2010
31
Mar
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned (in a statement of the “bleeding obvious”) that the London Olympics is facing a “worryingly tight” financial position.The fact that the original “budget” has spiralled from £3BN to £12BN (including £2BN…
2010
29
Mar
Vancouver, BC — Over 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of surplus athlete medical and dental supplies and equipment from the 2010 Winter Games are being provided to Canadian medical teams in Haiti as part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce program and as a legacy of the Games, with the first major shipment en route this weekend.
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has partnered together with the Canadian Forces to donate and deliver the much needed medical supplies in two stages – the first taking place this weekend and the second gradually over the coming weeks and months.
A first shipment of approximately 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) of supplies departs on Saturday for Port au Prince on a Canadian Forces CC-177 Globemaster from 8 Wing Trenton. The supplies and equipment include a wide assortment of soft goods and surgical instruments ranging from bandages and suture kits to orthotic knee braces. The medical supplies will be provided to Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT) who have been providing on the ground medical support in Haiti since the devastating earthquake there on January 12. The remaining inventory of supplies will be collected and stored in Vancouver and shipped as required with CMAT doctors and volunteers as future teams are deployed to Haiti.
“With the conclusion of the Games, our legacy is in the things we continue to do that reflect the unity and friendship celebrated in the name of sport and the Olympic Truce,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer for VANOC. “We’re grateful to the Canadian Forces for their invaluable partnership in delivering surplus Games medical goods, so that through CMAT we can support the people of Haiti as they continue to heal and rebuild.”
“Our medical team had access to top quality medical and dental equipment and supplies in support of athletes at the 2010 Games,” said Dr. Jack Taunton, Chief Medical Officer for VANOC. “Our work is done and as medical professionals our first thoughts are always to whom else needs help, so we are pleased to support our medical colleagues working so hard in Haiti.”
“The Canadian Forces’ association with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has been mutually beneficial,” said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “Now, we are able to do something together to benefit others. We are pleased to be able to transport these medical supplies on behalf of the Vancouver Organizing Committee, continuing our support to the relief effort in Haiti.”
This donation represents an approximately $125,000 CAD in value for medical and dental supplies to the region. Earlier this month, VANOC with its partners announced a $300,000 CAD donation to UNICEF to support relief efforts in Haiti.
NOTE TO PHOTO/VIDEO EDITORS: Access is not possible at CFB Trenton to shoot photos/video of the VANOC medical supplies being loaded on to the Canadian Forces CC-177 Globemaster aircraft on March 27, however high resolution colour photos will be taken and posted with cutlines to Canada News Wire as soon as possible after the loading is completed. Also available here.
About the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce
The philosophy of the Olympic Truce is simple: sport can inspire peace. In 2010, athletes set aside their political, religious and social differences and competed on a level playing field in the pursuit of excellence. Their sportsmanship and behaviour are examples of how countries and individuals can find constructive ways to uphold the values of respect and friendship.
The 2010 Winter Games mark the first time Canada has been responsible for leading Olympic Truce efforts since the ancient tradition, dating back to 776 BC in Greece, was revitalized in 1992. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, is patron of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce. For more information, visit www.olympictruce.org.
About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games were staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler hosted the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.
About Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces (CF) members are proud to serve Canada by defending its values, interests and sovereignty at home and abroad. The mandate of Canadian Forces is three-fold: protecting Canada and defending our sovereignty; working with Canada’s closest ally, the United States, to defend North America; and contributing to international peace and security through operations around the world, most often in partnership with allies from other countries.
2010
29
Mar
The organisers of the London 2012 Olympics have been accused of being anti competitive, as a result of their decision to ban all payments by credit cards except for Visa.No other cards will be accepted to buy tickets, merchandise or even food and drink…
2010
26
Mar
Vancouver, BC — Over 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of surplus athlete medical and dental supplies and equipment from the 2010 Winter Games are being provided to Canadian medical teams in Haiti as part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce program and as a legacy of the Games, with the first major shipment en route this weekend.
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has partnered together with the Canadian Forces to donate and deliver the much needed medical supplies in two stages – the first taking place this weekend and the second gradually over the coming weeks and months.
A first shipment of approximately 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) of supplies departs on Saturday for Port au Prince on a Canadian Forces CC-177 Globemaster from 8 Wing Trenton. The supplies and equipment include a wide assortment of soft goods and surgical instruments ranging from bandages and suture kits to orthotic knee braces. The medical supplies will be provided to Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT) who have been providing on the ground medical support in Haiti since the devastating earthquake there on January 12. The remaining inventory of supplies will be collected and stored in Vancouver and shipped as required with CMAT doctors and volunteers as future teams are deployed to Haiti.
“With the conclusion of the Games, our legacy is in the things we continue to do that reflect the unity and friendship celebrated in the name of sport and the Olympic Truce,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer for VANOC. “We’re grateful to the Canadian Forces for their invaluable partnership in delivering surplus Games medical goods, so that through CMAT we can support the people of Haiti as they continue to heal and rebuild.”
“Our medical team had access to top quality medical and dental equipment and supplies in support of athletes at the 2010 Games,” said Dr. Jack Taunton, Chief Medical Officer for VANOC. “Our work is done and as medical professionals our first thoughts are always to whom else needs help, so we are pleased to support our medical colleagues working so hard in Haiti.”
“The Canadian Forces’ association with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has been mutually beneficial,” said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “Now, we are able to do something together to benefit others. We are pleased to be able to transport these medical supplies on behalf of the Vancouver Organizing Committee, continuing our support to the relief effort in Haiti.”
This donation represents an approximately $125,000 CAD in value for medical and dental supplies to the region. Earlier this month, VANOC with its partners announced a $300,000 CAD donation to UNICEF to support relief efforts in Haiti.
NOTE TO PHOTO/VIDEO EDITORS: For security reasons, access is not possible at CFB Trenton to shoot photos/video of the VANOC medical supplies being loaded on to the Canadian Forces CC-177 Globemaster aircraft on March 27, however high resolution colour photos will be taken and posted with cutlines to Canada News Wire as soon as possible after the loading is completed.
About the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce
The philosophy of the Olympic Truce is simple: sport can inspire peace. In 2010, athletes set aside their political, religious and social differences and competed on a level playing field in the pursuit of excellence. Their sportsmanship and behaviour are examples of how countries and individuals can find constructive ways to uphold the values of respect and friendship.
The 2010 Winter Games mark the first time Canada has been responsible for leading Olympic Truce efforts since the ancient tradition, dating back to 776 BC in Greece, was revitalized in 1992. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, is patron of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Truce. For more information, visit www.olympictruce.org.
About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games were staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler hosted the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.
About Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces (CF) members are proud to serve Canada by defending its values, interests and sovereignty at home and abroad. The mandate of Canadian Forces is three-fold: protecting Canada and defending our sovereignty; working with Canada’s closest ally, the United States, to defend North America; and contributing to international peace and security through operations around the world, most often in partnership with allies from other countries.
2010
25
Mar
AFP reports that Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister, told reporters at the start of a three day visit to Sao Paulo (which is hosting the 2016 Olympics) that the 2012 London Olympic Games will not be kicked around like a political football during the u…
2010
24
Mar
Sir John Madejski, Reading Festival organiser Melvyn Benn and Andrew Cumpsty a Reading councillor are proposing plans to create a “tent city” in the Reading area during the 2012 London Olympics.They claim that people who may not be able to get to Olymp…
2010
22
Mar
Vancouver (AFP) – Canada won their 13th gold medal of the 2010 Winter Games on Saturday when their undefeated men’s curlers beat Norway 6-3 to seal their second consecutive Olympic crown.
The result left Canada untouchable in the gold medal count, an impressive achievement for a nation coming into these Games having failed to win a single title on home ground at the 1976 Summer Games and the 1988 Winter showpiece.
In a tight battle, Canada, urged on by a passionate capacity home crowd, kept an iron grip on the final early on and were never behind throughout.
Skip Kevin Martin, described the win as “an amazing feeling,” saying all the hard work had been worthwhile.
“We’re very, very happy. It’s a dream come true. It’s a lot of work, a lot of years to get it done,” he said, adding: “The boys sure played well today.”
Reacting to the news that Canada cannot now be caught in the gold medal tally, Martin said: “We need to have more Olympic Games in our country don’t we? Because the crowd is a major factor, when you have that extra player on the field.”
Canada were 3-0 ahead at the break but the Norwegians, wearing their trademark diamond-patterned trousers, scored two points in the sixth end to pull back to within a point.
The host nation re-established their three-point lead in the seventh and although Norway pulled a point back in the eighth, Canada again edged ahead, going into the tenth with a 6-3 lead, leaving them on the brink of the title.
In emotional scenes, the crowd, which included Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Hollywood star Donald Sutherland, burst into an impromptu rendition of the Canadian national anthem before the home team sealed victory by making it impossible for Norway to level the scores.
Martin said hearing “O Canada” being sung was “an amazing feeling. You hold and stop the game and you enjoy it.”
Norway skip Thomas Ulsrud said: “If you give me 10 minutes then I’ll probably be happy with silver. We didn’t put in a good game today and Kevin’s team was great.
“We had a plan coming in, as long as we could keep it tight then we would have a chance. We tried to play defensively and it didn’t work. He came right back at us every time.”
The win is a major tonic for the host nation after their women’s team agonisingly failed to close out victory over defending champions Sweden Friday, leaving skip Cheryl Bernard distraught.
Canada’s men romped through qualifying, winning all nine games, including a narrow 7-6 win over the Norwegians, becoming the first team to stay undefeated in round robin in Olympic curling before beating Sweden in the semi-final.
Martin, silver medallist at the Salt Lake Games in 2002, led the same rink that took gold and silver at the 2008 and 2009 world championships, also featuring Benjamin Herbert, Marc Kennedy and John Morris.
Saturday’s final was a repeat of the 2002 title match, in which Norway took gold.
Earlier, Switzerland gained revenge for their European championship defeat by defeating Sweden 5-4 to take bronze.
jw
2010
21
Mar
Vancouver (AFP) – Bringing home the Olympic hockey gold is not a sprint to the finish but an exercise in managing nerves and overcoming hardships, says Canada associate general manager Ken Holland.
“People want us to win in six straight games but teams that win the Olympics are the ones that handle the adversity the best,” Holland told AFP while watching the Canadian players practice at Canada Hockey Place arena ahead of Sunday’s gold medal clash against the United States.
“When we first got here we expected bumps in the road. We had a huge emotional game against Russia. We survived a big scare from Slovakia. All these experiences prepare you for future ones.”
Canada will attempt to become the first team to win Olympic hockey gold on home ice in 30 years when they meet the USA.
As GM of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, Holland guided his club to a Stanley Cup championship in 2008.
He said the NHL playoffs are intense but for a short tournament nothing compares to the Olympics.
“We have been to the Stanley Cup finals two years in a row and we have got just seven players in this tournament. You have got all the top players from all the top NHL lines here. Everybody is so good,” Holland said.
“The checkers on these Olympics teams are 30-goal scorers in the NHL. The speed of these games is another notch above the NHL game.”
Holland said it hasn’t been difficult for management to get the Canadian players to buy into what they are trying to achieve at the Vancouver Olympics.
Forwards like Dany Heatley are counted on for scoring with the San Jose Sharks but he has been a physical force for Canada throughout this tournament.
“We told the guys if you don’t play on the power-play here then you have to contribute in another way. Maybe take a defensive role, block shots, throw checks,” Holland said.
It can work the other way too. Forward Brenden Morrow has never been a big scorer in the NHL but he scored a key goal in Canada’s 3-2 win over Slovakia in the semi-finals.
“The goals are a bonus and come from the law of averages,” said Morrow. “If you work hard enough then you get some bounces. My goals are never pretty but they come from winning the battles.”
That’s exactly the kind of thinking that Holland and coach Mike Babcock, who also coaches the Red Wings, are looking for in their players.
“We told the players at the start of the tournament that when it is over no one is going to remember what you did. They will remember what the team did. It is about the team and the country,” Holland said.
Holland, who played goal in the NHL for the Red Wings and Hartford Whalers, said he’s not worried about Canada’s goaltending in these Olympics.
“Roberto Luongo in the last five minutes against Slovakia made some key saves and a gigantic one on Pavol Demitra,” Holland said of Luongo, who was under seige in the last eight minutes of the third period in Canada’s 3-2 semi-final win over Slovakia.
“We haven’t been outplayed yet so our goalie hasn’t had to steal a game for us.
“I am sure Roberto would like to have the first goal against Slovakia back. But at the same time he made huge saves when the game was on the line.”
gph/dj10
2010
20
Mar
Vancouver (AFP) – Joannie Rochette thanked the public for their support in a gala finale which featured gold medallists Kim Yu-Na and Evan Lysacek and brought the curtain down on two weeks of Olympic figure skating on Saturday.
Rochette, 24, skated a Celine Dion-themed tribute “Vole (Flight)” for her mother Thérèse who died just days before her bronze place finish in Vancouver.
Wearing dark mauve, the Canadian bronze medallist again earned an ovation from the home crowd, as she bid farewell to the Pacific Coliseum rink which has been the scene of the most painful and memorable moments of her life.
The 12 medallists from the four disciplines – men’s, women’s, pairs and ice dancing – performed during a two-and-a-half hour show alongside top-placed finishers, children and up-and-coming Canadian skaters.
South Korean superstar Kim took to the ice to the chants of “Yu-Na” from her many fans.
The fact she missed her opening jump didn’t matter, as the 19-year-old’s rivalry with Japan’s Mao Asada was forgotten in her skate to Jules Massenet’s “Meditation from Thais.”
Silver medallist Asada, introduced to the public as the “Queen of the triple axel”, skated to Paganini’s “Caprice” while teammate Miki Ando chose the classical “Requiem” by Mozart.
“It’s sad that it’s come to an end, it’s been a dream,” said Lysacek, who performed to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
“Tonight we skate freely, without rules and show our technical skills and passion for performance. The greatest skaters in the world are skating as one.
“I haven’t got much sleep since (his gold medal performance), I just want to stay awake to enjoy the whole experience.”
Canada’s first ice dance gold medallists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir received a rousing reception for their comical routine “Everyone Dance Now” where she plays the ballerina in a black tutu to his Canada ice hockey fan.
Russia’s Yevgeny Plushenko, the deposed men’s champion, skated to the French song “Je suis malade” by Serge Lama, while Japan’s Daisuke Takahashi performed to Okawari’s “Luv Letter.”
China’s acrobatic pairs skaters were well represented, led by gold medallists Shen Xhe and Zhao Hongbo, who skated to Andrea Boccelli’s “Io Ci Saro” before a spectacular display of fireworks brought the event to a close.
ea/dj10
2010
20
Mar
Vancouver (AFP) – Joannie Rochette thanked the public for their support in a gala finale which featured gold medallists Kim Yu-Na and Evan Lysacek and brought the curtain down on two weeks of Olympic figure skating on Saturday.
Rochette, 24, skated a Celine Dion-themed tribute “Vole (Flight)” for her mother Thérèse who died just days before her bronze place finish in Vancouver.
Wearing dark mauve, the Canadian bronze medallist again earned an ovation from the home crowd, as she bid farewell to the Pacific Coliseum rink which has been the scene of the most painful and memorable moments of her life.
The 12 medallists from the four disciplines – men’s, women’s, pairs and ice dancing – performed during a two-and-a-half hour show alongside top-placed finishers, children and up-and-coming Canadian skaters.
South Korean superstar Kim took to the ice to the chants of “Yu-Na” from her many fans.
The fact she missed her opening jump didn’t matter, as the 19-year-old’s rivalry with Japan’s Mao Asada was forgotten in her skate to Jules Massenet’s “Meditation from Thais.”
Silver medallist Asada, introduced to the public as the “Queen of the triple axel”, skated to Paganini’s “Caprice” while teammate Miki Ando chose the classical “Requiem” by Mozart.
“It’s sad that it’s come to an end, it’s been a dream,” said Lysacek, who performed to Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
“Tonight we skate freely, without rules and show our technical skills and passion for performance. The greatest skaters in the world are skating as one.
“I haven’t got much sleep since (his gold medal performance), I just want to stay awake to enjoy the whole experience.”
Canada’s first ice dance gold medallists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir received a rousing reception for their comical routine “Everyone Dance Now” where she plays the ballerina in a black tutu to his Canada ice hockey fan.
Russia’s Yevgeny Plushenko, the deposed men’s champion, skated to the French song “Je suis malade” by Serge Lama, while Japan’s Daisuke Takahashi performed to Okawari’s “Luv Letter.”
China’s acrobatic pairs skaters were well represented, led by gold medallists Shen Xhe and Zhao Hongbo, who skated to Andrea Boccelli’s “Io Ci Saro” before a spectacular display of fireworks brought the event to a close.
ea/dj10