able to cheer on our Canadian athletes. We know that we’ll attend the Opening Ceremony, and the number one event on my list is definitively to watch the National Hockey Team play.”

New Brunswick finalist - Joshua Bastarache's drawing

Sixteen-year-old Jennifer Bruneau of Manitoba came second, while eight-year-old Joshua Bastarache of New Brunswick placed third.

The Canada Day Poster Challenge was launched for the first time in 1987 as a national project by the Department of the Secretary of State, which is now a part of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Every year, the department invites young Canadians to visually express what inspires them about their country. If you would like to receive a copy of the official Canada Day poster (with a calendar on the back), please contact your regional Canadian Heritage office.

The maple leaf. It’s one of Canada’s most widely recognized symbols and now it’s the face of the official 2010 Winter Games posters. But instead of the standard rustic red, this maple leaf is an anthology of nature and urban symbolism in wintery shades of blue and vibrant greens.

The complementary posters, reflecting the signature look of the 2010 Winter Games, have a bold, contemporary design and feature a cropped maple leaf composed of a vibrant palette found in the natural landscape of Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor, the Games Host Region. When the Olympic and Paralympic posters are displayed together, the two halves of the maple leaf join to create a whole, a concept that is a first for an Organizing Committee. The Official Emblems of the Games, and the Games motto With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits, are also on the posters; all poster elements are artfully displayed on a white wood grain textured background.

Like other Games posters before them, the official posters of Canada’s Games — the 21st produced for a Winter Games — will hang on bedroom walls and office boardrooms around the world. Among collectors, Olympic and Paralympic Games posters are some of the most coveted Games keepsakes.

The posters go on sale today at vancouver2010.com/store and at The Olympic Stores located at Vancouver International Airport and in Whistler, BC, starting at $15 CAD.

The Creative Process

Created by hand using paint and mixed media prior to digital composition, the techniques employed to produce the original piece of art complement the modern and dynamic style of the Vancouver 2010 graphics. The Look of the Games graphic elements in the poster were created by members of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) design team, and the poster concept and unique interpretation of the graphic elements were brought to life by VANOC designer Ben Hulse.

“As one of the most visible and collectible items of the Games, we’re proud to offer Canadians and supporters around the world official posters that truly illustrate the spirit of Canada’s Games,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “The posters feature the traditional maple leaf rendered in a new way that is symbolic of a country that is young at heart, diverse, dynamic and fun. The unique pairing of these posters reflect our integrated approach to celebrating the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as one event for Canada.”

Order Your Poster

The posters, produced by VANOC licensee Canadian Art Prints of Richmond, BC, start at $15 for an 18 x 27-inch offset lithography print (available today) to a limited edition 20 x 28-inch Giclee print for $150 (pre-orders start today). Limited-edition versions of the posters will also be sold together; these include embossing, a story on how the posters were designed and a certificate of authenticity signed by VANOC CEO John Furlong and designer Ben Hulse.

In the coming months, other Vancouver 2010 posters will be available for sale, including the sport illustrations featured on highly sought Games tickets, including ice hockey, figure skating and alpine skiing. All 2010 Winter Games posters will be available for purchase at vancouver2010.com/store; The Olympic Stores in Whistler, Vancouver and at the Vancouver International Airport; select Zellers and The Bay stores; and select retailers across Canada and internationally.

Related Links:
The 2010 Winter Games Brand
The Online Store
Official Posters of the Games

Three days after the Olympic Flame is extinguished on the West Coast, a new flame will light in Canada’s national capital, Ottawa, sparking the official start and inspirational journey of the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay on March 3, 2010.

The 10-day relay, supported by the Government of Canada, will illuminate the extraordinary achievements of Paralympians and celebrate the endless possibilities of the human spirit. The 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will start with a uniquely Canadian lighting ceremony in Ottawa and will involve approximately 600 torchbearers. The relay will visit several celebration sites before arriving at BC Place in Vancouver for the opening of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games on March 12.

The starting point announcement was made on June 25, 2009 in Vancouver by Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). Sir Phillip Craven, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, Premier Gordon Campbell, Mayor Gregor Robertson and John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games were also in attendance.

“I have always been so very impressed by the athletes who participate in the Paralympic Games. They literally embody so many of the competitive values we assign to sportsmen and women in general,” said Jim Richards, director, torch relays. “They are an inspiration to us all, and to have them share their stories and join us throughout the Paralympic Torch Relay will help all of us become a little more resilient and better at surprising ourselves. Our goal is to create a relay that gathers people in the communities to truly celebrate the possible.”

Paralympic Torch and Uniform

Para-Alpine Skier, Lauren Woolstencroft and retired Para-Alpine Skier, Brad Lennea lighting their torches Two Paralympians were also on hand to celebrate the event. Brad Lennea of Whistler, BC, a retired member of Canada’s Para-Alpine Ski Team and a torchbearer in Beijing, was joined by a fellow skier Karolina Wisniewska of Vancouver, BC to reveal the distinctive steel blue torch and uniform.

The one-metre-long torch, designed and manufactured by Bombardier, was inspired by the Canadian winter landscape and the lines left on ice by winter sports. The torch also features the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games emblem, a red maple leaf air intake cut-out and an engraving of the Games motto With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits.

Designed and produced by the Hudson’s Bay Company, the Paralympic torchbearer uniform is also steel blue and accented with bright bursts of blue and green on the jacket’s left arm. It also features the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay emblem on the chest and the agitos on the back. The red, green and blue agitos are the Paralympic symbol and represent the IPC’s role in bringing athletes from all corners of the world together and enabling them to compete. The uniform consists of a jacket, pullover pants, toque and knitted red mittens.

Emblem

For the first time in its 22-year history, the Paralympic Torch Relay has its own unique emblem, distinct from the Olympic Torch Relay emblem. The 2010 Paralympic emblem, “Spark Becomes Flame,” is a metaphor for the fire within each and every one of us — the fire of friendship, inspiration and the spirit of the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay. The emblem symbolizes the moment when imaginations are ignited and dreams are born. Its design was created by an in-house team at the Organizing Committee.

Over 1,300 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries will take part in five sports (alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling and biathlon) during the 10 days of competition at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler next March. Tickets for all Paralympic events are now on sale at vancouver2010.com.