OTTAWA, February 6, 2008 - Today, at a public event attended by an enthusiastic crowd, David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, and John Furlong, Vancouver 2010 CEO, unveiled the Vancouver 2010 Countdown Clock in Ottawa alongside Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The new clock is an enduring reminder to all who see it that in just two years, Canada will welcome the world.
Earlier in the day, James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, set the tone for the celebrations with a statement in the House of Commons declaring the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games as Canada's Games. "Let us all be inspired by the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games - the power to promote friendship and respect, stir dreams and tell a story about our country and our people," said Moore.
The illuminated clock today signals 737 days until the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games. The clock will count down the days, hours, minutes and seconds remaining until the beginning of the celebrations on February 12, 2010. The clock features a timepiece provided by Omega, the Official Timekeeper of the 2010 Games. Showcased opposite the Parliament buildings in the window of the National Capital Commission Infocentre on Wellington Street, the clock provides an opportunity for visitors and residents of the Nation's capital to share in the excitement and anticipation leading up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
At the Countdown Clock unveiling event, Minister Emerson noted, "In two years, the eyes of the world will turn towards Canada on the occasion of the 2010 Winter Games. This is a perfect time to re-affirm our commitment to make these Canada's Games and to encourage all Canadians to get engaged as we prepare to host this once-in-a-generation event."
"The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games have the power to reach and inspire every Canadian and provide the opportunity for Canadians to come together on a global stage to make a remarkable contribution to a better world," said Furlong. "We need every Canadian to be part of telling our unique story and we'd like to thank the Government of Canada for providing, on behalf of all Canadians, tremendous support toward the success of the Games."
"Canada's Capital Region is the place where we communicate and pay tribute to the achievements of Canadians across the country and honour important national events such as the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2010", said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Office of the NCC. "The National Capital Commission is honoured to collaborate with the organizers of the 21st Winter Games."
"With nearly two years from the opening of the 2010 Winter Games, the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and anticipation are spreading all across Canada," said Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia. "This clock in our nation's capital is a reminder of all that we have achieved in bringing the Games to B.C. and Canada, as well as the legacies that will be shared by all for years to come."
The Government of Canada is a major and committed partner in delivering successful, well-managed Winter Games in 2010. Total federal investment in the 2010 Winter Games is $578M.
The Vancouver 2010 Mascots
The 2010 Winter Games Mascots, Miga, Quatchi and Sumi, made a special appearance at the event, providing invited guests and members of the public, especially children, with an opportunity to personally meet the three enchanting characters. The mascots will be making other visits in the National Capital Region throughout the rest of the week.
About Omega
Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega is a company of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watchmaker. As Official Timekeeper of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, OMEGA is responsible for official results at all competitions. The firm's timekeeping team provides comprehensive timekeeping services that include the display of results to competitors and the public at the venues, for data handling and the provision of On Venue Results (OVR) at each of the venues and for the delivery of official results for distribution by the print, broadcast and network media to audiences around the world. OMEGA is the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games in Beijing, the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver 2010 and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Forthcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be OMEGA's 23rd as Official Timekeeper, a tradition first started at the Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games.
About Vancouver 2010
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (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.
Information
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613 992-7332
Katie Green
VANOC Communications
778 328-6473
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
