September 28, 2006 – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today restated its intention to continue exploring cruise ship accommodation in Squamish, BC to house 1,600 press, broadcast media and/or other Vancouver 2010 clients during the 2010 Winter Games.

Berthed in Squamish, a cruise ship would provide an additional 1,600 beds for VANOC clients which would supplement the available accommodation in the Sea to Sky corridor for Olympic and Paralympic guests.

VANOC introduced the concept to the International Olympic Committee’s Press Commission at the Commission’s annual meeting in Beijing, China this week. The proposal was questioned by the IOC Press Commission, an advisory group for the IOC, and VANOC will review the concerns in the coming weeks while continuing to collaborate with the IOC to meet the needs of the press and all guests in 2010.

“Cruise ship accommodation in Squamish is a creative and sustainable accommodation option,” said Terry Wright, VANOC’s executive vice president of service operations and ceremonies. “Squamish is the midpoint of the Olympic and Paralympic theatre and this unique accommodation option would create a hub of activity in Squamish linking the city venues in Vancouver with the mountain venues in Whistler.”

VANOC is responsible for providing accommodation for the media and broadcasters, International Olympic Committee, National Olympic Committees of participating nations, International Sport Federations, sponsors, various team coaches and support personnel.

The cruise ship would provide premier service and accommodation and guests would also be provided with transportation to and from the venues. The concept gives VANOC flexibility while reducing the complexity of building permanent or temporary accommodations. It is also an environmentally friendly option and supports VANOC’s sustainability objectives. Discussions with cruise ship lines have been initiated.

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.