July 4, 2008 (Vancouver, BC) – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and Canada Post today announced that Canada Post has been named an Official Supplier for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. From iconic sports imagery to the beloved Vancouver 2010 mascots — Sumi, Miga, and Quatchi — 2010 Winter Games-themed stamps will grace Canada’s mail starting in December 2008.

As part of the $3 million Official Supplier partnership, Canada Post will supply VANOC with mail delivery services within Canada. In addition, Canada Post — as an authorized user of VANOC trademarks — will design, produce and sell more than half a billion 2010 Winter Games-themed stamps and associated philatelic products, including collectors’ packages and special cancellations. In turn, Canada Post receives sponsorship rights for the Canadian Olympic team for the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games. Stamps will be issued to celebrate all three Games.

“Canada Post has a natural role to play in delivering images and memories of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to Canadians and customers around the world. Our partnership gives us an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Canada Post’s strengths as a world-class postal operator,” said Stewart Bacon, Canada Post’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. “This investment means we will earn significant revenues from commemorative Olympic stamps and other related products, starting with Beijing 2008 stamps, which launch this month.”

Robert Waite, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chairman of the Stamp Advisory Committee, said, “These specialty stamps will unite Canadians in support of our home-grown Olympic experience. The Games represent competitiveness, commitment, striving for excellence and taking pride in one’s abilities. These are qualities we encourage in our employees and demonstrate to our customers every day.”

“Opening the mailbox to find a letter inside has always been a timeless form of communication – a connection to family and friends, no matter where in the world they may be,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Canada Post’s commitment will connect people across Canada and around the world, and will help Vancouver 2010 deliver the message and spirit of Canada’s Games to the doorstep of every Canadian home.”

Two-time Olympian Steve Omischl from Kelowna, BC (and North Bay, ON), dominated last season’s FIS World Cup Aerials, winning six out of nine competitions and the FIS Overall World Cup title for freestyle. “Competing at the Olympic Games and representing your country at the world’s premier sporting event is an amazing experience,” said Omischl, a Canadian 2010 medal hopeful. “The dedication Canada Post has shown to Canada’s Freestyle Ski Team — a commitment they’ve now extended to Canada’s Games in 2010 — will go a long way to ensuring we deliver the results Canadians are looking for. This team is ready to show the world what we’ve got, and we’re ready to bring it home.”

For more information about upcoming Olympic stamp issues visit www.canadapost.ca/collecting and follow the Canada Post Freestyle Ski Team’s journey at www.canadapost.ca/freestyle