We enjoyed covering the 2006 Olympics so much that we started this blog to cover future winter olympic games. The next winter games are scheduled for 2010 and will be held in Vancouver, Canada.
We are contemplating traveling to Vancouver either for the games or ahead of the games to take pictures and check out the [...]
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Winter Olympics News
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Vancouver 2010
Vancouver 2010 -
Olympic flag tour
Olympic flag tourToronto? RBC Financial Group, in partnership with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), today announced the RBC 2010 Flag Tour, a cross-country touring exhibition designed to give Canadians a taste of the excitement and spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Canada. The RBC 2010 Flag [...] -
2010 Vancouver Olympics already stirring controversy
2010 Vancouver Olympics already stirring controversyThe Turin Olympics have hardly ended and already Vancouver is plagued with controversy. From cost overruns to environmental concerns, the 2010 Olympics already has its share of problems. Amidst the controversy, there is, at least, progress, as Vancouver breaks ground on its Olympic Village. -
Paralympic training center given the go-ahead
Paralympic training center given the go-aheadAn often-neglected aspect of the Olympics occurs after the torch is extinguished. It is the Paralympics that are contested shortly after the standard Olympics. I, myself, have been guilty of forgetting that they even happen. But I shouldn't be. These are world-class athletes. In preparation for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the British [...] -
For skaters, the road to Vancouver starts in Calgary
For skaters, the road to Vancouver starts in CalgaryThe World Figure Skating Championships followed right behind the Olympics this year. There's a good article here on the Canadians' hopes and dreams for Vancouver and how those start at Calgary's World Championships. If Worlds are any indication, the Chinese will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in pairs. The World [...]
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Proposal for the 2010 opening ceremony
Proposal for the 2010 opening ceremonyThere was a lot of chatter in the Vancouver-area press this week about the opening ceremony at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. VANOC sent out a vacuous press release, but other than that, the discussion (which included Premier Campbell), was along the lines of "how do we top this?"
The obvious answer to this question is, "we don't." The budget for the 2008 opening ceremony was $100 million. The budget for the 2010 opening ceremony is $40 million, which, in my opinion, is $39 million too much. Let's get the priority focused on the competition and the athletes.
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Still no budget figure for 2010 Olympics
Still no budget figure for 2010 OlympicsAn announcement was made by federal Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day on July 23 that "It's going to be more than $175 million, clearly, and the exact numbers will be out pretty soon. We're just going over some fine details."
If Day's objective is to inspire confidence, he's doing a poor job. Nobody with any brains believed that the $175 million figure had any relation to reality. Now, Day says that there will be "exact numbers". Uh, this is a budget we're talking about. Do you have "exact numbers" for what you're going to spend on groceries next month? Of course not.
More realistic estimates of "close to $1 billion" were made years ago. Story from the Ottawa Citizen: Vancouver 2010 Olympic security will be over budget.
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Detailed schedule for the 2010 Winter Games
Detailed schedule for the 2010 Winter GamesIt's official, and here: 2010 Daily Competition Schedule.
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Secrecy and the 2010 Olympics
Secrecy and the 2010 OlympicsVANOC has stopped making minutes of their meetings available to the public. Here's an editorial from the Asian Pacific Post: Secrecy and the 2010 Olympics. Excerpt: "the increasing secrecy surrounding the 2010 games is creating a credibility gap between VANOC and its supporters, let alone its detractors."
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Initial announcement on ticket prices
Initial announcement on ticket pricesStory from CTV.ca: VANOC unveils ticket prices for 2010 Olympics.
Not a lot of details so far, other than the initial sale will start in October 2008, and it will be by lottery.
Story from the Globe and Mail: Olympics strike gold on ticket prices
Here are three noteworthy paragraphs:
"The fact that tickets weren't officially on sale didn't stop ticket brokers from stoking the fires of greed prematurely. Last month, an Austin, Tex., company calling itself Ticket City followed up VANOC's appointment of the creative staff for opening and closing ceremonies with a bold sales pitch for prime tickets to the spectacles.
"Thirty-six tickets were available for the opening ceremony at B.C. Place, according to Ticket City, at prices ranging from $1,250 to $1,650 (U.S.). The Texas brokers offered another 36 to the closing ceremonies for a more modest price range of $650 to $995.
"VANOC officials said the tickets do not exist."
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Vancouver 2010 Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre Official Opening September 1 in Squamish
Vancouver 2010 Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre Official Opening September 1 in SquamishSquamish, BC ?The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) invites the Sea to Sky community to top off their summer with a special event. The new Sea to Sky Volunteer Centre in Squamish will open its doors with an official opening celebration on Monday, September 1 from noon to 4:00 pm. ?Being a volunteer in 2010 will be an unforgettable experience and we are excited to be engaging Sea to Sky communities in such a big -
Vancouver 2010 takes valuable first-hand observations on Games experience and planning from Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Vancouver 2010 takes valuable first-hand observations on Games experience and planning from Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesVANOC congratulates Beijing 2008 organizers for unforgettable Games Beijing, China ? As the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games move into the final three days, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today provided a summary of its team?s key observations and learnings from the Games and a look ahead to the major Vancouver 2010 milestones in the coming months. ?Sport was the big winner here in Beijing and our lasting -
Eight new businesses added to the Vancouver 2010 licensee program
Eight new businesses added to the Vancouver 2010 licensee programVancouver, BC ? The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is pleased to welcome eight new companies to its Official Licensee Program. The licensees will develop and sell products bearing Vancouver 2010 emblems and the Olympic and Paralympic brands. The licensees include: Blade Pro Products Inc. (Hockey Blade Tape), Vancouver, BC Cryopak Industries (2007) ULC (Reusable Hot/Cold Gel Packs), Delta, BC Dale of Norway (Knitted Wool -
Statements regarding the Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony
Statements regarding the Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening CeremonyBeijing, China ? As the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad concluded, members of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia offered the following personal impressions on the evening?s spectacular event (all were in attendance): David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs representing Government of Canada: "What a proud night for China and for all -
Vancouver 2010 progress report delivered in Beijing to the 120th Session of the International Olympic Committee
Vancouver 2010 progress report delivered in Beijing to the 120th Session of the International Olympic CommitteeVANOC recognizes Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee?s preparation for remarkable Games Beijing, China ? With only two days remaining before the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), congratulated the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG) and the people of
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Vancouver 2010 Olympics Coverage Daily - Info, Tips, and News about the 2010 Vancouver and Whistler Winter Olympic Games
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Beijing Olympic Update - Scales goes solo
Beijing Olympic Update - Scales goes solo
Points for Participation?
Into the thick of the Olympic sporting competition, Canada is rolling in a litany of 5th, 6th, 7th places ... but with track and field, rowing finals and trampolining yet to come, the Canucks still have a chance to visit the podium.
As Tod Maffin twitter'ed: "Maybe Beijing will at least give us a courtesy Participaction pin?(Dont understand this? Ask a Canadian over 30.)" (ed note: or view this Participaction toque).
In the social media production department, Scales continues to create video at an epic pace despite losing his co-hort Kris who was repatriated to Vancouver in time for a glorious summer weekend. Scales is staying busy by picking up more tickets for varied events at the incredible new venues including the whitewater kayak run (plus visits to the Danish hospitality house).
I'm heading to the hills with tent and beverages so here's a few highlights to enjoy with your weekend viewing:
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Beijing Olympic Explorers Making International Media
Beijing Olympic Explorers Making International MediaIn this installment of the Beijing Summer Olympics social media report, we join Robert Scales and Kris Krug as they spread their on-the-ground reportage around the world. Indeed, their barrage of videos, photographs and words are deepening the coverage for fans, pundits and athletes' families as their coverage is picked up by social and mainstream media outlets.
Coverage Highlights
BBC's Canadien Correspondent
Robert Scales' second entry from his Olympic diary is up on BBC - this time he talks about the opening ceremonies (video) and their venue reconnaissance (video) with visits to the Birds Nest' national stadium, the 'Water Cube' aquatic centre, the fencing hall and the Yukeson basketball stadium while fortified by snake, silk worms, scorpian and salamanders (videos).
Beijing's Faces in LA Times
Krug's Olympic photos are in the LATimes blog with a photo essay called the Faces of Beijing - the candid photos show KK's skill of relaxing the subject to be themselves - you can almost feel the humidity in the photos.
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Beijing Calling: Scales Talks about his Olympic Fervor on the BBC
Beijing Calling: Scales Talks about his Olympic Fervor on the BBCCross-posted from: BBC Sport | Olympics | Beijing Diaries
Cross-posted at: Raincity Studios
Background: Raincity Studios CEO/Founder Robert Scales and Pres/Ambassador Kris Krug are on the ground in Beijing to document and study the 2008 edition of the Olympic Games. They are publishing dispatches to a variety of news outlets including the venerable BBC. Here's Scales' first installment of his Olympic diary.
ROBERT SCALES, MONTREAL, CANADA
Robert runs a web development company based in Canada -
Beijing 2008 Social Media Backpack - Scales and Krug are on the go!
Beijing 2008 Social Media Backpack - Scales and Krug are on the go!NOTE: As part of on-going social media coverage of the Beijing 2008 games, this article was cross-posted at:Citizens On the Ground
Raincity Studios Sino-Away-Squad of Scales and KK, are on the ground in Beijing to cover and participate in the Olympic experience as citizen journalism, technology experts, social pundits and cultural ambassadors.
The Glimmer Twins' tasks are diverse and their methods varied so here's a preview:
- participating in the 9th International Symposium on Olympic Studies, in Beijing, August 5-7 with Olympic scholar Dr. Andy Miah's
- documenting the scene for crowd-sourced new site: Now Public, Vancouver radio station: Crave 95, and BBC Interactive - among other media outlets
- shooting Creative Commons licensed photos delivered via Flickr
- extolling about the new, improved Bryght web community hosting product - available in free, cheap or fancy varieties
- meeting up with prospective clients to extol Raincity Studios' status as an approved weblog vendor for Vancouver/Whistler 2010
- cheering for Team Canada at the Archery, Fencing, Women's Softball, BMX and more summer games sports
- spreading international goodwill in the fun-loving/hard-working style they honed whilst at the Torino 2008 Winter Games.
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The Duff Man! - Olympic Laughs with the Superhero Skeleton-ist Duff Gibson - Olympic Outsider #8
The Duff Man! - Olympic Laughs with the Superhero Skeleton-ist Duff Gibson - Olympic Outsider #8Torino 2006 Skeleton Gold Medalist athlete Duff Gibson chats with Olympic Outsider host Dave Thorvald about having a beer named after him, life as a Calgary fireman, being Canada's (and the world's) oldest gold medalist, training for technical and speed courses, the Whistler track, athletic challenges and the future of the sport at an Olympic rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery in May 2006.
Download The Duff Man! - Olympic Laughs with the Superhero Skeleton-ist Duff Gibson
(.mp3, 8MB, 9:53)
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International Olympic Committee : Vancouver 2010
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VANCOUVER 2010: IOC President discusses Games with local leaders
VANCOUVER 2010: IOC President discusses Games with local leadersDuring his three-day visit to Vancouver this week, IOC President Jacques Rogge was able to discuss the progress of the Vancouver Games preparations with a number of prominent local leaders. During his short stay in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Host City, Rogge spoke to the Canadian Secretary of State with the responsibility for sport, the Premier of British Columbia, three Mayors of communities that are hosting some of the Olympic venues, as well as Chiefs of the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) of the Vancouver Games.
Great Interest At All LevelsDuring the President’s discussions with Helena Guergis, Canadian Secretary of State with responsibility for sport; Premier Gordon Campbell; and Mayors Sam Sullivan, Ken Melamed and Malcom Brodie of Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond respectively, it was clear that the 2010 Games are at the forefront of everybody’s mind with less than two years to go. The political support of a nation for an Olympic Games is always crucial, and it was clear that support in Canada is extremely high at all levels of government.
First Nations CeremonyThe President was also able to meet with Chiefs of the Four Host First Nations (Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations), respectively Chief Leonard Andrew, Chief Ernest Campbell, Councillor Dale Harry and Chief Leah George Wilson, at a reception organised by the FHFN for the President and the IOC’s Vancouver Coordination Commission. It was at this ceremony that President Rogge and René Fasel, Chairman of the Vancouver Coordination Commission, were honoured by receiving First Nation names in a special ceremony.Vancouver and Whistler will host the XXI Olympic Winter Games from 12 to 28 February 2010 and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from 12 to 21 March 2010. The seven Winter Olympic sports that will be on show in Vancouver are Luge, Skiing, Skating, Ice Hockey, Biathlon, Bobsleigh and Curling.
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VANCOUVER 2010: IOC President visits Games venues
VANCOUVER 2010: IOC President visits Games venuesThe IOC President Jacques Rogge is in the 2010 Olympic Winter Host City of Vancouver this week and, during his visit, he has had the opportunity to see first hand the great progress that has been made on some of the venues for the Games. Kicking-off his visit with a trip to the Richmond speed skating oval and the UBC Winter Sports Centre, the President was also able to see where the athletes will sleep in Vancouver in 2010 at the Vancouver Olympic Village.
Happy AthletesCommenting on his visit to some of the venues, Rogge said, “It has been very exciting this week to see the progress that has been made on the venues for the Vancouver Games. With a little under two years to go, the Vancouver Organising Committee and its local partners have made great progress in making sure that the athletes in 2010 will be able to compete on some truly impressive competition venues and sleep in two state-of-the-art villages. I have no doubt that when the athletes arrive for the Games, they will be very happy with the venues and villages that they will have here in British Columbia.”
Ambitious GoalsSince winning the right to host the Games in 2003, the Vancouver 2010 organisers have made it one of their top priorities to make sure that the venues for the Games will be ready well in advance of 2010, thus ensuring that when the athletes of the world arrive in 2010 that everything is fully tried and tested. This ambitious goal is becoming a reality with every passing day, with five sports venues already completed by the end of last year.Vancouver and Whistler will host the XXI Olympic Winter Games from 12 to 28 February 2010 and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from 12 to 21 March 2010. The seven Winter Olympic sports that will be on show in Vancouver are Luge, Skiing, Skating, Ice Hockey, Biathlon, Bobsleigh and Curling.
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VANCOUVER 2010: IOC President and Commission to Visit
VANCOUVER 2010: IOC President and Commission to VisitThis week will see IOC President Jacques Rogge and the IOC Coordination Commission for the Vancouver 2010 Games visit Vancouver, the host city of the next Olympic Winter Games. Coinciding with the first visit of the IOC Coordination Commission to Vancouver this year, the IOC President’s trip will be an opportunity for him to see first hand the progress that the Vancouver Organising Committee (VANOC) has made since his last visit in early 2005.President’s VisitDuring his visit, Rogge will have the chance to see the physical progress that has been made around the organisation of the Vancouver Games, when he visits some of the sports venues that will be used in 2010. He will also meet with some of the region’s high ranking politicians and speak to a gathering at a 2010 Legacies Now luncheon.Coordination CommissionThe first of two full visits by the Commission members this year to Vancouver will see them undertake another in-depth review of the progress that is being made by VANOC on Games preparations with now less than two years to go until the Games get underway. Led by Chairman René Fasel, the Commission will review VANOC’s planning in a number of areas such as sport, marketing, media services and services to the National Olympic Committees.VANCOUVER 2010 -
VANCOUVER 2010: With Two Years To Go, VANOC Launches Volunteer Programme
VANCOUVER 2010: With Two Years To Go, VANOC Launches Volunteer ProgrammeWith only two years to go until the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the Vancouver Organising Committee (VANOC) has launched its Volunteer Programme. The programme will seek to recruit about 25,000 volunteers, who will help to stage the 2010 Winter Games by fulfilling roles in areas as wide and varied as accommodation, sport, press operations and ceremonies, to name but a few. There are also opportunities to be had as a volunteer at different events in the lead-up to the Games. Get more information on the entire programme at www.vancouver2010.com.
How Do I Get Involved?For people looking to apply as a volunteer, they can now access a user-friendly online volunteer application process at www.vancouver2010.com. The process includes two sections: an online application, and access to “On Your Mark”, an exclusive online portal that provides volunteer applicants with important recruitment updates, position information, training schedules and more. The application process will remain open for a minimum of six weeks. In addition, there will also be two volunteer centres located in Vancouver and Squamish, which will act as primary regional hubs for recruitment, deployment and training for volunteers residing in those areas.“A Proud, Unforgettable Experience”“In exactly 24 short months, the Olympic flame will arrive in Vancouver, and today marks one of the most important milestones on the road to 2010,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of VANOC at the volunteer launch ceremony on the date of two years to go. “Next to the athletes, volunteers are perhaps the most important participants in the 2010 Winter Games. They will welcome the world, set lasting impressions and play the largest role in actually staging the Games. It will be a proud, unforgettable experience for everyone involved and we look forward to welcoming thousands of enthusiastic applicants.”VANCOUVER 2010Vancouver and Whistler will host the XXI Olympic Winter Games from 12 to 28 February 2010 and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from 12 to 21 March 2010. The seven Winter Olympic sports that will be on show in Vancouver are Luge, Skiing, Skating, Ice Hockey, Biathlon, Bobsleigh and Curling. -
Vancouver 2010: Whistler Competition Venues Completed
Vancouver 2010: Whistler Competition Venues CompletedConstruction has been completed on all three of the Whistler Olympic and Paralympic competition venues. Thanks to the efforts of a 2,500-strong workforce recruited from across British Columbia and Canada, athletes will be able to train at these Olympic venues more than two years before the Vancouver 2010 Games begin. The venues in Whistler, which will host 46 Olympic medal events and 62 Paralympic medal events, will offer a legacy for high performance and recreational use, both before and long after the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.Venue OpeningsDuring the Games, Whistler Olympic Park will host the biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping events; the Whistler Sliding Centre will host bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events; and Whistler Creekside will host the Alpine skiing events. While Whistler Creekside has been operational since the beginning of the 2007-08 ski season, the Whistler Olympic Park only opened its doors for its first competition and to the public this weekend, and the Whistler Sliding Centre will undergo detailed fit-out and testing over the next few months.Spectacular Theatres“Every construction worker and member of our venue team put their hearts into this project and is standing atop their own podium today,” said John Furlong, the Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver 2010 Organising Committee. “Their efforts are helping us to meet our commitment to deliver spectacular theatres for sport and lasting community legacies, and we are following through on our promise to offer athletes the chance to train and compete at a world-class level more than two years in advance of the Games.”SustainabilityAs well as being finished in time to allow the athletes plenty of chances to train on the venues before the Games, the 2010 venues in Whistler have also been constructed with sustainability in mind. Some of these sustainability measures include building the venues to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) standards, recycling wood waste on-site, and reusing captured waste heat. In addition, Squamish and Lil’wat Nations-owned companies completed 50% of the construction work at Whistler Olympic Park, which led to additional business opportunities for the First Nations in the Sea-to-Sky corridor.VANCOUVER 2010