BC credit card sales up 93% during Olympics

Stats for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics are mind-boggling, what with medal counts, visitor counts, etc. as people from every corner of the globe played and cheered for 17 days. But we have one more for you – and we think this one tops all the rest – by a long shot!

The figures from Visa are in and here’s what they show. [Read more]

22 million watch Sidney Crosby win gold

• Record audience peaks as overtime goal sends nation into frenzy -
• Canadians consume 1.25 billion hours of Vancouver 2010 coverage -
• 2010 Winter Games audiences 138% higher than Salt Lake City 2002 -
• Nearly half of all internet users in Canada have visited CTVOlympics.ca or RDSolympiques.ca -

[Read more]

Olympic trivia

Some 2010 Winter Games trivia.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games has not only left British Columbians with a powerful and enduring legacy, it has provided one of the defining moments in our country’s history,” said Premier Campbell, “…and it has changed us forever.”

Here is some 2010 Olympic Winter Games trivia for the memory books: [Read more]

Canadians win gold

The pride and gratitude of all Canadians is due to the members of the Canadian Olympic team for their incredible performances at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games!

Their 14 gold medals broke a Winter Olympic record for most gold medals won by a host country or any country at a single Olympic Winter Games. Seven silver and five bronze brought the total number of medals for Canada to 26. [Read more]

Local athletes make Olympic Team

35 B.C. athletes make Canadian Olympic team.

Office of the Premier / Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.

Thirty-five B.C. athletes have been named to the Canadian Olympic Team and will have the distinct honour of representing their country at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games on home soil, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

Local athletes — Emily Brydon, Fernie (downhill, super G) – Manuel Osborne-Paradis, Invermere (downhill, super G) – David Duncan, Golden (ski cross) – Danielle Poleschuk, Fernie (ski cross) – Stan Hayer, Kimberley (ski cross) – Scott Niedermayer, Cranbrook (hockey) – Robert Fagan, Cranbrook (snowboarding [Read more]

Local band to play at Olympics

Soon, the nations of the globe will focus on Whistler Resort, where one of the World’s most celebrated events will unfold — the 2010 Olympic Winter Games –- and some local musicians will be a part of it.

Franz Grasegger, of the local band Late (L8) was approached last July by the German Tourism Bureau asking if he would be interested in entertaining at an event on Whistler Mountain for an Olympic celebration on February 27. [Read more]

Cries for help beneath Olympic cheers

British Columbia Federation of Labour.

Against a backdrop of the Winter Olympics, and talk of early signs of economic recovery, the Lieutenant Governor will present a Throne Speech on February 9. Three weeks later Finance Minister Colin Hansen will present a provincial budget. [Read more]

Canal Flats cheers the flame

The shadows were growing long as the red white and blue relay parade reached the ‘Flats, but excitement remained undiminished. [Read more]

Drum-warming Olympic spirit in ʔakisq̓nuk

After stopping in Windermere, the relay came next to ʔakisq̓nuk. With no Coco-Cola and Royal Bank speaker trucks, there was a noticable change of beat as First Nations folks drummed up a storm and offered up kind words to honor the spirit of the Olympics. [Read more]

Hockey parenting 101

From the S/Sgt’s Desk –

I had the opportunity to escort the Olympic Torch throughout the entire Valley starting in Edgewater and ending up in Canal Flats. The relay went without problems and on schedule.

I would like to pass on to citizens in the Valley that the spirit demonstrated and the pride projected was very pleasant to experience. Although I drove in advance of the Torch, while waiting I was able to speak to some of the people on the sidelines. I also spoke with some of the Torch bearers and it was evident the excitement they had and it was great to see family and friends, some coming a great distance to be there to share the experience. [Read more]