October 26, 2006 – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is pleased to welcome nine new Canadian companies to its Official Licensee Program under the ‘Apparel’ and ‘Headwear’ categories. The licensees, including five BC-based companies and four located in Toronto, Markham and Montreal, will develop and sell products bearing Vancouver 2010 emblems and the Olympic and Paralympic brands.

The licensees include:

– Aritzia LP (Apparel and Headwear; women’s fashion),
Vancouver, BC
– Filmar Sportswear Canada Inc. (Headwear; caps and
knitted toques), Montreal, QC
– Kootenay Knitting Company Ltd. (Apparel and Headwear; knitted sweaters, vests/scarves, matching toques), Cranbrook, BC
– New Era Cap Canada (Headwear; caps and toques), Toronto, ON
– Panabo Sales Ltd. (Apparel; scarves and ties), North
Vancouver, BC
– Paris Glove of Canada (Apparel; gloves and mitts), Montreal, QC
– Please Mum (Apparel; kids, toddler and infant
clothing), Vancouver, BC
– Trimark Sportswear Group Inc. (Apparel; lifestyle/activewear), Markham, ON
– Wilson International Products Ltd. (Apparel; cotton/cotton-blend T-shirts/sweatshirts), Richmond, BC

“We’re pleased to have this impressive group of Canadian companies join our growing list of VANOC licensees. Their products will complement the strong merchandising program started by our Premier National Partner, Hbc,” said Dave Cobb, VANOC executive vice president of revenue, marketing and communications. “Representing businesses both large and small, these nine licensees reflect the spirit of entrepreneurship for which Canada is renowned, and exemplify how smaller businesses from across the country can get involved in the Games.”

The sale of Vancouver 2010 official licensed products contributes directly to Games revenues, thereby supporting the financing and staging of the 2010 Winter Games. Merchandise developed by the new licensees is expected to be in stores by January 2007.

The licensee announcement took place at a Vancouver Board of Trade luncheon today where Vancouver 2010 Chief Executive Officer John Furlong provided an annual Games progress update offering key insights on VANOC’s venue construction progress and the strength of its sponsorship program. He also provided updates on the release of VANOC’s Business Plan and VANOC’s commitment to Canadian athletes through the Own the Podium 2010 initiative.