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	4/16/2009 Local law enforcement stepping up Special Olympics fundraising 4/16/2009 Local law enforcement stepping up Special Olympics fundraising WARNER ROBINS — Perry police officer Keith Kindle is all about Special Olympics. His daughter, 29-year-old Amanda Kindle, was once an athlete, and the family from Perry made many a trip to the summer games now held in Atlanta. Kindle noted that Special Olympics encourages folks to remember that a rewarding life is filled with challenges and not to pity the athletes but to help support them so that they can shine in the competitions. Familiar with his involvement, Perry Public Safety Director George Potter tapped Kindle on the shoulder a decade ago and asked him if he’d like to head up the department’s participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. More than 1,000 law enforcement officers from more than 100 agencies help run or bicycle the Georgia Special Olympics’ Flame of Hope on a 1,000-mile, two-week trek across the state to pass the torch to a Special Olympian at the summer games in Atlanta. The lighting of the Olympic cauldron signifies the start of the games. Organized in the state in 1986, the torch run has grown into the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit agency. More than a run, it involves fundraising by police officers throughout the year. The funds raised offset the cost of sending an athlete to the games and of holding the event, said Allison Kaczenski, torch run coordinator for Special Olympics in Georgia. Each $125 raised sponsors an athlete at the games, she said. CREATIVE FUNDRAISING In addition to selling Special Olympic Torch Run T-shirts and hats, officers come up with creative ways to raise funds — from perching atop a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts shop for 60 hours to cuffing themselves to a treadmill at a public gym for eight hours, Kaczenski said. “They never cease to amaze me with their crazy ideas,” she said. A Polar Bear Plunge is the latest fundraising idea suggested for 2010. Officers plan to plunge themselves into freezing temperatures for donations, she said. In Middle Georgia, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Centerville Police Department, Warner Robins Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County District Attorney’s Office, Cochran Police Department, Georgia Department of Revenue and Soperton Police Department in Treutlen County have signed up to participate in the 2009 Torch Run, Kaczenski said. The Torch Relay for Middle Georgia will be May 19, she said. Each department raises funds differently, she said. Bibb County sheriff’s Capt. Harry Colbert said his agency’s involvement this year may be limited to the Torch Run itself. Warner Robins police Capt. John Clay, community initiatives director, said his agency donates to Special Olympics its share of funds from the annual Haunted House in Warner Robins sponsored by Law Enforcement United. Law Enforcement United is a nonprofit group of all Houston County law enforcement agencies, including the Office of Special Investigations and the 78th Security Forces at Robins Air Force Base. The group raises funds throughout the year for charities. The funds derived from the Haunted House are divided among the agencies, who then donate the funds to the cause of choice, Clay said. Other fundraising efforts that may be undertaken this year on the behalf of Special Olympics still are in the planning stages, Clay said, but at the very least, will include Torch Run T-shirt and ball cap sales. For Clay, area coordinator for the Torch Run, the reward comes in the faces of the Special Olympians. “The hard work they put into it gives you the inspiration to help,” Clay said. “There’s a lot of sportsmanship and a lot of good will. Whoever wins, everyone is happy.” A CHANCE MEETING Perry police’s annual fundraiser for Special Olympics — a car show — came from a chance meeting on New Year’s Day 1998 between Kindle and Mark Hamby, who owns and operates a Perry car dealership with his wife. Kindle said he was on patrol that day and was checking the doors of businesses. He found one open at Hamby Automotive at 2000 U.S. 41 South. He called it in and Hamby came out to check on his business. While the two were talking, Kindle mentioned that an open field in front of the dealership would make a good place for a car show for Special Olympics, and Hamby responded, “You make it happen, and I’ll pay for it.” And the dealership has sponsored the car show ever since, Kindle said. Several local businesses also donate door prizes every year, he said. Kindle has lowered the registration fee this year for the April 25 show from $25 to $20. The “Top 50” car show is open for all types of vehicles with plaques awarded for the top 50 winners and a trophy for best in show, Kindle said. The public may come out to see the cars and for a $20 donation, also receive a ticket for door prizes given out throughout the 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. event. Judging starts at 11 a.m. In today’s economy, every dollar donated to Special Olympics adds up, and all the fundraising efforts make a difference, Kaczenski said. “If everyone just donated a dollar, we’d be in great shape,” she said. For more information about the car show, contact Kindle at 951-8905 or keith.kindle@perry-ga.gov and for more information about the annual Torch Run, contact Kaczenski
	4/13/2009 VANOC adds top creative talent to team orchestrating the magic of the Opening, Closing and nightly Victory Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games; volunteer performers still needed 4/13/2009 VANOC adds top creative talent to team orchestrating the magic of the Opening, Closing and nightly Victory Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games; volunteer performers still needed Vancouver, BC – As recruitment of volunteer performers continues, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is ramping up the creative team behind the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening, Closing and nightly Victory Ceremonies by adding superlative Canadian and international stars to the mix. The team includes the Canadian brothers behind Dsquared2 who have created lavish, over-the-top costumes for Madonna and Britney Spears, a composer fit for the Queen and the sound designer who has mixed for both The King of Rock `n’ Roll and The Boss. They are just a few of the standouts among the 17 members — the majority of whom are Canadian – announced today by VANOC. A list, including short biographies, follows. Under the direction of executive producer and co-artistic director David Atkins and Ignatius Jones, director, ceremonies strategy and co-artistic director, the creative team will deliver on the creative vision for the ceremonies, create mass choreography for the 4,500 volunteer performers, design lighting and audio systems, select composers and musical arrangements, design sets, costumes and props, and identify headline talent. The team will also be responsible for the nightly Victory Ceremonies happening at BC Place, where top Canadian musical acts will rev up athletes and spectators. Their work will build on the planning started in 2007 by the initial creative team. “The expectations for David Atkins and the ceremonies’ creative team are monumental. They are tasked with creating life long memories — from the iconic Opening and Closing Ceremonies to those golden moments that celebrate the athletes’ achievements,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Their work will be watched live by thousands at BC Place and billions worldwide on television — and this team has both the talent and experience to meet that challenge. They will embrace our country’s rich culture and innovative spirit, while revealing our incredible wealth of Canadian talent to the world.” “For the last 12 months, our creative process for the ceremonies has been underway but as we move from the concept stage to the hands-on work, we’ve sought out exceptionally talented people who know how to take big ideas and breathe life into them,” added David Guscott, executive vice president, ceremonies and celebrations. “As we get closer to the Games, the team will be expanded even further.” David Atkins acknowledged the calibre of the creative team, saying, “This world-class team is filled with artists who know how to wow audiences at international events and are leaders in their fields, from creating magical scores to designing opulent costumes and intricate footwork. Ceremonies volunteers are going to be working with the best; this is a true opportunity of a lifetime.” Atkins pointed out that volunteer ceremonies applications are still being sought and he encouraged enthusiastic potential performers to apply online at www.vancouver2010.com/ceremonies. Previous experience is not a requirement for the performers, dancers and athletes of all types and skills needed to stage the productions. Volunteer performers must be 17 or older to apply; there is no upper age limit. Auditions start May 1. “I’m proud that the Government of Canada is supporting the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). “The Opening Ceremony offers a unique opportunity to showcase Canadian excellence and innovation to the world, while celebrating our culture and traditions.” The ceremonies’ creative team members announced today are: Choreography Director: Jean Grand-Maître Quebec-born Jean Grand-Maître has been artistic director of Alberta Ballet since 2002. He has collaborated with dance companies around the world, as well as acrobats and circus performers for musicals, operas, television, film and large outdoor events. He lives in Calgary, Alberta. Design Director: Douglas Paraschuk Over the last three decades, Douglas Paraschuk of Stratford, Ontario has designed over 100 regional theatre productions across Canada, including spending 21 seasons with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. In 2006, Paraschuk was part of the ceremonies design team for the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. Music Director: Dave Pierce David Pierce’s extensive credits include musical theatre, sporting and cultural events, commercial recordings and live mega spectacles. A resident of Calgary, Alberta, Pierce has adapted scores for several hit Broadway national tours and was recently commissioned to compose a new work for Queen Elizabeth II. Headline Talent Costume Designers: Dsquared2 Dean and Dan Caten, Canadian twin brothers originally from Toronto, Ontario, have worked in the high-end fashion industry since moving to Europe in 1991. They are known for their playful, sexy clothing for men and women and for staging theatrical runway shows. They were selected to design the official uniforms for football team Juventus, and their designs have been worn by Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Usher and most recently Britney Spears for her comeback Circus tour. Designer: Leslie Frankish Leslie Frankish of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, has designed over 130 Canadian theatrical productions for companies including the Shaw Festival, Canadian Stage Company and Citadel Theatre. Designer: Anne-Séguin Poirier A set and costume designer based in Saint-Lambert, Quebec, Anne-Séguin Poirier is currently working on set design and props for a new Cirque du Soleil production to open in Los Angeles in 2010. Designer: Connie Watts Connie Watts of West Vancouver, British Columbia, is an Aboriginal mixed media artist who has shown her artwork across North America. She is currently project manager of the Vancouver 2010 Venues’ Aboriginal Art Program for the 2010 Winter Games. Design Coordinator: John Powell A member of the Mamalilikulla band of the Kwak’wala-speaking Nation, John Powell is primarily a designer working in fashion, costume, and interior and graphic design. Some of his more recent projects include costumes for the Vancouver Opera’s The Magic Flute, Firehall Arts Centre’s The Ecstasy of Rita Joe and the Chinese/Aboriginal drum video for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Designer: Kevin McAllister Kevin McAllister of Vancouver, British Columbia, designs scenery, lighting and costumes for theatre and opera. His portfolio includes work with the Canadian Opera Company and Vancouver Opera. Choreography Associate Director: Marlise McCormick Marlise McCormick’s international career began at Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal and has taken her throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East. She has worked as a designer, director or choreographer for large-scale ceremonial events including the 1994 Commonwealth Games. Marlise splits her time between Vancouver and Europe. Head of Audiovisual: Cyril Meusy Cyril Meusy has worked on projects for Vivendi games as well as the media show for the British Columbia Canada Pavilion at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Meusy specializes in 3-D visualization, art direction and motion graphics. He lives in Burnaby, British Columbia. Lighting Director: Bob Dickinson Bob Dickinson has won 16 Emmy Awards in his three-decade career in lighting design and has more than 1,500 on-screen television credits including the 1996, 2002 and 2004 Olympic Games, the annual Academy Awards show and nine Super Bowl halftime shows. Audio Director: Bruce Jackson As sound designer and house sound engineer for Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen and Barbara Streisand, Bruce Jackson has revolutionized stadium sound. The resident of Culver City, California founded leading audio companies such as JANDS Electronics in the 1960s as well as Apogee Electronics. He is currently a vice-president at Dolby Laboratories. Headline Talent Producer: Samuel Leon Feldman Through two different companies, Sam Feldman represents more than 175 musical artists such as Nelly Furtado, Rush, Joni Mitchell and Elvis Costello. Feldman is also a partner in The Characters Talent Agency, representing Canadian actors such as Molly Parker and Ryan Reynolds. Headline Talent Producer: Dan Fraser Dan Fraser is the president and co-founder of Nettwerk Management, an international recording artist management company based in Vancouver. He manages the touring careers of artists such as Sarah McLachlan and the Barenaked Ladies. Headline Talent Producer: Bruce Allen For more than 35 years, Bruce Allen has guided the careers of musicians, producers and sports figures in the Canadian entertainment industry. His current roster of talent includes Bryan Adams, Martina McBride, Anne Murray and Michael Bublé. About VANOC VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as many of the nightly Victory Ceremonies will take place in Vancouver’s 55,000-seat BC Place — the first time in Olympic history the ceremonies will be staged in the comfort of an indoor venue. Government of Canada The Government of Canada is providing $20 million in support of the Opening Ceremony for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games that will showcase Canada’s capacity for excellence, and reflect Canada’s diversity, Aboriginal participation, and linguistic duality. Contact VANOC Communications mediarelations@vancouver2010.com
	4/13/2009 La Presse becomes Official French Language Newspaper Supplier for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 4/13/2009 La Presse becomes Official French Language Newspaper Supplier for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Vancouver, BC — La Presse, through its parent company Gesca Ltée, is partnering with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to help bring the Games into the homes of francophone families in Canada as the exclusive Official French Language Newspaper Supplier for the 2010 Winter Games. The sponsorship provides VANOC with greater regional advertising avenues through print and online advertising in Gesca Ltée’s eight publications: La Presse, Le Soleil, Le Droit, Le Quotidien, Le Progrès Dimanche, Le Nouvelliste, La Tribuneand La Voix de L'Est, as well as Cyberpresse.ca. In turn, La Presse will have exclusive rights as an Official Supplier in the French Language Newspaper Product Category for the 2010 Winter Games and rights to associate with the Canadian Olympic Team competing at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games. The sponsorship is a marketing and advertising partnership and is independent of the publication’s editorial coverage of the 2010 Winter Games. “As Canada welcomes the Winter Games for the first time in 20 years, La Presse is proud to be part of this world-class event,” said Guy Crevier, chairman and publisher of La Presse and chairman of Gesca Ltée. “This prestigious association with Vancouver 2010 allows our advertisers to enjoy unique parallel advertising opportunities through such themes as sport, team spirit and excellence, both in our daily newspapers and online on Cyberpresse.” “This partnership provides VANOC and the 2010 Winter Games with the very best communications vehicles enabling us to further engage with French speaking communities across the country to share and celebrate the spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We’re very pleased to have La Presse’s excellent team of newspapers on board — the calibre of their publications is a great fit with our commitment to ensure both of Canada's official languages are well represented and celebrated at the Games and all provinces feel a part of Canada’s Games in 2010.” About La Presse and Gesca Ltée La Presse is Canada’s French-language national newspaper. Based in Montreal, the daily serves a readership of 815,900 and features rich and diversified coverage of local, national and international news, maintaining correspondents in New York, Washington, London and Paris; and with its in-depth articles and series and a roster of award-winning journalists, columnists and editorialists, La Presse is not only a leading source of news but also an important forum for ideas, discussion and exchange. La Presse is owned by Gesca Ltée, a subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada (TSE: POW) that specializes in lines of businesses such as the publication of newspapers, websites, magazines and 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. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com. VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC’s Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, ACER, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hudson's Bay Company, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada and RONA. VANOC’s Official Supporters include Air Canada, BC Hydro, Bombardier Inc., the British Columbia Lottery Corp., Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint and Teck Cominco Ltd. VANOC’s Official Suppliers are 3M, Acklands-Grainger, Aggreko, Aquilini Investment Group, Birks, Britco, Canada Post, Canwest Publishing Inc., COLD-FX., Deloitte, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Garrett Metal Detectors, General Mills, Hain Celestial Canada, Haworth Canada, Jackson-Triggs, Karl’s Global Events Inc., La Presse, Millennium Development Corp., Molson, Nortel, Port Metro Vancouver, Purolator, Saputo, Sleep Country Canada, Sun Microsystems of Canada, The Globe and Mail, Tickets.com, TransCanada, Vancouver Airport Authority, Weston Bakeries, Workopolis and Wrigley Canada. Contact VANOC Communications mediarelations@vancouver2010.com
	4/13/2009 U.S. hockey coach: Canada team to beat in 2010 4/13/2009 U.S. hockey coach: Canada team to beat in 2010 You can't accuse Ron Wilson of being a cheerleader for the U.S. men's ice hockey team he'll coach at the 2010 Olympics. You can call him a realist. 'The gold medal runs right through Canada,' said Wilson, the Toronto Maple Leafs coach picked last week by USA Hockey to guide the Americans in Vancouver. 'They're going to be the favorite. But we've never been intimidated by playing in Canada.' An immeasurable home-field advantage, coupled with silver and gold medals at the past two world championships, makes Canada the overwhelming favorite and puts the U.S. in the familiar position of playing underdog. The U.S. has three medals in major international competitions since its 'Miracle on Ice' victory at the 1980 Olympics - a silver at the 2002 Olympics and bronzes at the 1996 and 2004 world championships. Canada feels it's positioned for its first Olympic gold since 2002. Others in the mix include Russia, the reigning world champion; Sweden, the 2006 Olympic champ; and Finland, the 2006 Olympic silver medalist. 'We'll build a team that's going to be very competitive,' Wilson said. 'We have to be physical. We have to be able to face adversity head on and keep on going.' Skier dominates nationals Colorado Springs skier Allison Jones won five standing races this month at the U.S. Adaptive Alpine Championships in Winter Park. Jones triumphed in the slalom, giant slalom, downhill, super-G and super combined. Wrestlers are runners-up Colorado Springs wrestlers Matt Holt and Roger Stewart marked second-place finishes April 5 at the Northeast Senior Regionals in Brockport, N.Y. Holt was pinned in the 145.5-pound title match, and Stewart fell in the 121 finals. Judo player takes bronze Olympic Training Center judo player Samantha Bleier won a bronze this month at the Liberty Bell Classic in Philadelphia. Bleier finished behind Canadians Lisa Nakajima and Aneta Mozdzen in the 154 division. Triathlete claims silver OTC triathlete Andy Potts won a silver April 4 at the Ironman 70.3 California in Oceanside. Boulder resident Matt Reed was the men's gold medalist, and Sarah Groff of Boulder was the women's silver medalist. Abbott, Flatt in action Broadmoor Skating Club members Jeremy Abbott and Rachael Flatt begin competition Thursday at the inaugural World Team Trophy in Tokyo. There's an International Skating Union record $1 million purse for the six-country event.
	3/29/2009 VANOC launches "Sustainability Star" awards program to recognize partner sustainability innovations in economic, environmental and social initiatives 3/29/2009 VANOC launches 'Sustainability Star' awards program to recognize partner sustainability innovations in economic, environmental and social initiatives VANCOUVER, March 26 /CNW/ - To recognize the innovative efforts Vancouver 2010 and its many partners and sponsors are taking to be sustainable, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has created the Sustainability Star program. The Sustainability Star is designed to draw attention to Games-related sustainability innovations - which are environmental, economic and social in nature - and can be used on Games-related products and in advertising. The program, which will run until March 31, 2010, will put these innovations in the international spotlight as Vancouver and Whistler welcome the world in 2010. 'The Sustainability Star program has been created to recognize our partners who have demonstrated excellence in rising to the challenge of creating projects with positive and measurable social, economic and environmental assets that are new to the Games or Host Region,' said Ann Duffy, VANOC's corporate sustainability officer. 'We're continuing to work towards improving the sustainability performance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games by leaving a living legacy that continues long after the Games here are done.' The first nine stars, chosen by a 10-person jury, are: Olympic and Paralympic Village Whistler; the BC Hydrogen Highway; the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop; the Richmond Olympic Oval; BC Hydro's Green Energy Innovations; Live Smart BC, a program operated by the province of British Columbia; Teck Cominco Ltd.'s Going for Gold employee engagement strategy; Coca-Cola's carbon footprint and offset program; as well as Nortel and /EDU's LearniT. The Whistler Athletes' Village, managed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, is being built under the new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system for neighbourhoods - one of only 20 developments in Canada to qualify for the designation. The BC Hydrogen Highway is a municipal, provincial and federal government industry initiative showcasing hydrogen and fuel cell technology development. The highway is anchored in Whistler, Victoria, the Lower Mainland and at Vancouver International Airport. Partners include the Province of British Columbia, Natural Resources Canada, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the City of West Vancouver, Port Metro Vancouver, General Motors of Canada, BC Hydro and VANOC. RONA and VANOC have partnered with community organizations to set up the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication (Fab) Shop in downtown Vancouver, where small wood products required at Games venues are being built. The shop also delivers community-based carpentry training. The Richmond Olympic Oval, built by the City of Richmond with help from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, is best known for its one-of-a-kind wave roof made from pine beetle-salvaged wood. The multipurpose centre for sport, recreation, health and fitness qualifies for LEED silver certification. BC Hydro's Green Energy Innovations project will supply clean power to the 2010 Winter Games, including electrical power generation to replace a significant amount of diesel generators. LiveSmart BC is the province's action plan for climate change, which aims to inspire residents to make carbon smart choices at home, at work and on the road. Coca-Cola's carbon footprint and offset program for the Games will use hybrid vehicles and cold drink equipment that eliminates emissions and reduces energy consumption while staff will be outfitted with uniforms made from recycled bottles. The company will be a carbon neutral corporate sponsor of the 2010 Winter Games. The web-based Teck Cominco Going for Gold program is designed to engage employees to embrace Olympic and Paralympic ideals through positive actions such as volunteerism, sustainability and innovation. Over 1,700 employees have participated in the challenge. Nortel and VANOC's /EDU have partnered through LearniT to develop toolkits to help teachers integrate the latest technology, such as rich audio and video content, into classrooms throughout Canada. For an image (jpg) of the Sustainability Star, and contact information for Sustainability Star recipients, please e-mail VANOC Communications at mediarelations@vancouver2010.com. About VANOC VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.
	3/29/2009 Canadian Olympic Committee Votes in New President-Elect and Board Members at Quadrennial Elections 3/29/2009 Canadian Olympic Committee Votes in New President-Elect and Board Members at Quadrennial Elections VANCOUVER, March 28 /CNW/ - Marcel Aubut has been named president-elect of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), following the organization's quadrennial elections held today in Vancouver as part of the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. The COC also elected new board of directors members, each of whom will serve a four-year term through 2012. This represents the first time in its history that the COC has a president-elect in place as Marcel Aubut will serve alongside long-time COC President Michael Chambers. Following a 2005 decision by the COC's membership, Chambers will remain in office until the time of the COC's Session Meeting in 2010 following the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 'I feel honoured to have been chosen to lead the COC by those who are among the most important people in sport in Canada. It is clear that the support came from every region of the country. They choose me as their leader and I will not disappoint them,' said Marcel Aubut. 'The COC, National Sport Federations and athletes can count on me to work with all stakeholders in the Canadian sports system to take this organization to the next level and secure the means to realize our dreams. We will succeed if we all work together. Though language was not an issue in this election, I am proud to be the first francophone to lead this prestigious organization. I am also especially proud to have been elected in Vancouver, the host city of the upcoming 2010 Olympic Winter Games.' 'We had two exceptional candidates running for the position of president-elect, and I am pleased that we will retain the services of both, with Marcel Aubut as our president-elect, and Tricia Smith serving as vice-president,' said Chambers. 'The COC Members have also elected an exceptionally qualified set of officers and Board members. We now proceed forward on very solid footing.' Marcel Aubut, a corporate lawyer in Quebec City for more than three decades, is one of Quebec's most visible and well-known personalities in the world of sport. Aubut is a prominent figure in professional hockey, stemming from his roles of president and CEO of the Quebec Nordiques. In 2005, he was elected to the COC Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In business he has served as director of many corporations while in philanthropy he has been involved with many charities. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1987 and in 1993 became an Officer of the Order of Canada. The COC's two new vice-presidents are Tricia Smith and Gordon Peterson, who will serve their first terms in this capacity. Tricia Smith is a Vancouver-based lawyer and a four-time Olympian in the sport of rowing. She is a silver medallist from the 1984 Olympic Games, and owner of seven world championship medals. Smith was Canada's Chef de Mission at the 2007 Pan American Games. For nearly 30 years, she has served in various capacities with the COC, and also has roles with VANOC, the International Rowing Federation and both the International Council of Arbitration for Sport and the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada. Gordon Peterson is a lawyer based in London, Ont., who has been a COC member since 1993 and has represented the sport of diving on the COC Board since 1998. A board member for the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada, Peterson has also served on various COC committees over the years, including the critical Team Selection Committee. Wayne Russell, former CEO of Own the Podium, was acclaimed to a second term as treasurer. Based in Chelsea, Quebec, Russell has been a COC board member since 1997 and has a long association with Hockey Canada, including serving as executive vice chair and chair of the board. He is also the founding chair of the Canadian Hockey Foundation, the fundraising arm of Hockey Canada. Eight non-officer members were also elected to the COC Board of Directors. They are: << - Therese Brisson, an Olympic gold (2002) and silver (1998) medallist in women's ice hockey, team captain for three seasons and six-time world champion. She has served as director of the COC's Athletes' Council and is currently a member of the Finance & Administrative Committee. - Charmaine Crooks, of Vancouver, is a five-time Olympian in athletics and silver medallist at the 1984 Olympic Games. Canada's flag bearer at the 1996 Olympic Games, she received a 2006 IOC Women and Sport Trophy for supporting gender equality. Crooks, an IOC member and vice-chair of the World Olympians Association, has also served in various roles with the COC, VANOC, the World Anti-Doping Agency, the Pan American Sports Organization and Olympians Canada. - Martha Deacon, Canada's Chef de Mission for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Past president of Badminton Canada, she is a previous COC Board member and has a wealth of experience as mission team member at multiple Olympic, Pan American and Commonwealth Games. - Jean Dupré, vice-president of the COC from 2005 to 2009 and board member for 17 years, currently serving on the Team Selection and Finance Committees. He has served as director general for Speed Skating Canada since 1996. - Gene Edworthy is a Calgary-based optometrist who competed for Canada in luge in the mid-1980s as well as in 10 Canadian Luge Championships up until 2000. A COC board member since 2001, he is a past board member of the Calgary Olympic Development Association and past president of the Canadian Luge Association. - William Hallett, of Vancouver, long-time member of the COC as well as past president of Triathlon Canada. He is also senior vice-president and chief operating officer of Sport BC. - Walter Sieber, vice-president of the COC and internationally renowned sport expert. He has held many roles with the IOC since 2000, is a board member for VANOC, was Director General of Sports for the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games and is considered a leading authority on international football (soccer). - Larry Smith, president and chief executive officer of the Montreal Alouettes, the football team for which he played nine seasons. He was also commissioner of the Canadian Football League for five years. >> Effective today, the COC is adopting a new governance structure, led by a 20-member board of directors - a committee of the 79-member Session. The COC's board of directors is comprised of 12 elected members, three IOC members, one coach's representative, two Athletes' Council representatives, the Chair of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the COC's chief executive officer (who is a non-voting member). The Session consists of a representative of each National Sport Federation representing Olympic, Olympic Winter and Pan American Games sports; the IOC Members in Canada; six members of the Athletes' Council; a coach's representative; International Federation Presidents residing in Canada; 12 directors-at-large; and the COC's chief executive officer. About the Canadian Olympic Committee The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For more information, see the COC website: www.olympic.ca.
	3/29/2009 Final piece of weather prediction equipment in place for 2010 Olympics 3/29/2009 Final piece of weather prediction equipment in place for 2010 Olympics Athletes competing in nordic and alpine events during the 2010 Olympic Games will have access to up-to-the-minute weather forecasts with the installation of a radar system, the federal government announced Saturday. A $1-million Doppler system has been put in place just outside Whistler, B.C., allowing meteorologists to monitor conditions along the Sea-to-Sky Highway and over the two competition venues in the area. 'It would be like knowing what your weather is like at home and knowing how the weather is different one or two blocks away,' said Environment Minister Jim Prentice. The announcement caps years of preparations by Environment Canada to provide weather services during the Games. The radar joins a network of weather stations and a wind profiler installed specifically for the Olympics to feed into existing systems. 'We don't show the [teams] the whole wealth of data we have because it's a huge amount,' said Chris Doyle, chief meteorologist for the Olympics. 'The forecaster's job is to condense all of that information and prepare a forecast for Games-time operations at the venue that make sense to the user.' The Doppler system specifically allows forecasters to monitor snowfalls and storms. 'We'll get more precision and finer detail than we had before,' said Al Wallace, regional director of Meteorological Services Canada. The radar system was built from old parts and some new technologies and will be dismantled after the Games, though Prentice said he's open to trying to figure out a way for the radar system to stay in place. Overall, the government is providing $9 million in weather forecasting services during the Olympics, including an extensive network of weather stations and wind monitors. Environment Canada also has a separate contract with the Olympic organizing committee to provide specific services during the Games.
	3/18/2009 Road plan for 2010 Olympics foresees major traffic disruptions 3/18/2009 Road plan for 2010 Olympics foresees major traffic disruptions VANCOUVER — Vancouver will face one of its most ambitious tests during the 2010 Olympic Games as it attempts to move Super-Bowl-sized crowds around already-congested city streets and into the mountains in the dead of winter over 17 days. To deal with the crush, the Vancouver organizing committee partners revealed this week they plan to close nine major routes in and out of the downtown core, convert 32 city blocks into pedestrian-only corridors, develop 170 Olympic bus lanes and increase the fleet of buses and SkyTrain to get more people using transit. Cited as probably the largest single event ever held in Vancouver, the Winter Olympics will host up to 135,000 spectators a day in the city, plus another 58,000 in Whistler and 60,000 per day at Vancouver celebration sites. With 10,000 accredited media, 5,500 athletes and a 55,000-member workforce, the daily number of people roaming the downtown core for Olympic entertainment on any given night would be massive, said Ken Hardie, spokesman for the Vancouver area's public transportation service. The Olympics is considered a major challenge for both Vancouver and Whistler, which are restricted in size — bound by water and mountains. Compared with Salt Lake City, which had five Olympic venues within a nine-kilometre radius of its downtown, Vancouver will have 10 venues within the same area. Four of those are within one kilometre of the downtown. In Whistler, people won't be allowed to drive into the village subdivisions without a permit, as parking will be restricted to residents. A northbound checkpoint will also be established to discourage 'unnecessary trips during peak periods.' The Olympic transportation plan is expected to kick into gear two weeks before the Games to ensure Vancouver area residents are prepared to take transit, walk or cycle around the city and into the mountains. The City of Vancouver is also preparing for potential problems in case of heavy snowfall. The city plans to borrow or buy snow removal equipment to ensure the main roads will be clear in the wake of a heavy dump.
	3/18/2009 NBC taps Microsoft to stream 2010 Olympics 3/18/2009 NBC taps Microsoft to stream 2010 Olympics Microsoft’s Silverlight got another win as NBC tapped the company to stream the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, over Adobe’s Flash. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) streamed the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing for NBC, as well as President Barack Obama’s inauguration using its Silverlight player. San Jose-based Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) still has the more ubiquitious technology in Flash, but it hasn’t been able to lock up the high-profile events that Microsoft has been getting in recent months. Microsoft said it would stream the Olympics 720p high definition.
	3/18/2009 Vanoc takes legal action against local ticket broker 3/18/2009 Vanoc takes legal action against local ticket broker VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympics is suing a local ticket broker for infringing the official Olympic 'marks.' Vanoc claims in a lawsuit that Shane Bourdage and his company Coast2Coast Tickets have failed or refused to comply with requests last January to cease using the official Olympic 'marks,' thereby 'misleading consumers and scalping tickets for the 2010 Winter Games.' According to the document filed this week in B.C. Supreme Court, the official marks include the words 'Vancouver 2010,' '2010 Winter Games,' 'Winter Games' and 'Olympic Winter Games.' The lawsuit says Coast2Coast Tickets is not an authorized reseller of 2010 Olympics ticket but has been promoting since 2008 that it offers tickets through websites coast2coasttickets.com and www.2010tix.com. 'The fees charged by Bourdage and Coast2Coast for tickets grossly exceed the face value of tickets,' the lawsuit claims. Resale of these tickets is a breach of the ticket sales agreement, the court action claims. Vanoc is seeking a permanent injunction to prohibit sales of tickets by persons unknown — listed as John Doe and Jane Roe — to Bourdage and Coast2Coast, and is seeking disclosure of all persons who have bought tickets from Coast2Coast and Bourdage. Vanoc is seeking a further court order that Bourdage and Casot2Coast must deliver all tickets in their possession and control to Vanoc. The only authorized ticket resellers are Jet Set Sports and Tickets.com, the legal action states. Vanoc also has authorized national Olympic committees of certain countries to promote, sell and distribute tickets under specified terms. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are being hosted by Vancouver in February and March of next year.
	2/19/2009 Gang Violence Escalates Ahead Of Vancouver 2010 Games 2/19/2009 Gang Violence Escalates Ahead Of Vancouver 2010 Games The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games are now less than a year away, and the Associated Press reports Vancouver-area police are struggling to deal with an unprecedented wave of murders. There have reportedly been 12 murders in the past 16 days. Peter Van Loan, Canada's public safety minister, called the recent gang violence the worst in Canada. He told The Associated Press, 'Vancouver and British Columbia are the focus of the largest number of organized-crime gang groups in Canada. These are very sophisticated criminal organizations that are particularly violent. It's something you'd want to worry about whether you have the Olympics coming or not'. Van Loan said the city's recent violence centres around the illegal drug trade and according to The Associated Press Vancouver is a major import and export point for the international illegal drug trade. Criminologist Rob Gordon said gangs are likely gearing up for an increase in business during the Olympics. The Associated Press reports Gordon specifically cited the marijuana business in Whistler, where the alpine events will be held, and said that could lead to greater violence as gangs fight over their share of the drug market at that time. Gordon added, 'Vancouver is not going to look particularly good while the world is watching if we have another one of these outbursts during Olympic events'. The Associated Press reports International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge shrugged off questions last week about the violence. He told a news conference in Whistler, 'we are living in the real world. We are not living in utopia'.
	2/19/2009 U.S. speedskating Olympian named Chef De Mission for Winter Games 2/19/2009 U.S. speedskating Olympian named Chef De Mission for Winter Games LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) announced on Wednesday that Michael P. Plant, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic speedskating team, has been selected to serve as Chef de Mission of the U.S. Team for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada. Plant is now the Executive Vice President of Business Operations for Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves. His selection as the team's Chef de Mission marks the first time that a U.S. Winter Olympian has served as U.S. delegation leader at an Olympic Winter Games, the USOC said in a press release. As Chef de Mission, Plant will be the senior representative on behalf of the U.S. delegation with the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other National Olympic Committees, the release said. The appointment of the U.S. Chef de Mission is confirmed by the USOC Board of Directors following a recommendation by the USOC Chief Executive Officer. 'Mike will be an outstanding leader for the U.S. Team at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games,' USOC Chair Larry Probst said. 'As an Olympian and former Chair of the USOC Athletes' Advisory Council, he knows firsthand the needs and pressures faced by athletes in the Olympic Games environment. 'He has longstanding relationships within the IOC and VANOC, and he will be able to speak with authority and credibility when handling issues that arise during the Games.' Plant, who was a six-time member of U.S. World Championship speedskating teams, has served in a variety of roles in the Olympic Movement. He is currently a member of the USOC Board of Directors, a position he has held since June 2004. He also previously served an eight-year term on the USOC Board of Directors and Executive Committee from 1984-1992.
	2/19/2009 Olympics-Vancouver buys out lender to 2010 Games village 2/19/2009 Olympics-Vancouver buys out lender to 2010 Games village VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb 18 (Reuters) - The city of Vancouver on Wednesday bought out the lender to the company building the village that will house many of the athletes for 2010 Winter Olympics, a move officials said should ensure its completion on time. Vancouver paid C$319 million ($253 million) to Fortress Investment Group (FIG.N), which cut off funding to the project's builder last year, forcing the city to rescue a project that was supposed to have been privately funded. The city still has to work out long-term financing for the remaining construction costs, but has received temporary financing of C$400 million from the Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) while it works out the details. Buying out Fortress for the amount of money it has already paid will slash interest costs and ease the financial uncertainty surrounding the project, City Manager Penny Ballem said at a special meeting of Vancouver's city council. Fortress, a U.S.-based hedge fund, had offered to refinance the original C$700 million loan late last year, but at an interest rate of 11.5 percent, city officials said. BMO's line of credit carries a 3.25 percent rate, and the buyout negotiations resulted in Fortress dropping its penalty for early repayment to C$4 million from C$56 million, according to Ballem. The waterfront project near downtown Vancouver was originally valued at C$1.2 billion, including land. The plan is to pay for the project by selling most of the units as expensive condominiums once the Olympics were over. Fortress cut off funding as construction costs rose and the real estate market slowed, and the city found itself on the financial hook because of completion guarantees it made to Olympic organizers and the lender. Games organizers do not oversee the building of the facility, which they will rent during the Olympics, and have tried to distance themselves from the controversy by saying the village is not officially an Olympic project. The city has already advanced C$133 million to the builder, Millennium Development, to keep work going, and more crews have recently been added to speed up construction. Millennium will have to negotiate terms of its new loan with the city, but officials said buying out Fortress will ease the pressure to sell the units immediately after the Games when Vancouver's real estate market may remain soft. Fortress will continue to have an indirect involvement with the Winter Games as owner of Intrawest resort in Whistler, British Columbia, where many of the Alpine ski events will be held. The Olympics will also have an athletes village in Whistler. That project is largely publicly funded and has not had financing difficulties.
	2/5/2009 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships start today at the Pacific Coliseum, tickets still available 2/5/2009 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships start today at the Pacific Coliseum, tickets still available VANOC continues to test its operational readiness for the 2010 Winter Games VANCOUVER, BC– As the world’s best figure skaters jump and spin for glory this week at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, local spectators will get a chance to see many 2010 hopefuls compete in one of the most popular events at an Olympic Games. The week-long event will also give the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) an opportunity to test its operational readiness for figure skating at the Pacific Coliseum. The single, pairs and ice dance competitions, being held February 2 to 8, are part of the International Skating Union’s (ISU) 2008-09 season and will feature Vancouver 2010 Olympic medal hopefuls. Over 100 athletes from 15 countries such as Australia, Uzbekistan, China, Mexico, South Africa, the United States and Canada will compete in Vancouver. Spectators will have the chance to experience the improvements made to the Pacific Coliseum for the 2010 Winter Games and learn more about some of the figure skaters that are sure to thrill Canadians and the world in just over a year. The international competition is one of 18 Sport Events in 2008-09 taking place at the 2010 Winter Games competition venues. The events provide the Organizing Committee with the opportunity to test Games-time operations and train potential 2010 volunteers. Since January 16, 2009, VANOC has tested its operational readiness in biathlon, cross-country skiing and Nordic combined in World Cups at Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park. VANOC will also be testing at the freestyle skiing Sport Event at Cypress Mountain, and bobsleigh and skeleton Sport Events at The Whistler Sliding Centre, all taking place from February 5 to 7. The Pacific Coliseum has already undergone a number of improvements in advance of the 2010 Winter Games including the replacement of nearly 16,000 seats, expansion of the ice surface to international size and upgrades to the washroom facilities, building heating, lighting and dehumidification systems. VANOC’s testing at the figure skating Sport Event will focus primarily on two areas: athletes’ competition areas (the field of play) and overall venue operations. Field of Play Grooming and ice preparation will be tested at the Pacific Coliseum. Awards presentations and athlete and team service levels will also be tested. Ice and Judges Platform Athlete on-off ice flow and access on the non-international-sized ice will be examined. The judging platform (which will also double as the timing and scoring platform in 2010 when the building shares figure skating and short track speed skating events) will be in its Games-time layout. Nine judges will sit on the platform, along with five individuals on the technical panel. The platform will also feature three broadcast camera positions and commentary points. There will be 10 other broadcast camera positions on the field of play. Panasonic Sound System The event’s sound system will be tested at a Games-time level. The installation of speakers, equipment set-up and testing of the acoustics in the venue space are among the areas to be tested. Timing and Scoring Timing and scoring will be run to corroborate results. VANOC will test the speed and dissemination of competition results to appropriate functions as well as with the integrity of the technology and staffing in place. The Olympic venue results system will be used, which involves the installation of results infrastructure such as scoreboards and video boards. With the inclusion of short track speed skating at the venue in 2010, there will be double the amount of equipment at Games-time. Venue Operations Workforce Approximately 448 volunteers and workforce (340 volunteers, 108 paid staff) will participate at the figure skating Sport Event. Additionally, 606 contractors (such as ice meisters, lighting and technology workers, food and beverage, existing venue staff) will be employed, along with 62 participants such as flower retrievers and ice patchers. Accreditation Working in conjunction with Skate Canada, and under the approval of the ISU, accreditation for the event will be conducted at a Games-time level. Full information on accredited individuals (for example, passport or driver’s licence, and picture identification on passes) will be used. Volunteer accreditation will use Games-time data capture processes, and will be a centralized process through the accreditation team at the Uniform and Accreditation Centre Vancouver (UAV). As per the International Olympic Committee’s rules and regulations, there will be Games-time levels of access control and zoning at the venue. Press Operations VANOC’s Press Operations team will run the Venue Media Centre, manage photo positions, test media access control processes and operate the athlete mixed zone where accredited media gather to interview athletes. Olympic News Service The Olympic News Service (ONS)is responsible for providing Games-time news and information services to the media. ONS operates in a similar manner to a wire service, and at the figure skating Sport Event will be testing a range of staffing positions including a central editorial team and venue-based reporting team. ONS will also produce Games-time outputs for distribution to the media through the venue media centre. These outputs include sport previews and reviews, event previews and reviews, flash quotes, news conference highlights and media communications. Spectators Spectators will be seated in the lower bowl (approximately 5,000 seats). Once sold out, the upper bowl will open. Medical Services The Medical Services team will be comprised of two venue medical officers, 12 therapists and six physicians. The electronic medical encounter system — a database application of athlete medical records — will be tested. Equipment and pharmaceutical supplies will also be monitored to examine usage patterns. Anti-Doping Under the direction and authority of the ISU, VANOC anti-doping personnel will conduct doping controls, including the collection of urine samples. VANOC will also work with the ISU to showcase its athlete outreach booth designed to educate and inform athletes about anti-doping rules and procedures. Two paid staff will work the event, along with 25 chaperones and six doping control officers (DCOs). The Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit, which is responsible for the planning and implementation of Games security, will be testing some services at this event. Participation from spectators will be voluntary. The team will test vehicle screening (flow rates, size of space needed, internal layout of the area needed), as well as pedestrian screening (space needed, flow rates, and magnetometer and X-ray placement at Games time). For more information on the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and how to purchase tickets, visit www.fourcontinents2009.com. For more information on the remaining Sport Events taking place from February to September 2009, including how to purchase tickets, visit www.vancouver2010.com. Remaining sport events include: FIS Snowboard World Cup Date: February 12-15, 2009 Location: Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver FIL Luge World Cup Date: February 16-21, 2009 Location: The Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler WCF World Wheelchair Curling Championship Date: February 21-28, 2009 Location: Vancouver Paralympic Centre (Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park), Vancouver Hockey Canada Cup – Sledge Hockey Date: February 24-March 1, 2009 Location: UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver IPC Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon World Cup Final Date: March 4-7, 2009 Location: Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler World Junior Curling Championships Date: March 5-15, 2009 Location: Vancouver Olympic Centre (Hillcrest/Nat Bailey Stadium Park), Vancouver IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals Date: March 9-14, 2009 Location: Whistler Creekside, Whistler IBU Biathlon World Cup Date: March 11-15, 2009 Location: Whistler Olympic Park ISU World Single Distances Speed Skating Championships Date: March 12-15, 2009 Location: Richmond Olympic Oval, Richmond Hockey Canada Cup – Women’s Hockey Date: August 31-September 6, 2009 Location: UBC Thunderbird Arena and Canada Hockey Place, Vancouver About VANOC VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com. Contact VANOC Communications mediarelations@vancouver2010.com
	2/5/2009 SEGA Secures Winter Olympic Deal News, The Sonic publisher confirms the rights to Vancouver 2010; surely a Mario & Sonic sequel is just a formality... 2/5/2009 SEGA Secures Winter Olympic Deal News, The Sonic publisher confirms the rights to Vancouver 2010; surely a Mario & Sonic sequel is just a formality... SEGA Europe has today confirmed that it's secured the license to produce and publish video games based on the 2010 Winter Olympics, which are due to take place in Vancouver, Canada. News of the deal comes after successful titles based on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, including the multi-million-selling Mario & Sonic at the Olympics, which is currently sitting in 12th position in the UK All Format All Price Top 40. Whilst we can certainly expect a 'Vancouver 2010: The Official Video Game', surely the announcement of a Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympics is now just a formality? 'Working with SEGA has resulted in Olympic Entertainment Software achieving unparalleled success and we are delighted to support SEGA once again for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games', says Raymond Goldsmith, Chairman & CEO of ISM. 'SEGA is extremely excited to once again work with ISM on a series of multi-platform games celebrating the Olympic Games,' says Okitane Usui, Chief Operating Officer, SEGA Corporation. 'The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games offers gamers a collection of exciting sports to master, as well as a stunning location for players to take advantage of. We aim to bring fans around the world an exhilarating experience whenever they play any Olympic title.'
	1/30/2009 Poll:Canada and B.C. divided on Olympic benefits to country and host province 1/30/2009 Poll:Canada and B.C. divided on Olympic benefits to country and host province VANCOUVER, B.C. — The 2010 Olympics may look good to Canadians from a distance, but up closer in the host province the Winter Games don't seem to have the same allure. A new poll conducted this month suggests Canadians living outside British Columbia felt more positive about the benefits of the 2010 Winter Olympics than those living in the province. While 72 per cent of the Canadians surveyed in the Canadian Press Harris-Decima telephone poll said next year's Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler will have more benefits than drawbacks for the country, just 52 per cent of British Columbians felt the same way and 39 per cent thought there would be more drawbacks for Canada. Just 19 per cent of Canadians thought the Olympics would bring more drawbacks for their country. 'It's surprising to see the region of Canada which is hosting the event showing the highest level of pessimism about the Olympics and its impact overall,' Harris-Decima senior vice-president Jeff Walker said. More than 2,000 Canadians were surveyed over two weeks between Jan. 8 and 25 and results have a margin of error no greater than 3.1 percentage points, 19 times in 20. The first sampling was conducted at the same time reports emerged in Vancouver that the city would have to oversee financing of the $1-billion athletes village after the project's initial lender refused to pay more cash. Walker says that the athletes village controversy likely had an impact on the numbers. 'It's hard to believe it wouldn't,' said Walker. 'It got a lot of media coverage in B.C. 'We also know from previous work we've done on this question, that there has been a level of concern about the hosting of the Olympics and the kind of expenditures associated with the Olympics across the province.' When asked about the benefits to British Columbia specifically, Canadians and B.C. residents again had divergent opinions. While 73 per cent of Canadian respondents felt there were more benefits than drawbacks to the province, only 54 per cent of native British Columbians felt the same and 40 per cent expected more drawbacks. Just 20 per cent of the Canadians who responded felt there would be more drawbacks than benefits to B.C. British Columbians were also divided on the issue of benefits and drawbacks with 58 per cent of respondents on B.C.'s Lower Mainland feeling the Games will have more benefits than drawbacks for Canada. Only 45 per cent of residents outside that area saw more benefits. Renee Smith-Valade, vice-president of communications for the Vancouver Olympic organizing committee, said she wasn't surprised by the results. 'With just a year to go to the Games naturally British Columbians are more attuned to the cost of the Games as well as the impact on their day to day lives - especially in the host regions,' she said via e-mail. 'The local media coverage of the Games scrutinizes far more intensely than anywhere else in the country and this also shapes public opinion.' Smith-Valade also said that VANOC's polling results show largely similar results for B.C. but suggest growing support from across Canada. Tourism, the country's image abroad and national pride were the top three areas Canadians thought would be boosted by hosting the Games, according to the Harris-Decima poll. Toronto's Irene Marquez can see the positive side of the Olympics. 'I think it's going to be good for the economy and attract more tourists,' she said in a recent interview. Just five per cent of those asked said they were very likely to travel to the city for the Games and another 10 per cent said it was somewhat possible they would. Dennis Atchinson of Fredericton says he won't be trekking across the country to take in the Games. 'Nope. Too expensive,' he said. When asked if he'd be heading to Vancouver in 2010 to take in the Games, Steve Dolan of Toronto said he'd looked into the idea. 'It's a little bit too expensive,' said Dolan. 'Might change my mind coming up to the time.' Calgary's Sarah Howell, the wife of Olympic wrestler Ari Taub, said she and Taub are thinking about going to the Games. 'I grew up in Vancouver, so we're thinking about taking the family out and watching some events,' she said. 'I'd like to see some figure skating, but my husband probably prefers hockey and speedskating or skiing.' Considering Canada has yet to win a gold medal at its own Olympics, the country set an ambitious goal of winning more medals than any other country in 2010. But of the Canadians polled, just 23 per cent thought hitting that target was very important, 41 per cent felt it was somewhat important and 35 per cent didn't think a big medal haul was important at all. 'It would be great to see Canada win as many medals as they can,' said George Borshukov, a Bulgarian living in Vancouver. 'It's always exciting for the host country and very demoralizing if they don't win many.' If Canada doesn't win more medals than any other country, but takes gold in men's hockey, 60 per cent of those surveyed said they'd still consider the Olympics a success for the host team. 'I think many, many Canadians will judge the success of the Games dependant upon the success of the hockey team,' said Chris Rudge, chief executive officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. 'I think there is no Canadian in this country that ever wants to see our hockey team play for a bronze medal. 'I am a fan as much as I am a leader of sport, I'll be cheering for that hockey team as much, or harder, than anyone.' The organization responsible for preparing Canada's team to win the most medals is Own The Podium, which oversees the five-year, $120-million business plan for the team. Even though $55 million of that comes from Canadian taxpayers, many people weren't familiar with the program as just under one in four surveyed knew of the organization. 'It surprises me it's that high,' joked Own the Podium's chief executive officer Roger Jackson, before adding: 'The athletes and the sports know it. The athletes are saying 'If it wasn't for Own The Podium, we can't imagine how we'd train.' 'The athletes are talking about it all the time and there will be an incredible awareness of that brand and that title as we lead into the Games.' In Toronto, Dolan said he'd heard of Own The Podium. 'It's sounds a little, I don't know . . . ego?' he said. 'But I'm sure they could own the podium. They've got that many good athletes and they will probably get that many medals.' When told what Own the Podium does, 72 per cent of respondents said it was a good idea for the federal government to fund the program, while 17 per cent thought not. There was no Canada-B.C. divide on that question as no less than 62 per cent polled in every region across the country believed it was worthwhile spending taxpayer dollars on Own the Podium. Atchinson guessed correctly in Fredericton that Own the Podium was a funding structure for athletes and said it's high time there was one. 'It irritates me that money appears two years before the Olympics,' he explained. 'I used to coach women's basketball. I saw where funding went and the timing of the funding and it was never when it was needed for the development of the athlete.' -With files from Canadian Press reporters Jim Morris, Stephanie Levitz, Natalie Gilbert and Kevin Bissett.
	1/22/2009 VANOC continues rigorous adherence to sustainability goals for 2010: report 1/22/2009 VANOC continues rigorous adherence to sustainability goals for 2010: report Vancouver, BC — Long after the Olympians and Paralympians pack away their medals and return home, the legacy of the 2010 Winter Games will endure in the newly trained inner-city carpenters, improved working standards at factories and eco-friendly sports centres built for the enjoyment of both the local community and world-class athletes. These are just a few of the examples of sustainable legacies from the Games contained in the third annual corporate Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report released today by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). The report, which covers VANOC’s performance against its sustainability commitments between August 1, 2007 and July 31, 2008, is available online at www.vancouver2010.com. “As an organization, we have made sustainability central to everything we do,” VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong expressed in the opening remarks of the report “In every decision we make in our day-to-day work — small or large — sustainability is a value that is top-of-mind for our team, never an exception. This report addresses each of our sustainability performance objectives, our short- and long-term goals and what we’re doing to meet them.” During this reporting period, VANOC started hosting international Sport Events at Vancouver 2010 venues in Whistler and Vancouver, opened the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop in Vancouver’s inner city and launched the Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Licensing and Merchandising Program with the Four Host First Nations. On the environmental side, VANOC continues to develop environmental management plans for operational venues, pursue energy and water conservation initiatives and track the carbon dioxide emissions from Games-based activities. Fifty per cent of spending by VANOC went to local suppliers in Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor, while a further 43 per cent went to companies in British Columbia (BC) and the rest of Canada. Over $8.8 million in contracts went to Aboriginal businesses. VANOC continued to monitor and audit its licensees and their supply chains to ensure they complied with relevant legal requirements, respected the rights of workers and protected the environment. The Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report 2007-08 examines VANOC’s performance in six key areas under the organizing committee’s direct control: accountability, environmental stewardship and impact reduction, social inclusion and responsibility, Aboriginal participation and collaboration, economic benefits and sport for sustainable living. It also discusses the organizing committee’s challenges and future plans on sustainability issues. “The report continues to be the communication tool to engage with stakeholders internally and externally on our performance, plans and opportunities for improvement. We have listened and, where we can, have taken action,” said Ann Duffy, VANOC’s corporate sustainability officer. “Our team conducted 144 engagements ranging from public consultations, information sharing, advice seeking and shared decision-making sessions. These conversations reinforced how important it is for us to demonstrate leadership on sustainability issues, especially in these tough economic times, as a way to showcase how sustainability can generate environmental, social and economic outcomes that support positive long-term legacies.” The Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report 2007-08 reflects input from the general public; from non-governmental organizations specializing in the inner city, the environment, sustainability, disability issues, and labour and human rights issues; and VANOC’s own staff. While developing the report, VANOC also consulted with its government partners, corporate sponsors and its multi-stakeholder advisory committee. Areas indicating progress by VANOC in the 2007-08 report include: Construction of venues that feature energy-efficiency, low environmental impact and social inclusion attributes (for more detail, refer to the Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Report available at www.vancouver2010.com) Full compliance with environmental regulations Full compliance with VANOC’s ethics policy Continued focus on energy conservation and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions Growth of pre-Games volunteer numbers from 183 to 435 $1.16 million spent on services and products from 23 inner-city businesses Launch of the Aboriginal Sport Gallery at BC Sports Hall of Fame 187 audits conducted on licensee factories; 148 corrective actions initiated 31 “triple bottom line” related innovations identified Sustainability performance areas the organizing committee says it is aiming to build on and/or focus on during the next 12 months include: Submitting applications for LEED certification for Whistler Olympic Park/Whistler Paralympic Park’s day lodge, The Whistler Sliding Centre refrigeration building and Whistler Village high-performance centre Finalizing transportation and power plans Finalizing and implementing waste management efforts With the City of Vancouver, BC and Canada, further develop a plan for managing Games-time impacts on inner-city neighbourhoods Implementing a third cohort of trainees to the RONA Vancouver 2010 Fabrication Shop carpentry program Seeking additional carbon emission reductions and finalizing VANOC’s carbon offset program Following up on factory audits and monitoring the corrective action plans of licensees Continuing to raise awareness through the Paralympic school day program Diverting further waste from landfill Conducting training and recruitment and identifying business opportunities for inner-city residents and businesses, Aboriginal communities, persons with a disability, and social and environmental enterprises Convening the World Conference on Sport and the Environment in March Showcasing Vancouver 2010 Games-related sustainability innovations generated by VANOC, partners and sponsors To measure its performance, the organizing committee uses the sustainability reporting guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The GRI is an internationally established standard for corporate reporting on the “triple bottom line” of an organization’s economic, social and environmental performance. It is aligned with several worldwide sustainability initiatives and is used by leading corporations in the private sector and is recognized by the United Nations. VANOC intends to issue two more sustainability reports — one next year before the start of the Games and another following the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Two versions of the report are available: a shorter “snapshot” version for readers interested in a summary and a longer, more technical version for those who want more detail. Both versions are available at www.vancouver2010.com. About VANOC VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com Contact VANOC Communications mediarelations@vancouver2010.com
	1/22/2009 Vancouver begins process of finding funds for 2010 Olympic athletes village 1/22/2009 Vancouver begins process of finding funds for 2010 Olympic athletes village VANCOUVER, B.C. — Vancouver officially went shopping Thursday for new financing to complete construction of the massive Olympic athletes village. City councillors approved a report from their director of finance suggesting Vancouver take over the remaining cost of getting the village built on time for the 2010 Winter Games. The project's original lender stopped payment on its loan to developers in the fall and the city had the choice of trying to renegotiate with them or take over the development. The report to council said assuming control would save on sky-high interest costs and would ensure Vancouver meet its commitment to the 2010 Olympic organizing committee to complete the village on time. The city's approval of the report wasn't without criticism from residents and activists, including some who are convinced that taxpayers will be left with the bill for the billion-dollar development if the units can't be sold at the right price. After the report was approved, Mayor Gregor Robertson said the city is 'turning a corner now.' 'We've been hard at this for the last month. We got the authority from the province and we have the tools we need,' he said, referring to the B.C. government's amendment to the Vancouver Charter giving the city the authority to seek other means of financing the village. 'Negotiations are proceeding and I think we're going to be able to come through this in a much better position than in recent weeks,' said Robertson. 'We have to make sure we have a good strong financing arrangement.' Chris Shaw, an activist with 2010 Watch and a member of the Olympic Resistance Network, spoke to council during debate on the report, calling the village construction problems 'a scientific experiment gone bad.' Shaw, who has criticized numerous Olympic issues, suggested that the athletes village take on a higher component of social and affordable housing after the Olympics to ease the problem of homelessness. He urged councillors to approach the provincial and federal governments for financing, selling the idea as a significant way for those governments to deal with homelessness. Garth Mullins, another well-known activist, told council that the last time he spoke in chambers he was 'forcibly removed,' but promised that wouldn't happen this time. The council also approved an item that would give stronger powers to bylaw enforcement officers during the Games to control advertising and signs. Some speakers expressed fears that such expanded powers might impose limits on their Charter rights to protest and carry signs opposed to the Games. A third Olympic issue passed by council was aimed at protecting the civil rights of inner-city residents. The city will 'urge' the Vancouver Organizing Committee and its Olympic partners to fulfill a promise made when Vancouver won the bid to consult with inner-city neighbourhoods before any rules are passed regarding security or other regulations that might affect their movement during the Games. Shaw and Mullins and other speakers who addressed council were skeptical of the Games organizing committee's, also know as VANOC, commitment to consult. 'They (councillors) are asking for VANOC to be accountable and they have not been,' Shaw told reporters later. 'They haven't been accountable and they haven't been open.' 'Various people have been urging them (VANOC) to release their audited financial statements for years and they haven't done that either. 'So urging VANOC to do anything is a failing proposition.' Mullins said VANOC was simply breaking its promise. 'The promise was to actually go and have a look at holding community meetings, letting people have their voice heard, before the security planning was commenced. 'Now the security blanket is well underway and we've had no community input or anything.' But the RCMP-led security unit overseeing the Games and the organizing committee say a series of community meetings held already have kept residents up to date and there will be a new round of consultations in the future. The security unit specifically pointed out that plans at the moment don't include the passage of new laws or regulations so technically they haven't broken the commitment the city alluded to in its motion. The go-ahead on village financing came through a report by city finance director Kenneth Bayne that suggested the city borrow the remaining $450 million needed to finish the village as well as advance the next construction payment due to developers. While the remaining cost to finish the village is $450 million, there was no restriction in the legislation on how much the city can actually borrow and it was also given the option to explore other types of financing, such as issuing bonds. The costs of the $1 billion project, which will house 1,100 athletes during the Games before being converted to private housing, breaks down into $193 million for land, $750 million for construction and $125 million for cost overruns. The city still owns the title to the land and the project's current lender, Fortress, has paid out $317 million on the initial construction loan. Fortress stopped payment in September and the city has been covering construction cost since then through a $100-million loan to the developer.
	1/17/2009 Sharing the pride... Canada Post delivers its Vancouver 2010 Winter Games stamps 1/17/2009 Sharing the pride... Canada Post delivers its Vancouver 2010 Winter Games stamps VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - In just over a year, athletes from more than 80 countries will come together to showcase their skills, learn from their peers and claim their sport's ultimate bragging rights. As Canada prepares to welcome the world, Canada Post invites all Canadians to share the pride. Canada Post, an Official Supplier for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, today unveiled their starting Olympic and Paralympic stamp line-up. The 10 stamps are part of a three-year program that, upon its completion, will be among our country's most significant philatelic milestones. In 2010, Canada Post plans to issue additional stamp designs honouring the Games. For the first time in Canada's postage stamp history, the country's definitive stamp roster - almost a billion stamps - will focus on one theme. 'As these stamps find their way across this country, to the United States and around the world, people will know that Canada is the very proud host of the 2010 Winter Games,' says Moya Greene, President and CEO of Canada Post. 'As a company so closely connected to the daily lives of all Canadians, we're thrilled to bring this level of awareness to the Games and we are honoured to share the pride in delivering the 2010 Winter Games with all of Canada and our employees.' The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Yellowhead (AB), participated in the unveiling, noting the stamps convey the excitement and honour we feel to be hosting this world-class event for only the second time in its history. 'With their vibrant designs, Canada Post's 2010 Winter Games stamps capture the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as well as the people, places and character of the host nation-our beloved Canada. I thank Canada Post for showing their Olympic spirit and support for our athletes with these wonderful stamps.' 'The 2010 Winter Games offer Canadians a unique opportunity to unite our country and share our spirit and culture with the world,' said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). 'Canada Post, with its 2010 stamp program, will help us to celebrate both our passion for sport and the diversity of cultures and perspectives that make up our nation, and will play an important role in delivering the spirit of the Games throughout Canada and to the world.' The stamps were unveiled at Vancouver's main post office to an enthusiastic crowd including grade 1 and 2 students from Grandview Elementary School and Canada Post Freestyle Team athletes Audrey Robichaud, Vincent Marquis and Warren Tanner, all medal hopefuls at these Games, and the stamps' designers. Also attending was postal employee Donna-Marie Gurr, a swimmer who won the bronze medal for the 200m Backstroke at the Munich 1972 Olympic Summer Games. The event's highlight came as beloved Vancouver 2010 mascots Sumi, Quatchi and Miga, unveiled life-size enlargements of their stamps, to the delight of the whole audience! About the stamps From iconic sports imagery to the beloved Vancouver 2010 mascots, 2010 Winter Games-themed stamps will grace the majority of Canada's mail, truly delivering the pride of a nation ready to welcome the world. Sports of the 2010 Winter Games To celebrate Canada's proud role as host of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Canada Post issued a set of five PERMANENTTM domestic rate stamps. The stamp designs, by John Belisle and Kosta Tsetsekas of Signals design Group (Vancouver, BC), were inspired by Olympic imagery from the 1940s and 1950s, and feature athletes in action with a strong emphasis on movement. Five Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games sports are showcased: curling, snowboard, freestyle skiing, bobsleigh and ice sledge hockey. The energy implicit in these vibrant stamps conveys the excitement of hosting this world-class event. Vancouver 2010 Winter Games mascots and emblems Olympic and Paralympic emblems and mascots capture the values of the Games as well as represent the people, geography and spirit of Canada, the host country. This set of five stamps, with design co-ordination by Tandem Design Associates Ltd. (Richmond, BC), features the dramatic symbols of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. One of the two PERMANENT(TM) domestic rate stamps depicts the official Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games emblem, while the other features the Paralympic emblem. The other three designs-a United States rate (98 cents), an International rate ($1.65) and an Oversize rate ($1.18)-showcase the whimsical trio of Vancouver 2010 mascots: Miga, Quatchi and Sumi. The stamps, with the exception of the Sumi issue, are available now at post offices across Canada. The Sumi stamp will be on sale February 12. Contacts: Canada Post Lillian Au 604-662-1388 lillian.au@canadapost.ca VANOC Carly Thorson Jokic 604-403-2869 carly_thorson@vancouver2010.com www.canadapost.ca
	1/9/2009 CANADIANS TO EXPERIENCE GAMES ON VARIETY OF PLATFORMS 1/9/2009 CANADIANS TO EXPERIENCE GAMES ON VARIETY OF PLATFORMS Brian Williams will lead an all-star roster of 140 English and French broadcasters from sports, news, entertainment and music which will form Canada's Olympic broadcast team for Vancouver 2010. The Canadian Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium will also consist of 31 Olympians who have combined to win 27 Olympic medals. Never before has there been a media commitment of this magnitude by an Olympic rights-holder in this country, as Canadians will be able to experience the Games on a variety of official platforms - 11 television networks, 10 radio stations, and a national print publication. There will also be a dedicated website, CTVOlympics.ca / RDSolympiques.ca, featuring live streaming of all Olympic events, as well as articles and blogs written by the Olympic broadcast team. 'The advantage of the Consortium is the diverse and broad scope of talent from various assets, giving us expertise and star power in all areas - sports, news, entertainment and music. The breadth and depth of high-calibre talent available to the Consortium is unparalleled,' said Keith Pelley, President, Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium. 'By announcing 13 months in advance of the Games, the Olympic broadcast team will be able to closely follow the World Cup circuit and develop a strong rapport with the athletes and National Sports Federations leading up to 2010.' The dean of Olympic broadcasting, Brian Williams, will lead the Consortium's coverage from Vancouver as host of CTV's Olympic Prime Time. Vancovuer will mark the 13th Olympic Games for the six-time Gemini Award winning broadcaster. Williams will also team with legendary CTV news anchor Lloyd Robertson to bring viewers all the English-language coverage from the Opening and Closing Ceremonies from within BC Place Stadium. NHL on TSN award-winning host James Duthie will work alongside CTV news journalist Lisa Laflamme as co-hosts of Olympic Daytime on CTV. Duthie will also pull double duty as Host of Team Canada's men's hockey coverage. TSN sports anchor Jennifer Hedger will be seen nightly as Whistler host of Olympic Prime Time on CTV, capturing the exuberance and magic of the mountain setting. Michael Landsberg, host of TSN's Off The Record, rounds out the CTV crew as Whistler host of Olympic Daytime. On TSN, 13 year veteran Darren Dutchyshen anchors the nightly coverage as host of Olympic Prime Time while Dave Randorf serves as host of Olympic Daytime. On Rogers Sportsnet, popular Vancouver personality Don Taylor joins Martine Gaillard, Brad Fay and Evanka Osmak as hosts of the network's Olympic coverage. The daily sports news programs on TSN and Rogers Sportsnet will air live from Vancouver during the Games, bringing viewers all the Olympic excitement and highlights from the world of sports. TSN's Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole will co-host SportsCentre while Rogers Sportsnet's Sean McCormick will anchor Sportsnet Connected. The biggest names in French sports broadcasting will also bring Canadians a record amount of French-language coverage of the Games with nearly 50 hosts, play-by-play announcers, analysts, reporters and Olympians. Every second of Olympic competition will be seen live in French on one of the Consortium's official French-language platforms - RDS, TQS, RIS Info-Sports and APTN. Three-time Gemini Award winner Pierre Houde will team with Richard Garneau, the dean of Olympic French broadcasting, for French-language coverage of the opening ceremonies. Claude Mailhot, whose sports broadcasting career spans almost four decades, will host Olympic Morning, which will air on both RDS and TQS. On RDS, long-time network broadcaster Denis Casavant will lead the network's coverage as host of Olympic Prime Time, with sports anchor Yanick Bouchard as host of Olympic Daytime. On TQS, popular late-night sports host Jean Page, one of Canada's most experienced sportscasters, will host Olympic Prime Time, with veteran RDS sports anchor Chantal Machabee as host of Olympic Daytime. In addition, French-language pre-Olympic programming will be at an all-time high with extensive Olympic news, documentaries and magazine shows including a weekly half-hour program, Vers Vancouver 2010. Hosted by Mailhot and Nathalie Lambert, the show will highlight Canadians on the World Cup circuit, profile this country's top high-performance athletes as well as focus on Olympic venues and the intricacies of the various Olympic sports. In an ongoing effort to provide Canadians with more choice than ever before, the Consortium will capture the Olympic Games beyond sport through a diverse and wide-ranging scope of talent from different streams - News, Sports, Entertainment, Music, Fashion and Youth - bringing viewers the lifestyles and stories behind the Games. Following is the esteemed broadcast team that will bring Canadians English-language coverage of all the action: Network Hosts Brian Williams – Host, Olympic Prime Time (CTV) James Duthie – Co-Host, Olympic Daytime (CTV) Lisa LaFlamme – Co-Host, Olympic Daytime (CTV) Jennifer Hedger – Whistler Host, Olympic Prime Time (CTV) Michael Landsberg – Whistler Host, Olympic Daytime (CTV) Don Taylor – Co-Host, Olympic coverage (Rogers Sportsnet) Martine Gaillard – Co-Host, Olympic coverage (Rogers Sportsnet) Brad Fay – Co-Host, Olympic coverage (Rogers Sportsnet) Evanka Osmak – Co-Host, Olympic coverage (Rogers Sportsnet) Darren Dutchyshen – Host, Olympic Prime Time (TSN) Dave Randorf – Host, Olympic Daytime (TSN) Hosts – Opening and Closing Ceremonies Brian Williams – Co-Host, Opening and Closing Ceremonies (CTV) Lloyd Robertson – Co-Host, Opening and Closing Ceremonies (CTV) Men's Hockey Chris Cuthbert – Play-by-Play Announcer, Team Canada Gord Miller – Play-by-Play Announcer, Team Canada Peter Loubardias – Play-by-Play Announcer Pierre McGuire – Game Analyst John Garrett – Game Analyst Ray Ferraro – Game Analyst James Duthie – Host, Team Canada Daren Millard – Host Dave Hodge – Host Nick Kypreos – Analyst, Panel Bob McKenzie – Analyst, Panel Darren Pang – Analyst, Panel Gene Principe – Reporter Darren Dreger – Reporter Ryan Rishaug – Reporter Women's Hockey Kevin Quinn – Play-by-Play Announcer Cassie Campbell-Pascall – Game Analyst Lisa Bowes – Reporter Figure Skating Rod Black – Play-by-Play Announcer Jamie Sale and David Pelletier – Analysts, Pairs (with Pelletier also doing Men's) Elizabeth Manley – Analyst, Ladies and Dance Jennifer Robinson – Analyst, Ladies and Dance Sara Orlesky – Reporter Curling Vic Rauter – Play-by-Play Announcer, Team Canada Bryan Mudryk – Play-by-Play Announcer Linda Moore – Analyst Ray Turnbull – Analyst Russ Howard – Analyst Cathy Gauthier – Analyst Dan Murphy – Reporter Long Track Speed Skating Rod Smith – Play-by-Play Announcer Catriona Le May Doan – Analyst James Cybulski – Reporter Short Track Speed Skating Rod Black – Play-by-Play Announcer Susan Auch – Analyst Louis Jean – Reporter Alpine Skiing Gerry Dobson – Play-by-Play Announcer Brian Stemmle – Analyst, Men's Cary Mullen – Analyst, Men's Karen Percy Lowe – Analyst, Women's Perry Solkowski – Reporter Cross-Country Skiing / Biathlon / Ski Jumping / Nordic Combined RJ Broadhead – Play-by-Play Announcer Beckie Scott – Analyst, Cross-Country Skiing Jack Sasseville – Analyst, Cross-Country Skiing and Nordic Combined Daniel Lefebvre – Analyst, Biathlon Rob Keith – Analyst, Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Craig MacEwen – Reporter Freestyle Skiing Holly Horton – Play-by-Play Announcer Veronica Brenner – Analyst, Aerials and Moguls Jeff Bean – Analyst, Men's Aerials Katherine Dolan – Reporter Snowboard Jamie Campbell – Play-by-Play Announcer Tara Teigen – Analyst Mark Torlay – Reporter Bobsleigh / Luge / Skeleton Rob Faulds – Play-by-Play Announcer Chris Lori – Analyst, Men's Bobsleigh Christina Smith – Analyst, Women's Bobsleigh Chris Wightman – Analyst, Luge Duff Gibson – Analyst, Skeleton Farhan Lalji – Reporter News Lloyd Robertson – Chief Anchor, CTV National News with Lloyd Robertson Beverly Thomson – Co-host, Canada AM (CTV) Seamus O'Regan – Co-host, Canada AM (CTV) Marci Ien – News Anchor, Canada AM (CTV) Jeff Hutcheson – Sports and Weather Anchor, Canada AM (CTV) Gino Reda – Olympic Anchor, Canada AM (CTV) Bob McCown – Host, Olympic Prime Time Sports (Rogers Radio) Stephen Brunt – Olympic Columnist (The Globe and Mail, CTVOlympics.ca); Co-Host, Olympic Prime Time Sports (Rogers Radio) Entertainment Ben Mulroney – Co-Host, eTalk segments (CTV) Tanya Kim – Co-Host, eTalk segments (CTV) Lainey Lui – Reporter, eTalk segments (CTV) Jeanne Beker – Fashion Expert, fashion segments (CTV) Music Leah Miller – Co-Host, MuchonDemand in Whistler (MuchMusic) Matte Babel – Co-Host, MuchonDemand in Whistler (MuchMusic) Aliya-Jasmine Sovani – Reporter, MuchonDemand in Whistler (MuchMusic) Devon Soltendieck – Reporter, MuchonDemand in Whistler (MuchMusic) Sarah Taylor – Reporter, MuchonDemand in Whistler (MuchMusic) Matt Wells – Reporter, MuchonDemand in Whistler (MuchMusic) Dan Levy – Reporter (CTV/MuchMusic) Jessi Cruickshank – Reporter (CTV/MuchMusic) Daryn Jones – Reporter (CTV/MuchMusic) Following is the esteemed broadcast team that will bring Canadians French-language coverage of all the action: Hosts – Opening and Closing Ceremonies Pierre Houde – Host, Opening and Closing Ceremonies (RDS, TQS, RIS Info-Sports, APTN) Richard Garneau – Host, Opening and Closing Ceremonies (RDS, TQS, RIS Info-Sports, APTN) Network Hosts Denis Casavant – Host, Olympic Prime Time (RDS) Yanick Bouchard – Host, Olympic Daytime (RDS) Claude Mailhot – Host, Olympic Morning (RDS and TQS) Jean Page – Host, Olympic Prime Time (TQS) Chantal Machabee – Host, Olympic Daytime (TQS) Claude Mailhot – Host, Olympic Morning (TQS and RDS) Men's Hockey Pierre Houde – Play-by-Play Announcer Benoit Brunet – Game Analyst Stephane Leroux – Play-by-Play Announcer Norman Flynn – Game Analyst Alain Crete – Host Jacques Demers – Analyst, Panel Michel Bergeron – Analyst, Panel Luc Gelinas – Reporter Renaud Lavoie – Reporter Women's Hockey Felix Seguin – Play-by-Play Announcer Danièle Sauvageau – Game Analyst Figure Skating Michel Lacroix – Play-by-Play Announcer Alain Goldberg – Analyst Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon – Special Guest Analysts Curling Michel Y. Lacroix – Play-by-Play Announcer Guy Hemmings – Analyst Long Track Speed Skating Frederic Plante – Play-by-Play Announcer Gaetan Boucher – Analyst Short Track Speed Skating Stephane Langdeau – Play-by-Play Announcer Robert Dubreuil – Analyst Alpine Skiing Claudine Douville – Play-by-Play Announcer Melanie Turgeon – Analyst Cross-Country Skiing / Biathlon / Nordic Combined Louis Bertrand – Play-by-Play Announcer Martine Albert – Analyst, Biathlon Guido Visser – Analyst, Cross-Country Skiing and Nordic Combined Ski Jumping Daniel Aucoin – Play-by-Play Announcer Analyst - To Be Determined Freestyle Skiing / Snowboard Michel Fervac-Larose – Play-by-Play Announcer Jean-Luc Brassard – Analyst, Freestyle Skiing Benoit Ouellet – Analyst, Snowboard Bobsleigh / Luge / Skeleton David Arsenault – Play-by-Play Announcer Jean-Paul Baert – Analyst

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