Following the unveiling of its Olympic Torch Relay route last year, the Vancouver 2010 Organising Committee (VANOC) took advantage of the one-year-to-go mark to unveil its Olympic Torch design, the torchbearer uniform and the first two torchbearers to be selected for the event. IOC President Jacques Rogge was also present, along with a number of other dignitaries at the unveiling event in Whistler – site of the skiing and sliding events for the 2010 Games.
[b]Discover the Vancouver 2010 Torch[/b] (Flash animation on vancouver2010.com)
Ignite A Passion
Speaking at the event, President Rogge spoke about the pride of having the Olympic Torch Relay in your own country and its ability to inspire. Rogge said, “For most people – whether as spectators or torchbearers – the Olympic Torch Relay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have seen the pride people feel when this vibrant symbol of the world’s hope and excitement is carried through their own community.” He continued, “Many of those who witness the Olympic Torch Relay will find it ignites a passion and inspires them to participate in sport, to give their very best in all they do.”
Torch Design
Inspired by Canada’s open landscape, vast potential and smooth fluid lines left in the snow from winter sports, the torch design is ergonomic and easily handled by everyone. The torch in winter white has a red Maple leaf cut-out and the Games motto “With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits” engraved on it. An inukshuk, the emblem of Vancouver 2010, is also prominent. The torch measures 94.5 centimetres and weighs about 1.6 kilogrammes.
Uniforms
The Olympic Torch Relay uniforms for 2010 were designed by renowned Canadian fashion designers Vivienne Lu and Tu Ly. The uniforms are white and accented with bright bursts of blue and green on the left arm of the jacket. The colour palette is inspired by the winter landscape and the multi-hued beauty of the dancing northern lights, as well as the breathtaking scenery of the Sea-to-Sky region. The uniforms also feature the Olympic rings on the back and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay emblem.
First Torchbearers
The first two torchbearers selected through public contests were Patricia Moreno, 17, and Caleb Taylor, 35. Patricia was selected for her leadership role in her community and her dedication to youth sports programmes, while Caleb teaches hockey to inner-city youth in his hometown of Regina.
VANCOUVER 2010
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.