Consider these fine stores with locally designed clothing and jewelry:

Shop Cocoon – located at Cambie and 17th Avenue, nearby the Athletes Village

Favourite Gift Shop – located in Londsdale Key (where you catch the bus to get to Cypress)

Granville Island Organix – located on Granville Island, nearby the Atlantic House, Swiss House, and Place de la Francophonie.

That way you can avoid expensive roaming charges.  They deliver to Vancouver hotels.

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

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

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

The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

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

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

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

A Refurbished Arena

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



The Olympic Games unite the world. No matter what country we’re watching them from, we all comprehend both the joy and sadness that come with sport. It’s heard in the roaring cheers from the crowd, seen in the waving of a nation’s flag or felt with tears shed in the sting of defeat.

Sport serves as a platform for peace by giving all nations and all competitors a common ground. Recognizing the need for peaceful sport, the Olympic Truce was established during the ancient Olympic Games in Greece. Originally known by the Greek word Ekecheiria, the ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce was revitalized in 1992 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympic Truce has since become a globally recognized title for inspiring peace through sport.

The Olympic Truce and Vancouver 2010

John Furlong, VANOC CEO The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games mark the first time Canada has been responsible for leading Olympic Truce efforts. Each Games has its own interpretation of the Olympic Truce. For Vancouver 2010, athletes will set aside their political, religious and social differences and compete on a level playing field in the pursuit of excellence. And to make this message more relevant to everyday individuals, beyond the athletes and participants, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) created the Make Your Peace Program.

Make Your Peace

The Make Your Peace Program extends the Olympic values of friendship and respect through an open invitation to make your peace. In essence, individuals are encouraged to create everyday peace at home, school, work and in the community, based on the belief that lasting peace starts at the local level.

On October 19,2009 the Government of Canada and VANOC presented the Olympic Truce resolution for the 2010 Winter Games at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York. In front of the UN, VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong introduced the resolution entitled “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideals,” which was adopted by consensus by the 192 UN member nations.

“The Games are an opportunity for all of us to uphold sport as an inspirational means to promote a culture of peace among nations and people everywhere,” Furlong said. “Just like every athlete is held to account on the playing field where the values of respect, fair play and inclusion must prevail, we urge all UN member states to observe these values individually and collectively as we welcome the world to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in February and March 2010.”

Safe Passage

Commemorating the truce ensures a peaceful environment and safe passage to, and participation of, athletes at the Games. It also serves to mobilize the youth of the world in the cause of peace. The Vancouver 2010 resolution also specifies that the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games will take place with the aim to uphold sport as an inspirational means to promote peace, inclusivity, indigenous participation, social and environmental responsibility, and meaningful legacies for future generations.

Truce Exhibition

On Tuesday, October 20, the 2010 Olympic Truce exhibition at the UN was unveiled. The exhibition will give a preview of VANOC’s interpretation of the truce “wall” traditionally incorporated in the athletes’ villages as a visual token of the Olympic Truce and the promises made.

Designed as a keepsake for Canadians and visiting spectators, the program — in both English and French editions — contains a compelling mix of stories and features capturing the unique spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the athletes and memorable moments from past Games. The 148-page program, priced at $17.85 Cdn. plus taxes, also includes a comprehensive guide to Games venues, schedules, sports, and maps.

“This publication featuring some of this country’s best writers is a great souvenir and introduction to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for spectators and Games fans alike,” said Dennis Kim, director of licensing and merchandising for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “Whether you’re looking for information or inspiration, this program delivers and also shows a real sense of the spirit and excitement of Canada’s Games!”

The Vancouver 2010 Official Souvenir Program is available at Olympic Stores in Vancouver, Whistler, at the Vancouver International Airport, and online at www.vancouver2010.com/store. They are also available, along with several other Games-related VANOC licensed publications, at the Olympic Superstore at the Bay Downtown Vancouver, as well as Hudson’s Bay Company stores, and select retailers across Canada.

The program was produced by Vancouver-based Glacier Media Inc. under exclusive license from VANOC.

Among the major highlights:

• The complete Olympic Games competition schedule, sport profiles for each Olympic sport, maps showing the location of the competition and ceremonies venues in Vancouver and Whistler, and a variety of light-hearted trivia and information about the 2010 Games.

• International bestselling novelist and Vancouverite Douglas Coupland, author of Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture and The Gum Thief, takes readers on a vivid journey through his Vancouver;
• Quebecnovelist Roch Carrier, author of the Canadian classic The Hockey Sweater, traces hockey’s historic roots and its significance in today’s Canada;
• Acclaimed Canadian TV sportscaster Brian Williams shares his most cherished memories of past Olympic Winter Games;
• Allan Maki, a sports columnist at The Globe and Mail, uncovers the stories of remarkable Paralympians achieving remarkable results in their sports and private lives;
• Stephen Brunt, also a sports columnist at The Globe and Mail, examines the lasting values and true ideals embodied by athletes in previous Games; and
• National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar Steve Nash shares his memories of competing for Canada at an Olympic Games.

“The history of hockey is also the history of Canada,” explained Carrier. “One of the fascinating aspects about hockey is how diverse communities within our great country contributed to create our game. Right now our hockey players are preparing to showcase their skills to the world and it’s an honour for me to have been invited to reflect on our treasured sport.”
Coupland added: “It dawned on me in the middle of this that the Olympics was going to be happening maybe a mile from my front door, and that doesn’t happen too often. So I cancelled the trip to Hawaii. I’m here.”

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. Please visit www.vancouver2010.com for more information.

About Glacier Media Inc.
Glacier Media Inc. (GVC-T) is a dynamic, Vancouver-headquartered information communications company focused on delivering news, information and related services in print and online.

Glacier, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, is pursuing this strategy through two core business segments: local newspaper and trade information markets, and business and professional information markets. These operations include: BIV Media Group, Glacier Newspaper Group, Business Information Group, Western Producer Publications, Farm Business Communications, and JuneWarren Publishing. The operations in the business and professional information group include Specialty Technical Publishers, CD-Pharma, Eco Log, and a joint venture interest in Fundata.

As you may already know, the Winter Olympic Games will be held in Vancouver, BC, during February 2010. Vancouver/Whistler will be host to the Olympic and Paralympics games, and will be ready to showcase its entertaining attractions. For all the visitors planning to attend these games, here are some of Vancouver’s most popular places to visit that you won’t want to miss:

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is of British Columbia’s most beautiful attractions. The largest city park in Canada, it is surrounded in great, tall pines, and looks across to the breathtaking view of Downtown, Vancouver. It is also home to a display of the Aboriginal culture, with proudly standing sculptures and totem poles. Anyone visiting Vancouver should definitely take some time to visit this national treasure.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is another remarkable experience offered by British Columbia. Located in North Vancouver, it’s just a drive away from Downtown. Approximately 450 feet long, and 230 feet high, it’s view of BC’s natural wonders will leave you speechless.

The Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium, found in Stanley Park itself, is Canada’s largest aquarium. It dedicates its efforts to conserve marine life and displays a fantastic range of diverse aquatic species. Both children, and adults are guaranteed a great time when visiting this fantastic destination.

Metrotown

Metrotown is famously known as the largest mall in British Columbia and one of the best in all of Canada! It holds over 450 well known, and high-end stores, a variety of international cuisine options, and frequently is host to entertaining attractions. Because of its tremendous size, you will definitely need more than just one day to visit the whole mall!

Granville Island

Granville Island is a display of Vancouver’s modern lifestyle. It holds the city’s best market, as well as many different restaurants and stores. It is the art-center of the city, with an immense amount of artists’ works and displays. Also, Champagne Cruises are offered to coast around the perimeter of Stanley Park and other regions of Vancouver. The best way to reach Granville Island, is by the small aquabuses(small boats), from Downtown, for an inexpensive fee. Aside from the 2010 Olympic Games, this one of Vancouver’s greatest must sees!

Canada Place

Canada Place is by far one of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks. It is a combination of hotel, convention center, and cruise ship terminal. With its astounding architecture, it is the city’s most distinguishing sights, and is sure to be a hot spot for tourists in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Science World

Science World, another of this city’s most well known architectural designs, is an exciting destination of scientific delights. Entertaining for both children and adults, this organization has found a new and interesting way to make science fun for all generations. It regularly exhibits educational movies on its enormous Omnimax theatre screen.

Robson Street

Robson Street is the heart of Downtown, Vancouver. It stretches up to three blocks, and is known as the best shopping streets. Stacked with glamorous boutiques and trendy restaurants, it is loved by both tourists, and locals. Robson Street is another place you must visit during your stay in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Games.

Gastown

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s best preserved historical areas. With its cobblestone streets, it has a natural authentic charm and is like a step back in time. Aside from its visual appeal, it has a nice selection Canadian, and Aboriginal souvenir shops.

Vancouver, BC –The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) successfully completed its operational testing today at the curling sport event at the Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre­—the 108,000-square-foot facility that will seat approximately 5,000 spectators during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and is the largest curling venue at any Winter Games to date.

“Our goal is to create an optimal environment for athletes and an experience of a lifetime for spectators at the 2010 Winter Games,” said Jan Damnavits, VANOC’s director of event services and venue management. “Over the course of the last two weeks, our venue team has had the opportunity to test the venue’s operational readiness for both Olympic and Paralympic competition while fine-tuning the conditions and systems.”

The World Junior Curling Championships, which ran from March 5 to 15, were the second sport event to be held at the Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre and showcased the talent of over 100 athletes from 13 countries competing in two parallel events: both a women’s and a men’s tournament.

“We’ve really enjoyed the experience,” said USA Junior Women’s team member Tabitha Peterson, who has been curling for almost a decade. “The ice is great, the atmosphere is fantastic—it’s been fun playing and fun cheering in the stands.”

VANOC focused its operational testing on the following areas: ice maintenance, venue systems, spectator experience and workforce operations.

Field of Play

In keeping with the wheelchair curling sport event, VANOC concentrated on testing the ice and ice maintenance. Humidity levels in the building can affect the quality of the ice, so operational adjustments were made to the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in anticipation of various environmental conditions including spectator numbers and outdoor conditions.  Testing to date will allow VANOC to develop a systems baseline for future reference in order to optimize the field of play during Games time.

“The playing surface is excellent and we have been working with stakeholders, including the athletes, to achieve steady improvement with the new stones,” said Les Harrison, president of the World Curling Federation. “We are very excited about the calibre of competition we can expect to see a year from now.”

Venue Operations

Spectator seating at the venue is extremely close to the field of play, making it an exciting and up-close experience for spectators and athletes alike.

A workforce of approximately 600, including around 400 volunteers, consisted of both technical sport volunteers and event services personnel.  Workforce training was highly attended and workforce check-in went smoothly using electronic scanners.

In keeping with previous sport events, VANOC also successfully tested press operations, timing, scoring and results, medical services and anti-doping functions.

Vancouver 2010 Sport Events

The World Junior Curling Championships are one of the last four sport events of the 2008/09 winter season, all four of which are being held this weekend. Since February 2008, VANOC has conducted operational testing at 17 sport events, with 16 taking place from October 2008 through March 2009. The final sport event, the Hockey Canada Cup – Women’s Hockey, will be held at UBC Thunderbird Arena and Canada Hockey Place from August 31 to September 6, 2009. Sport events (international competitions, such as World Cups or World Championships) have provided VANOC the opportunity to test Games-time operations and train potential Games-time volunteers. The sport events have brought the 2010 Winter Games sport venues to life, offering Canadians a chance to enjoy the sport disciplines that will be showcased at the 2010 Winter Games. The events have familiarized sports fans with the world’s best winter sport athletes likely compete in 2010 and given media, officials and athletes a chance to experience their Games-time environment.

Over the course of the 17 events, the 2010 Winter Games host region has welcomed over 2,400 athletes from more than 30 countries, with an average of 120 accredited media covering each event (domestic and international) and a total estimated on-site spectator attendance of approximately 70,000.  The total budgeted cost for sport events is approximately $16 million.

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.

The festival has just announced 35 additional projects for the arts and culture extravaganza, which begins January 22, 2010 and continues throughout the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, until March 21. The new events join the 20 others unveiled earlier this year, with a final batch to be announced in September.

By the time the festival is complete, Cultural Olympiad 2010 will feature more than 600 performances and exhibitions across British Columbia’s Sea to Sky corridor and Metro Vancouver.

To help fill up your cultural calendar, here are four experiences inspired by Cultural Olympiad programming. For schedules, venues and ticket details check the online event listings.

Text a Friend

A grand festival is all about forming partnerships. Consider The National Ballet of Canada and Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), which will take the stage together for the first time in 20 years at the Cultural Olympiad’s Dance Canada Dance gala. RWB artistic director Andre Lewis helms one of North America’s most versatile and accomplished companies and artistic director Karen Kain will bring the full National Ballet to BC for its first visit since 2007: This will be an evening worth sharing, an opportunity to form new bonds watching old friends reconnect.

Meet New People

There is no one quite like Anthony Braxton. He is a virtuosic musician, a sophisticated composer and a mind-bending philosopher all rolled into one irrepressible package. His Sonic Genome Project, a world premiere performance, gives free rein to the audience to wander in and out and around as 60 instrumentalists, among them local students, express the human condition in an all-day musical meet-up.

Partie de danse

Get ready for some French fusion. The Lost Fingers, an acoustic trio out of Quebec City, wrap the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt around ‘80s pop hits: Pump Up the Jam and Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean will never be the same. The Juno-nominated band has a new album out, Rendez-vous Rose, and will bring its infectiously fun live show to Cultural Olympiad 2010.

Rediscover a Magical Place

It is difficult to imagine a better setting than the Museum of Anthropology for an exhibition called Boundary and Translation. The refurbished and expanded landmark overlooks the border between land and water on the University of British Columbia campus and has documented and displayed human cultures for decades. Among the dozen creators reinventing this iconic space will be Tania Mouraud, a Parisian artist whose work is often inspired by the exhibition site. In 2010, at the Museum of Anthropology, she and her peers will have plenty to work with.