February 13, 2007 – With exactly three years remaining until the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games (VANOC) today celebrated the 3 year anniversary with the unveiling of the Vancouver 2010 Countdown Clock. A highly distinctive and sculptural timepiece, the illuminated clock will ensure both residents of Vancouver and visitors share the excitement as the months, days, hours, minutes and seconds tick by until the Games begin.

An impressive structure weighing 1,170 kilograms and measuring six metres high by three metres wide, the clock is the latest creation from Omega, Official Timekeeper of the 2010 Games, which worked closely with VANOC in the planning and construction.

The clock design was inspired by both the natural and urban surroundings of Vancouver, bringing together both man-made and indigenous natural materials. Resting on cast concrete blocks, the sizeable structure is constructed of cedar, glass and stainless steel, and showcases two electronic clocks. One marks the countdown to the start of the XXI Olympic Winter Games on February 12, 2010. The other displays the countdown to the beginning of the X Paralympic Winter Games, on March 12, 2010.

The unveiling was especially rewarding for VANOC CEO John Furlong, who singled out the Omega team for their role in turning the landmark timepiece into reality. “The team at Omega worked with us, every step of the way. We thank Omega for this gift and are pleased to share this exciting moment in the history of our project with their team. “This clock is a stunning example of what’s possible when you tap into local creativity and talent,” Furlong continued. “With only 36 months to go until Games time, it serves as a compelling, constant reminder of how close we are to welcoming the world to Vancouver, Whistler and Canada in 2010,” he said.
The clock was unveiled at a lively event that began with the world’s leading Alphorn player calling attention to the large crowd, as the following distinguished guests took to the stage: President of Omega, Stephen Urquhart, Tewanee Joseph, Four Host First Nation Secretariat, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, David Emerson, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan, VANOC CEO John Furlong, VANOC Chairman Jack Poole, Paralympic medallist Lauren Woolstencroft and Olympic medallist Jeff Pain.

Olympian Jeff Pain (Silver/skeleton/Torino 2006) said, “As an athlete whose race down the track is driven by the clock it’s amazing to be part of this day. I have my sights firmly set on Vancouver 2010 and this clock is a great reminder that every hour between now and then counts.” Like Pain, Paralympian Lauren Woolstencroft (Gold/Silver medallist/ alpine skiing/Torino 2006) was also enthusiastic to be part of the countdown event. “At the end of each race, only one thing matters – the clock. I’m so glad to have shared this day and the countdown to my next Games in 2010, right here at home.”

The countdown clock will be permanently located on the Georgia Street Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery, at the corner of Hornby and Georgia streets in downtown Vancouver. Omega commissioned Karacters Design Group, a division of DDB Canada, to assist with the creative design of the clock. The local Vancouver branding and design agency worked in concert with Omega’s international team of precision timekeepers to produce a striking design that features unique elements of Canadiana, including First Nations artistry.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.