Vancouver and Beyond

On August 9 and 10, the City of Vancouver and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) will host a free  2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration alongside the 9th Annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival in downtown Vancouver.

The aim of the celebration is to bring the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and Vancouver’s diverse sporting culture to life in an inspiring weekend of entertainment for the whole family.

The celebration will feature: a giant outdoor screen showing coverage from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, live athlete interviews, sport demonstrations and musical entertainment.

Top Canadian athletes will be available for autograph signings, while 2010 Legacies Now and Sportfit will provide the festival goers the opportunity to experience Olympic and Paralympic sports through demonstrations and the chance to try out some sports themselves.

The two-day celebration event will feature live musical entertainment from around the world, including the Big Bang Big Band, Kutapira Marimba Band, Orquesta Goma Dura, Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble and Johnny Montuno.

When:                   
The Celebration kicks off on the main stage in Chinatown on August 9 at 2 p.m.

Events will take place between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on August 9, and from 12 noon to  6 p.m. on August 10. 

Where:        
Corner of Keefer Street and Columbia Streets.

For more information and a complete schedule of events during the two-day celebration, visit the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration website at vancouver.ca .

For more information:

Corporate Communications
604.871.6336
 Media contact onsite (August 9 and 10):
Anna Parisi
Optimum Public Relations
604.828.2875
 

2008 Olympic and Paralympic Celebration Schedule of Events
August 9 and 10, 2008
August 9       2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
                            

2:00  2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration kick off 
2:30
 CBC coverage of the opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
 
3:20
 Athlete interview: – Olympian Alexa Loo, Snowboarding
 
3:30
 Entertainment by Big Bang Big Band
 
4:15
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Garrett Hickling, – Wheelchair Rugby
 
4:30
 CBC overage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
5:20
 Athlete interview: Olympian Mark Johnston, Swimming
 
5:30
 Entertainment by Johnny Montuno
 
6:15
 Athlete interview: Olympian Stephanie McCann, Pole Vault
 
6:30
 Celebration of the Paralympic Spirit
 
7:20
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Andrea Holmes, Long Jump and Downhill Skiing, RBC Athlete
 
7:30
 CBC coverage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
8:00
 Event ends
 

August 10     12 noon – 6 p.m.

12:00
 CBC overage of competition from the 2008 Olympic Games
 
12:50
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Misty Thomas, Wheelchair Basketball
 
13:00
 Entertainment by Kutapira Marimba Band
 
13:45
 Athlete interview: Olympian Crispin Lipscomb, Snowboard-Half Pipe, RBC Athlete
 
14:00
 CBC coverage of the opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
 
14:50
 Athlete interview: Olympian Margaret Langford, Canoe-kayak
 
15:00
 Entertainment by Orquesta Goma Dura
 
15:45
 Athlete interview: Olympian Tammy Bradley, Freestyle Skiing
 
16:00
 Celebration of the Paralympic Spirit
 
16:50
 Athlete interview: Paralympian Donovan Tildesley, Swimming, RBC Athlete
 
17:00
 Entertainment by Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble
 
17:45
 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games Celebration wrap up
 
18:00
 Event ends

Tags: 2010, beijing, british columbia, canada, olympic, paralympic, vancouver

What is the Vancouver Sun Run?
The Vancouver Sun Run is an organized 10K run/walk that started with just a few thousand runners back in 1984. It has grown to over 50,000 participants making it the largest event of its kind in Canada and the second largest 10K event in North America.

What is a Sun Run InTraining clinic?
The SportMedBC partnership with The Vancouver Sun started in 1996 and the program has grown to include over 75 community recreation centres and private fitness facilities throughout the Lower Mainland including Bowen Island, Squamish, Sunshine Coast and as far reaching as Kamloops, Kelowna and Penticton.

How long is the training program?
The training program is a 13-week tried and proven program. The focus is to have clinic participants training gradually in order to avoid injury and give the body time to adapt to the stress of running or walking. Participants meet once a week with their group and will be expected to train on two additional days interspersed throughout the week. The time allocated to each training session varies and will increase as the program progresses.

Who will be leading the “InTraining” sessions?
A clinic coordinator is assigned to each Host Centre to ensure program delivery, quality and consistency. Each coordinator is knowledgeable in the areas of health, fitness, organization and leadership, and is trained by SportMedBC to help clinic participants achieve their fitness goals. In addition, a team of trained, enthusiastic volunteer leaders will be available each week to assist the coordinator and motivate the participants. The leaders have completed SportMedBC training and are CPR certified.

When is it?
The 2009 Sun Run InTraining clinics start on Saturday January 17th, 2008 and each day thereafter, depending on what day of the week your clinic is scheduled. The Vancouver Sun Run will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2009.

How much does it cost to join a Sun Run InTraining clinic?
The cost to join is $129 plus GST (total of $136.74). Everyone joining the “InTraining” clinic receives an “InTraining” long sleeve technical T-shirt, a copy of the Sun Run InTraining Logbook, entry into The Vancouver Sun Run (which includes a souvenir T-shirt) and 13 weeks of training and information sharing.

Are there any age restrictions to join a Sun Run InTraining clinic?
All clinic participants must be 13 years of age or older. Participants under 16 must be registered with and accompanied by an adult. Kids and Dogs: The InTraining group sessions are not conducive to bringing your dog or your child. Baby joggers are not permitted to accompany participants.

Which level of InTraining is best for me?
InTraining offers programs to accommodate all levels of walkers and runners. The Walk10K will follow a nice progressive change-of-pace program with leadership accommodating beginner and experienced walkers. If you are interested in learning to run, then the LearnToRun10K program is for you. This program will start out slowly (with more walking than running) and build up gradually until you are safely and comfortably able to either walk/run 10K, or run 10K, depending on how you choose to progress. If you have previously completed this program, and/or if you are already running for 30 minutes per session and you do this approximately three times a week, the InTraining to Run10KFaster will help you develop your endurance and perhaps “pick up” your pace. Within each of these different programs, there will be a variety of “pace” groups. Still not sure? The InTraining leaders will assist you on the first day!

What can I do to prepare for my first InTraining session?
If you are a novice runner or walker, we recommend that you get out to walk a couple of times per week (20 – 25 minutes at a pace you feel comfortable with), prior to the start of the program. This will help with your transition to the clinic training schedule.

Do I need to purchase new shoes?
A proper pair of running/walking shoes is critical! We strongly recommend investing in a good pair of shoes. A representative from Alliance Athletics will be on hand during one of the first few training sessions to provide detailed information on this topic.

What can I expect on the first day?
All InTraining sessions will start on time! The first session is primarily one of orientation, however, come prepared to be active. You will be going out for your first workout (25 – 30 minutes depending on your group) so dress accordingly (think about layering your clothing rather than wearing one big sweatshirt or jacket). A hat and rain shell (as weather dictates) may also be useful.

Should I consult with my doctor prior to starting this exercise program?
If you have any medical concerns (such as a history of heart conditions, chest pain, dizziness), please consult your family physician to confirm your ability to start and participate in the program.

Why do I need to give you my medical history?
It is very important that you take care to completely fill out the medical form at the first session. Your clinic coordinator will be distributing these forms on your first day at the clinic. The information you provide will be kept confidential and is required in order to minimize risk and help us to best meet your individual training needs.

Do I need to complete an entry to the Sun Run?
YES! Registration for the Sun Run event is separate to your clinic registration. This must be done within the first three weeks of the clinic. Your clinic coordinator will instruct you on how to perform this online. With your InTraining registration you are guaranteed a spot in The Vancouver Sun Run.

Where do I register?
You need to officially register with your community centre. Please take the time to do this PRIOR to your first InTraining session (which will help us make your first day in the program go smoothly). Registration methods are different for each centre – in person, by phone or online. Please contact your preferred centre directly.

Late Registration
Space permitting, participants will be able to register for the clinics up to and including the third training session. Individuals will not be allowed to enter the program beyond this date. It should be kept in mind however, that those individuals who are not already active and have not been following the program, can significantly disrupt the group and potentially injure themselves trying to keep up. The clinic coordinator has the final say in regards to this.

Refund Policy
Refunds will be allowed up to and including the day of your second clinic session. Registrants who wish to withdraw and have attended the clinics will be eligible to receive a $90 refund. Individuals who wish to withdraw and, for whatever reason, have not attended any sessions (and have also not received the InTraining Logbook) will be eligible to receive a $115 refund. It is the host centre’s responsibility to issue refunds. Participants withdrawing from the program will not receive an entry into the Sun Run. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE ISSUED AFTER THE SECOND SESSION. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Corporate Team Participants
For those clinic participants that are also entering on a corporate team in the Sun Run – please register for the clinic and pay the registration fee as usual. The Sun Run office can provide a refund of the duplicated entry fee once your corporate team has been entered in the Sun Run. Please contact the Sun Run office and they will process the refund of your $25 entry fee. Your Corporate Team Captain will coordinate your Sun Run Event entry, distribute race package prior to the event. The Sun Run office phone number is (604) 689-9441.

Nordic Walking
The Vancouver Sun Run is proud to be the first Canadian road race to include Nordic Walking. We will be expanding our nordic walking clinics in 2009 due to the growing popularity of this activity which can be attributed to the incredible workout that it provides. A fantastic cardiovascular activity that involves the entire body; Nordic Walking originated in Finland as a summer cross-training activity for skiers. Participants will receive coaching from trained leaders and the motivation of training with other Nordic Walkers. Registration will be limited at the community centres that are designated as Nordic Walking clinics.

http://www.sportmedbc.com/InTrainingFAQs.php

Tags: british columbia, canada, sun run, vancouver sunrun

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) is inviting ten Canadians to Beijing to participate in the 2008 Paralympic Games Torch Relay, the City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee jointly announced today.

The 2008 Paralympic Games Torch Relay will take place between August 28 and September 6, 2008 in the People’s Republic of China. Canadian torchbearers will participate on September 5 or 6 in Beijing. The Resort Municipality of Whistler will select two torchbearers, the Canadian Paralympic Committee will select four torchbearers, and the remaining four torchbearers will be selected by the City of Vancouver. Each organization will have its own selection process: full details on each partner’s process will be available on their individual websites.

“We are extremely pleased that BOCOG has provided this opportunity for Canada to be involved in the torch relay,” said Vancouver’s Mayor Sam Sullivan. “It is a true honour and we thank BOCOG for this invitation.”

“We are all incredibly proud to be co-hosting the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler,” said Whistler mayor Ken Melamed. “And the added opportunity to participate in the 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay will help to build even more awareness and excitement around Paralympic sport in our communities and across the country.”

Torchbearers are to be selected based on the following criteria set out by BOCOG:

Uphold the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and dedicate themselves to the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.
Support the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Be distinguished for remarkable feats in their profession or community, or for a personal story that serves to inspire or motivate fellow citizens.
Be generous and dedicated to community service.
Be distinguished for contributions to the Olympic or Paralympic cause, or for extraordinary performance at the past Olympic Games or Paralympic Games.
“The 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 10 fortunate Canadians to celebrate our country and our Paralympic athletes in Beijing,” said Carla Qualtrough, the President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

All travel, accommodation and meals for torchbearers will be covered by BOCOG, based on travel originating in Vancouver.
For more information:

City of Vancouver Corporate Communications
vancouver.ca
604.871.6336

Resort Municipality of Whistler Communications
www.whistler.ca
604.935.8104

Canadian Paralympic Committee Communications
www.paralympic.ca
613.569.4333 X 227

Tags: 2010, beijing, british columbia, canada, olympic games, vancouver

The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Park Board this year are offering new services at the HSBC Celebration of Light fireworks competition in English Bay to make this year’s event more sustainable and beaches, parks and streets cleaner.

Bike valet parking will be available in Kitsilano and the West End to encourage cycling to the event. The two valet stations will be located at tennis courts at Kitsilano Beach adjacent to Arbutus Street (north of Cornwall Avenue) and at Stanley Park lagoon on South Lagoon Drive.

The City, which is a supporter of the event, contracted Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) to run the bike valet service at all HSBC Celebration of Light evenings this summer. It offers free, safe and convenient parking for cyclists and is available from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Bikes must be picked up within 45 minutes after the finish of the event.

Cycling to events reduces the harmful emissions caused by traffic congestion at events, and supports the City’s prioritization of cycling in its transportation planning.

The bike valet service is a pilot program that is part of an overall City bike facilities demand data collection program. The information will be used to help prepare cycling services during the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

The City and the Vancouver Park Board want to repeat the success of last year’s event which focused on a “pack it in, pack it out” message to the public about taking responsibility for one’s own garbage. The City and the Park Board will be helping by increasing the numbers of garbage cans as well as recycling opportunities.
For more information:
Corporate Communications
604.871.6336

Carol DeFina
Park Board Communications
604.257.8440

Tags: british columbia, canada, culture, festival of light, vancouver

20th Annual Caribbean Days Festival
July 28th & 29 th, 2007
Waterfront Park, North Vancouver BC
Admission is FREE

It’s coming soon! Can you feel the rhythm and taste the spice? The Caribbean Days Festival, one of the largest annual cultural events held in BC, is gearing up for its biggest year ever.

Presented by the Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Society of British Columbia, this event brings you the flair of the Caribbean. Taste the many food flavours and move to the melodies of Island nations such as Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and more. This is a weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer.

Saturday July 21nd: Caribbean Boat Cruise

Join us as the TTCS kicks off its summer series of events in style
Set sail and dance to a tropical beat 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday July 28th: Caribbean Days Festival

Multicultural Street Parade 10:00 AM
Festival In The Park: Food and Music 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Waterfront Outdoor Party 7:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday July 29th: Caribbean Days Festival continues

Festival In The Park: Food and Music 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Experience the Magic and Passion of the Caribbean. See you there!

Tags: british columbia, canada, caribbean days festival, culture, vancouver