Coca-Cola Canada and RBC join VANOC in sharing the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay with communities Canada-wide

Today in Halifax, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced that Coca-Cola Canada and RBC will join VANOC as the exclusive Presenting Partners of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. VANOC also unveiled the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Emblem that will become iconic in the lead-up and operation of the cross-Canada event preceding the 2010 Winter Games.

Next to the Olympic Rings themselves, the Olympic Flame is the most universally recognized symbol of the Games. For the public, the Torch Relay is often the first and most tangible evidence of the arrival of the Olympic Games.

“The vision of the 2010 Games is to encourage Canadians to ’Celebrate the Possible’. This principle is embedded in the very essence of the Torch Relay and the tremendous opportunity it presents to unify and inspire people across the country and around the world,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of VANOC. “We will see over 100 days of light shining on the people and places that define our national character while inspiring Canadians to be the best they can be.”

“Coca-Cola and RBC represent the importance of partnerships to the success of the 2010 Winter Games. Their exceptional commitment will help us to ensure that every Canadian has the opportunity to be touched by the spirit of the Olympic Flame and make a very personal connection to our Games,” he continued.

As Presenting Partners of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola Canada and RBC receive exclusive marketing rights and an agreed upon number of torchbearer slots to be allocated through a public process designed in collaboration with VANOC. They will also work in collaboration with VANOC on the overall development of the Olympic Torch Relay.

“Our Olympic legacy will focus on inspiring Canadians to make a lifelong commitment to active living, environmental conservation and bringing the Olympic values to life in communities across the country,” said Vince Timpano, President, Coca-Cola Canada.

“From town to town, the Olympic Torch Relay will connect all Canadians to Vancouver 2010 and what it stands for,” said Gordon M. Nixon, RBC President and CEO. “RBC is honoured to help bring millions of Canadians and their communities a chance to participate in the celebration and excitement of the Games through the Olympic Torch Relay.”

As reported in the VANOC business plan (May 8, 2007) the cost of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays is approximately $31 million CDN, the majority of which is expected to be funded through a number of corporate sponsors in addition to the two exclusive Presenting Partners being announced today.

The Official Emblem of the Olympic Torch Relay

Called “A Path of Northern Lights”, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Emblem incorporates a stylized flame atop a band of white representing both the torch and the path it will take across the country. On either side of the band are ribbons of blue and green drawn from the unique Vancouver 2010 colour palette reflecting the landscape of the host region.

Contained within a stone shape that mirrors the elements of the 2010 Olympic Games Emblem - the inukshuk - the bilingual emblem also incorporates the Vancouver 2010 wordmark and the Olympic Rings. The emblem will appear in conjunction with the Presenting Partners’ logos, except on the Olympic Torch and on the Olympic Torchbearer uniforms.

“The emblem embodies the Torch Relay as it moves across Canada and ignites the fire of the Olympic spirit within the people and communities that it touches. As the torch makes its way through this country, sparks of pride will turn into flames. As one holds the Olympic Torch they will literally hold the beauty of the Olympic Games in their hands,” said Furlong.
Comments from Vancouver 2010 Government and Four Host First Nations Partners

Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics

“The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay promises to be a powerful event that will bring all Canadians together in the weeks leading up to the Games,” said Minister Emerson. “The Torch will inspire and encourage Canadians to live healthy lifestyles and give back to their communities. Congratulations to all the relay partners on reaching today’s milestone.”

Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier, Province of British Columbia

“Today’s announcement ignites the anticipation that will grow to incredible heights as British Columbians prepare to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay and celebrate the beginning of the Games in 2010. I want to thank the sponsors and all partners who are working to bring the Olympics closer to all Canadians.”

Mayor Sam Sullivan, City of Vancouver

“Today’s announcement raises the level of excitement to a new level in Vancouver. The spirit of the Games will build momentum as the 2010 Torch Relay passes through cities across Canada and Vancouver will be ready to welcome the Flame as it arrives in our great city and ignites the cauldron at BC Place Stadium to officially begin the 2010 Winter Games.”

Mayor Ken Melamed, Resort Municipality of Whistler

“We will be watching as the Olympic Torch arrives back on Canadian soil and our community looks forward to welcoming it to the mountains of BC and giving the Olympic Flame a true Whistler welcome.”

Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director and CEO, Four Host First Nations Secretariat

“Fire has great meaning to First Nations’ people and is present in many of our most important ceremonies; fire symbolizes the heart of the People and cleanses the spirit, it is a messenger and considered a great gift. We look forward to sharing in this gift with the people of Canada and to watch the Torch make its way across many of our traditional lands.”