Not only will Quebec be well-represented by athletes in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010, the province will also be one of the Games’ major financial supporters.
Last week the Government of Quebec stepped up with a $5 million contribution to the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), with half the money going towards the Own the Podium 2010 program, and $750,000 going towards the Cultural Olympiad to support opportunities for Quebec artists, and $1.75 million going towards the organization of a Quebec Day during the Games, the Quebec leg of the torch relay, First Nations participation in the Games, organization of activities to promote tourism and trade, and access to VANOC promotional materials.
“Quebec is well known for its quality programs in physical activity, recreation and sports, and high-performance sport in particular,” said Premier Jean Charest. “There are also many Quebec athletes competing in winter sport and representing Canada at the highest level.”
Since 2005, Quebec has contributed $30 million to Quebec’s top athletes who will be participating in Vancouver and Whistler. While teams are yet to be named, Quebec athletes are well represented in hockey, alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding.
Olympic store opens at YVR
As of last week visitors to Canada have been able to purchase Olympic- and Paralympic-branded merchandise from a new Olympic Store at Vancouver International Airport.
Items available include branded apparel and merchandise, like mascot stuffed animals, as well as luggage and accessories, umbrellas, pet products, sunglasses, pins and key chains. Prices range from $7.99 for souvenirs to $350 for some premium items.
The store was opened in conjunction with Hbc, the official clothing manufacturer and retailer of the 2010 Games.
The store is only the first to open in YVR, with four additional Olympic Stores expected to open at YVR in the coming months in both the domestic and international terminals.
Games go organic
Vancouver 2010 will be the first Games to go organic, as VANOC welcomed Hain Celestial Canada as an official supplier of natural and organic grocery products.
Hain produces Yves Veggie Cuisine, Terra Chips, Earth’s Best baby food, and Imagine organic soups.
The agreement includes sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic Team headed to Beijing in August, and will last through the 2012 Games in London, England. Hain Celestial can also use 2010 trademarks for promotional purposes.
The deal is for cash-only at this stage. The menu at Olympic venues has not been decided yet, and it’s unknown if any Hain Celestial products will be available during the Games.
