30-SECOND VERSION: www.youtube.com CORRECT 90-SECOND VERSION: www.youtube.com Ninety second video features British Columbians Michael J. Fox, Ryan Reynolds, Erick McCormack, Kim Cattrall, Steve Nash, and Sarah McLachlan. www.hellobc.com
Miga the Sea Bear : Miga is a snowboarding sea bear inspired by the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations tales of orca whales that transform into bears when they arrive on land. Part Spirit Bear, a rare white bear unique to BC, Miga’s outgoing spirit and high energy draw her to action and adventure. Quatchi the Sasquatch : Quatchi, a shy and gentle giant, is a sasquatch; a popular figure in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. The sasquatch reminds us of the mystery and wonder that exists in the natural world. Although Quatchi loves all winter sports, he’s especially fond of hockey and dreams of becoming a world-famous goalie. Sumi the Thunderbird : Sumi is an animal spirit who wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty thunderbird and runs on the furry legs of the black bear. With a name that is derived from the Salish word sumesh meaning guardian spirit, Sumi is passionate about the environment and is a fan of all Paralympic sports. Mukmuk the Marmot : Mukmuk is a small and friendly Vancouver Island marmot who always supports and cheers loudly for his friends during games and races. Mukmuk, the mascot sidekick, is considered an honourary member of the team and enjoys surprising his friends by popping up on occasion to share in the spirit and fun of the Games. Mukmuk gets his name from the word muckamuck, Chinook jargon for food, because he loves to eat when he’s not playing with his mascot friends.
David Atkins, the newly appointed Executive Producer for Vancouver 2010s Olympic Ceremonies Team isnt giving anything away. No hints, its too early in the process. What viewers can be sure of, though, is that it will be exciting. Theres no shortage of talent in Canada, said Atkins. In fact, theres an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Canadas resource of performers, artists and cultural practitioners. The ceremonies will profile and represent the best of these. CREATING A CEREMONIES ADDICTION The Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies strive to capture the spirit and unique personality of the host city, province and country, while providing inspiring Olympic and Paralympic messages and entertaining billions world wide. Atkins, who was the Executive Producer and Artistic Director of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Summer Games ceremonies as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 15 th Asian Games in Doha in 2006, admits that working on the Olympic Games becomes a bit addictive. The pressure is quite extraordinary on every member of the team. These are once-only events. Its a highly-charged experience with years of work coming down to one night, one time, and one place. Its not surprising, then, that the majority of the Ceremonies Team has worked on past Games Ceremonies, including Calgary 1988, Sydney 2000 and Torino 2006. Marti Kulich, VANOCs Program Director, Ceremonies and Production Services, noted that it is not just a group of individuals but …
At 8:41 am on Wednesday, July 2nd, the International Olympic Committee in Prague announced that Vancouver was awarded the 21st Olympic Winter Games in 2010. Massive crowds at GM Place in Vancouver and Whistler Village erupted in celebration…it was a day that changed our province forever. No copyright infringement intended. Video property: CBC