2010 Winter Games Secretariat - News

VANOC Releases 2006-07 Sustainability Report for the 2010 Winter Games

3/31/2008 3:10:14 PM

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today released its second corporate Sustainability Report, re-affirming its commitment to deliver a socially, economically and environmentally responsible Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The report covers the 12-month period between August 1, 2006 and July 31, 2007, and can be viewed at www.vancouver2010.com.

Based on Vancouver 2010 Bid commitments and sustainability reporting guidelines established by the internationally recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the report tracks VANOC’s performance to date on its sustainability objectives. It also discusses the Organizing Committee’s challenges and future plans on sustainability issues within its decision-making authority.

“Sustainability touches everything at VANOC,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “It is a consideration in all our planning and daily activities. With just under two years remaining until the 2010 Winter Games, this report details the steps we are taking to live up to our commitment to convene sustainable Games and to produce enduring benefits locally and globally.”

VANOC’s 2006-07 Sustainability Report takes a comprehensive look at outcomes in six performance areas under VANOC’s direct control: accountability; environmental stewardship and impact reduction; social inclusion and responsibility; Aboriginal participation and collaboration; economic benefits; and sport for sustainable living.

This is the second of five sustainability reports that VANOC intends to issue during the course of the project. It reflects input from the general public, VANOC’s own workforce, and representatives from inner-city, environmental, sustainability, persons with a disability, labour and human rights organizations. While developing the report, VANOC also consulted with its government partners, corporate sponsors and a special multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee it has established to advise its Board of Directors on sustainability performance issues.

“Our team underwent extensive consultation with close to 100 individuals from 40 different organizations about what should be in this report,” said Ann Duffy, VANOC’s corporate sustainability officer. “The feedback and collaboration we received helped guide content as well as selection of the 31 key performance measures used in our second report.”

Two versions of the Sustainability Report are available this year; 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 in French and English on the VANOC website.

Areas indicating progress by the Organizing Committee in the 2006-07 report include:

building venues on compact sites that minimize waste from construction
building venues that:
conserve water and energy
reduce greenhouse gas/carbon emissions
provide barrier-free accessibility
compliance with environmental regulations
training opportunities for inner-city youth
support for housing legacies
ethical sourcing and sustainable purchasing
economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples
raising awareness about sport among Aboriginal communities
raising awareness about Paralympic sports locally
workforce safety

Sustainability performance areas VANOC says it is aiming to improve and/or focus on during the next 12 months include:

transportation planning
avoiding disruption or displacement in inner-city communities during Games-time
additional reductions in carbon emissions and development of a program for neutralizing or offsetting the carbon footprint of the Games
food and beverage services
diverting further waste from landfill
training, recruitment and business opportunities for inner-city residents and businesses, Aboriginal communities, persons with a disability, and social and environmental enterprises
public participation opportunities that increase awareness of sustainable living choices

Aquilini Investment Group expands partnership with 2010 Winter Games

3/30/2008 3:10:34 PM

Local family business reinforces its commitment to sport, youth and the Games

Vancouver, BC (March 30, 2008) – With only 688 days until the opening faceoff of the Olympic hockey tournament at General Motors Place, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today welcomed the Aquilini Investment Group (AIG) as an Official Supplier for the 2010 Winter Games.

The sponsorship extends the partnership between VANOC and the Aquilini Investment Group beyond their existing venue agreement for General Motors Place —the ice hockey venue during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The Official Supplier sponsorship falls within the diversified development company product/service category, supplying VANOC with value-in-kind goods and services that will provide important venue use and services in preparation for staging the Games. It also provides AIG with an enhanced and unique opportunity to contribute directly to the success of the 2010 Winter Games.

“Hockey is part of the fabric of our country and as Canadians, our family is honoured to provide an Olympic venue that will host some of the most historic, most watched hockey games in our nation’s history,” said Francesco Aquilini, Managing Partner, Aquilini Investment Group. “The hockey played at General Motors Place will have the unique power to inspire our youth, and we are pleased to support VANOC’s commitment to deliver an event that will leave lasting legacies for children and sport in our province and country beyond 2010.”

The sponsorship supplies VANOC with use of General Motors Place and its professional services leading up to the Games including broadcast facilities for sport production. VANOC will also receive use of the venue for special pre-Games and post-Games events as well as seconded staff to help prepare for and stage the Games. Additionally, VANOC will have access to advertising opportunities during events leading up to 2010. In turn, the Aquilini Investment Group receives Official Supplier rights for the 2010 Winter Games and sponsorship rights to the Canadian Olympic team for Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games.

“Planning and staging an event of this magnitude requires great partnerships and great venues and our relationship with the Aquilini Investment Group provides us with both," said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. "The Aquilini family’s commitment to the Games continues to grow and the new partnership will provide us with enhanced access to facilities, equipment and expertise at General Motors Place that will assist us greatly as we continue preparations to host the world in 2010."

The Aquilini Investment Group is a diversified family business that, among other initiatives and businesses, owns General Motors Place and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Vancouver Canucks. The Vancouver-based company owns and manages a national real estate portfolio that includes commercial properties, office buildings, golf courses, and cranberry and blueberry farms, as well as the development and sale of multi-family residences and condominiums.

The announcement is being made on the same day as an NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames, representing the link between the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and the Calgary 1988 Winter Games. Special appearances will also be made during the game by Cassie Campbell, Olympic gold and silver medallist, ice hockey; Pat Quinn, head coach of Team Canada’s gold medal men's ice hockey team, Salt Lake City 2002; and the Vancouver 2010 mascots Miga, Quatchi and Sumi.

About the Aquilini Investment Group

The Aquilini Investment Group is dedicated to supporting the community through the team's charity the Canucks for Kids Fund and its programs and partner foundations; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, BC Children's Hospital Foundation, the Centre for Childhood Research in Diabetes at BC Children's Hospital, Phoenix Academy for Learning Society (for Autism) and Canucks Autism Network (CAN). The Aquilini Investment Group was the primary sponsor of the Italian Gardens at Hastings Park, and helped conserve the Fraser Valley’s Blaney Bog, which has been named as the Aquilini Land Conservatory.

2010 Winter Games to source clean power from BC Hydro and promote energy conservation

3/18/2008 3:10:46 PM

VANCOUVER – A new standard of environmental stewardship for Olympic and Paralympic Games was reached today with the announcement of an agreement between BC Hydro and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

In its role as an Official Supporter of the 2010 Winter Games, BC Hydro will provide the resources to supply clean power for the Games. In addition, through its Power Smart programs, BC Hydro will work with VANOC to ensure the Games are energy-efficient and promote energy conservation across BC.

As part of its Official Supporter partnership, BC Hydro will provide secondments of personnel, as well as the temporary use of some BC Hydro properties and electrical connection equipment during the Games.

By using clean, hydroelectric power, the 2010 Winter Games will see their carbon dioxide emissions from power generation reduced to the lowest level yet for an Olympic Winter Games — less than 10 per cent of the emissions of previous Olympic Winter Games, which relied on diesel-based generation.

VANOC will pay for the electricity it consumes on the same basis as other large commercial customers; however, since the use of clean, hydro-electric power is a lower cost alternative to diesel-based generation, VANOC will realize significant cost savings over previous Olympic Winter Games.

“The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games present a unique opportunity to profile British Columbia’s role as a world leader in the production of sustainable, clean electricity,” said Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative and the Olympics. “It also creates new opportunities for promoting energy conservation — a key goal of the BC Energy Plan.”

“BC Hydro is particularly proud to be an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games because BC Hydro and the Games share many of the same values around sustainability and conservation,” said Bob Elton, BC Hydro President and Chief Executive Officer.

Manitoba to Participate In 2010 Olympic, Paralympic Winter Games

3/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

VANCOUVER — Manitoba talent will take to the world stage at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games as part of a contributing province agreement between the Province of Manitoba and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

Premier Gary Doer signed the agreement here today with John Furlong, Vancouver 2010 CEO, at the VANOC offices.

“The 2010 Winter Games are an opportunity for provinces like Manitoba, as well as Canada, to showcase their local talent to the world,” Doer said. “While our athletes take to the rink, the slopes and the oval, Manitoba’s entertainers and artists will also have the chance to perform to an international audience. It’s an excellent opportunity to show the world what Manitoba has to offer.”

“Manitoba is celebrating the exciting possibilities presented by the 2010 Winter Games by participating in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase their unique culture and personality to a global audience of three billion,” said Furlong. “We thank the Manitoba government for its generous contribution and look forward to working together to showcase Canada and Manitoba to the world.”

Highlights of Manitoba’s Olympic plans include:

establishing a Manitoba House in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Games to showcase local cultural performers and athletes;
organizing a Manitoba Day at the Games to promote the province;
developing the Manitoba portion of the torch relay, which will come to the province prior to the Games;
ensuring Aboriginal participation in the Games and preceding events;
showcasing Manitoba artists and arts organizations;
developing initiatives that promote tourism, immigration, trade and investment, as well as promote Manitoba’s green-energy sector; and
promoting educational and volunteer opportunities relating to sport and culture, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Under the Contributing Province/Territory Program, signatory provinces and territories receive a package of benefits that create a close association with the Games in return for a financial contribution based on population size. Manitoba will contribute $750,000 toward the success of Canadian athletes through the Own the Podium 2010 program, which is providing additional support to Canadian athletes in the run-up preparations for the 2010 Games.

Manitoba will also provide $750,000 to support the Games and showcase Manitoba culture and arts, via the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, and ensure that local artists are centre stage at the Games, which are expected to be watched by more than three billion viewers. The Games will feature more than 5,500 Olympic athletes and officials from 80 different countries, and 1,350 Paralympic athletes and officials from 40 countries.

Vancouver 2010 operational expenses in line with business plan projections - Cash balance positive at $56.5 million and strong sponsor revenue received

3/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

VANCOUVER – Operational activities are ramping up, venue construction continues to wind down, and the second quarter financial statements of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) released today reflect this stage of planning for the Games. In addition VANOC is in a favourable cash balance position, at $56.5 million.

VANOC’s financial reporting reflects the two components of its business: 1) venue development activities, and 2) operating revenues and expenses. The quarterly report includes a management discussion and analysis and interim financial statements for the second quarter ended January 31, 2008. It is available at www.vancouver2010.com.

“Financially, we’re in a positive position with a cash balance of $56.5 million and a sound contingency on the capital construction side,” said VANOC Chief Financial Officer John McLaughlin. “These factors will help us as we meet the inevitable challenges that all organizing committees face in the final two years. VANOC’s operational spending in the past quarter was largely in areas such as sport and technology, all of which occurred in line with our business plan projections.”

VANOC’s net deferred operating expenses in the current quarter were $57.3 million as compared to $6.4 million for the period ending October 31, 2007. Excluding the impact of unrealized foreign exchange losses and gains, deferred operating expenses were $43.1 million for the quarter ended January 31, 2008, and $25.7 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2007. The $17.4 million increase over the preceding quarter is the result of higher spending across all divisions as activity increases organization-wide in the move from a planning phase to an operational phase.

Said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer, “While we’re pleased with the progress to date, we also know that many tests lie ahead, as is expected in the normal course of staging the Games. With construction at the mountain venues substantially complete and our first Sport Event under our belt, our team is moving deeper into the operational phase. We’ve already had to quickly adapt to different weather conditions and make adjustments following feedback from athletes and our sport partners. It’s an important time for our team as we learn valuable lessons that will ultimately prepare us to stage extraordinary Games in 2010.”

VANOC’s net deferred operating revenue from sponsorship and other sources for the quarter ending January 31, 2008 was $43.1 million, as compared to $6.7 million in the last quarter.

Domestic sponsorship revenue increased significantly over the prior quarter, from $4.3 million to $43 million, as several large cash milestone payments were received, and $4.1 million in domestic value-in-kind (VIK) revenue was recorded during the quarter. VANOC has now entered into domestic sponsorship agreements worth approximately $709 million in total, or over 90 per cent of the overall target of $760 million.

VANOC’s total venue development expenditures for the quarter were $38.4 million, as compared to $63.3 million in the previous quarter, and now total $466.3 million. VANOC’s venue development central contingency remains adequate to protect against the remaining $125.5 million in the venue construction budget.

The venue construction timeline ensures venue readiness through Sport Events and other training and competition in advance of the Games. In particular, VANOC completed its field-of-play testing at the first official VANOC Sport Event for alpine skiing – the recently completed FIS Alpine World Cup, at Whistler Creekside.

VANOC’s workforce continues to grow substantially as the 2010 Winter Games draw near – increasing by 87 during the reporting period, to reach a total of 590 full-time staff.

In accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, all operating revenues and expenses are deferred prior to Games time. VANOC’s next quarterly report, covering the three months ending April 30, 2008, will be available in June 2008.

Vancouver 2010 enhances team with the strength and experience of Deloitte's professional services

9/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has selected Deloitte as its Official Supplier of professional services. Deloitte will support VANOC as preparations for the Games increase by providing the Organizing Committee with a wide range of professional services including financial, accounting, strategy, operations and human resources consulting.

As an Official Supplier, Deloitte will receive the opportunity to use Vancouver 2010 marks for promotional purposes and sponsorship rights to the Canadian Olympic Team for the Vancouver 2010 and the London 2012 Games.

“The Olympic Games are the standard of excellence in athletics and the celebration of the human spirit. At Deloitte our vision is to be the standard of excellence,” said Alan MacGibbon, Managing Partner and Chief Executive for Deloitte Canada. “We are excited about being able to serve the diverse professional services needs of VANOC and to help Canada welcome the world to Vancouver in 2010.”

“With a strong 150-year Canadian history and a reputation for integrity, quality and service excellence, Deloitte’s ability to provide innovative ideas and solutions makes them a welcome addition to the Vancouver 2010 team,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted to have them on board.”

Deloitte professionals will begin working with VANOC immediately with some professionals dedicated full time to VANOC and others providing their specialized expertise at various stages through the end of the Games.

ABOUT DELOITTE

Deloitte, one of Canada’s leading professional services firms, provides tax, audit, consulting, and financial advisory services through more than 7,600 people in 56 offices. Deloitte operates in Québec as Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche s.e.n.c.r.l. The firm is dedicated to helping clients and its people excel. Deloitte is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its member firms.

VANOC Board of Directors received positive venue construction report.

9/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

VANCOUVER – With only 16 days remaining until Phase 1 of ticket sales to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games begins on October 3 — one of the biggest milestones and public engagement activities prior to the Games — the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) held its fifth meeting of 2008.

At today’s meeting the Board reviewed a number of positive updates on the venue construction program which will see all competition venues completed and winter athletes competing at world- class levels on all venues this winter. The meeting also included a number of regular agenda items as well as updates to the Board of Directors on the business plan, sport, sponsorship, ticket sales, the launch of a new graphic identity and pictograms and the re-launch of www.vancouver2010.com, the Official Website of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“The pace for VANOC’s management and staff has already accelerated after the conclusion of a highly successful Beijing 2008 Games and the Board today received a number of updates that provide confidence we’re on track financially and ready for the pressure and spotlight that comes with hosting the next Games,” said Jack Poole, Chairman of the Board. “Final touches on venue construction are underway and athletes are already here training and getting ready to compete. With the first of this winter season’s 16 sport events starting next month and tickets on sale in a matter of weeks, Canadians and sport enthusiasts around the world will be able to touch and feel the Games more and more each day.”

Highlights of reports and updates delivered at the September 17, 2008 VANOC Board Meeting included:

CEO and Senior Management Reports

Beijing 2008

The Beijing 2008 Games provided VANOC with a number of learning opportunities in key areas, including ticketing, volunteers, the spectator experience, village operations, sport production and decision making when confronted with the unexpected.

Budget Update/Functional Reviews

An update was provided on the business plan and ongoing measures being taken by VANOC management to review key functional areas to ensure a balanced budget. Reviews of VANOC’s 53 functions are now complete. VANOC’s updated budget is being developed this year and will be taken to the Board for approval in late 2008/early 2009.

Sport

The Sport department is preparing for the first of 16 sport events this winter season; short track speed skating at the Pacific Coliseum from October 24–26. Sport has welcomed nine National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) to Vancouver since May and is planning for 11 additional NOC visits and six NPC visits in the coming weeks and months. In addition, VANOC has recently hosted biathlon, cross-country skiing and luge delegations and is preparing for upcoming visits from bobsleigh, skeleton, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, curling, short track speed skating, ski jumping, luge, biathlon, cross-county skiing, cross-country skiing (Paralympic), biathlon (Paralympic), alpine skiing (Paralympic) and wheelchair curling delegations.

Sponsorship

Revenue commitments currently generated from domestic sponsorship for the 2010 Winter Games is at $735 million, or 97 per cent of VANOC’s overall target of $760 million. National Partner and Official Supporter revenue targets have been achieved, but VANOC expects to sign anywhere from six to eight new sponsors at the Official Supplier level.

Report of the Finance Committee

The Board received reports from two meetings of the Finance Committee, held on August 11 and September 8, 2008. A number of contracts were approved for final negotiation; VANOC will disclose information regarding contracts once the contracts are finalized.

The Finance Committee approved a contract with Aggreko Canada for the provision of temporary power and temperature control services and equipment.

Venue Construction Update

Procurement: Only minor awards are outstanding. Procurement for Vancouver 2010 construction is over 93 per cent complete.

Venue contingency analysis: The venues central contingency balance, as of the last report, was $15.77 million. A drawdown of $2 million was approved by the VANOC Board today to cover additional costs at the Whistler Athletes’ Centre that will bring the balance of the venue contingency to $13.77 million. VANOC remains on track to finish its venue construction program on or under its $580 million budget.

Richmond Olympic Oval: Construction is on track to be completed on schedule. Work on removing and replacing roofing material is nearing completion. Installation of a test ice sheet was successfully completed at the beginning of August. A new ice sheet was installed at the beginning of September. Members of the Canadian speed skating team were the first athletes in the world to have access to the Oval and have successfully tested the ice over the past few days.

Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre: Construction is on schedule. The final sand and insulating layers for the curling venue’s competition ice slab are complete. Work on the building’s envelope continues and interior finishes are proceeding. Drywall in the curling venue is 80 per cent complete.

Trout Lake training venue: The concrete building structure and main structural steel and glulam erection are complete. Roof decking is underway. Mechanical and electrical work is ongoing.

Killarney training venue: Concrete tilt-up wall panels and main structural steel have been erected. Arena roof metal decking is one-third complete and roof decking for the lobby is nearly complete. The Olympic and Paralympic Village Vancouver: Significant progress has been made on all building structures. The bridge and related approach (to access the site) are substantially complete.

Olympic and Paralympic Village Whistler: The Whistler Village townhomes are nearing completion. The bridge and related approaches (to access the site) are substantially complete. Whistler Athletes’ Centre: The steel roof erection is complete on the High Performance Centre. Construction of the lodge building and townhomes is ongoing. Factory fabrication is complete on townhomes, and site installation is ongoing.

Report of the Strategic Communications Steering Committee

The Chair reported on the last meeting of the Strategic Communications Steering Committee, held on September 12, 2008. Solid progress is being made on key projects, including VANOC’s thematic and ticketing advertising campaigns, which begin, respectively, at the end of September and the beginning of October.

BACKGROUND:

The VANOC Board of Directors is made up of 20 members nominated by: the Canadian Olympic Committee (seven); the Government of Canada (three); the Province of British Columbia (three); the City of Vancouver (two); the Resort Municipality of Whistler (two); the Canadian Paralympic Committee (one); a joint appointment by the Band Councils of the Lil'wat and Squamish Nations (one); and one member nominated by the other 19 members.

The Board is scheduled to meet six times per year, and more often at the call of the Chair as required. The meetings are generally held at the Vancouver 2010 offices in Vancouver, although they are occasionally hosted by our Games partners in other locations. The Board’s responsibility is to oversee the conduct of the business of VANOC as it works toward achieving its Mission, to touch the soul of the nation and inspire the world by creating and delivering an extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic experience with lasting legacies.

As part of its commitment to public transparency and accountability, the VANOC Board of Directors has made today’s agenda, discussion topics and decisions available to the public on www.vancouver2010.com, subject to conditions of confidentiality related to personal information and/or competitively sensitive or privileged information. VANOC is also committed to hosting media briefings following each Board meeting with the Board Chairman, the CEO and other director(s) or members of the VANOC senior management team to elaborate further on matters.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the VANOC Board of Directors is scheduled for November 19, 2008.

Demand for 2010 Olympic Sponsorship Strong After Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

9/8/2008 12:00:00 AM

With the recent completion of the incredibly successful Beijing Olympic Games, the start of Canada’s Games in Vancouver and Whistler — and the worldwide attention that comes with it — grows closer every day. Now with nine Worldwide Partners, six National Partners, 10 Official Supporters and 28 Official Suppliers, Vancouver 2010 has become a popular organization to associate with.

“We’ve had overwhelming support from Canadian companies since we were awarded the right to host the 2010 Winter Games,” said Dave Cobb, VANOC executive vice president, revenue, marketing and communications. “The momentum created by the Beijing Games and the unique marketing and hospitality opportunities enjoyed by sponsors has brought a strong interest from companies asking about remaining sponsorship opportunities. This is proof of the ripple effect that one Games can create for another.”

By the numbers

Revenue currently generated from domestic sponsorship for the 2010 Winter Games is at $735 million or 97 per cent of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC’s) overall target of $760 million. National Partner and Official Supporter revenue targets have been achieved, but VANOC expects to sign another six to eight Official Suppliers. When combined with an estimated $200 million to be received from international worldwide sponsorship, VANOC’s total sponsorship commitment will be just under the $1 billion mark — an unprecedented sum in the history of Canadian sports marketing.

New horizons

“Our goal has always been to raise enough money from the private sector to ensure we have a financial surplus at the end of the Games,” Cobb continued. “As such, our team has worked hard to identify and implement other revenue generating programs.”

VANOC’s newer revenue programs — while they do not include marketing rights provided by the corporate sponsorship program — will supply important funding to stage the Games and support the athletes in return for certain rights and benefits. The programs were also developed in response to requests from parties wanting to support the Games, but without the need for marketing rights or the ability to participate as a sponsor. Four examples of these programs are as follows:

Launch of the RONA and VANOC Fabrication Shop in November 2007. (VANOC photo)Friends of the Games is one of the newest additions to VANOC’s revenue programs, which will be primarily used to reduce the cost of VANOC’s goods and services during the procurement process. The donor-based program offers businesses an opportunity to provide required products and/or services to help stage the Games in exchange for a range of benefits, such as networking and hospitality opportunities, and access to purchase a small number of Olympic Family tickets.

The Vancouver 2010 Club is a patron’s program, similar to the donor program developed for the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Games. This new program offers individuals and corporations an opportunity to make a direct contribution towards VANOC’s mission to deliver an extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic experience, with lasting legacies. Part of each financial contribution will be allocated to VANOC’s Charitable Ticketing Fund, which will provide tickets to various underprivileged groups in the Greater Vancouver area and Sea to Sky corridor. In return, Vancouver 2010 Club patrons will receive access to transportation, limited hospitality and a select number of tickets from the Olympic Family allocation.

VANOC has also demonstrated continued success with its Contributing Province/Territory Program and has raised a total of $13.2 million to date supporting operational costs and the Own the Podium (OTP) program.

Lastly, online auctions have been identified as an additional revenue stream for Vancouver 2010. As with past Games, VANOC will implement a substantial auction process to sell collectibles and memorabilia, such as limited edition sports items, leading up to the 2010 Winter Games and beyond.

“Opportunities to purchase these kinds of products will create a once-in-a-lifetime connection to the Games and will no doubt attract sports collectors and enthusiasts from around the world,” said Caley Denton, VANOC vice president, ticketing and consumer marketing.

Companies and/or individuals interested in revenue programs with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games may contact sponsorship@vancouver2010.com.