Vancouver’s 2010 Winter Olympic bid has reached 85 per cent of its financial target following the announcement that several corporate sponsors have come on board to support the bid.
Jack Poole, chair and chief executive officer of Vancouver’s bid said, “I am pleased to announce today that we have added several industry leaders to our corporate support group. Several sectors not previously represented with the bid have stepped forward to show their commitment and demonstrate that they see this commitment as an investment in the future of their industry”.
The Pacific Newspaper Group has become a founding media supporter. Dennis Skulsky, president and publisher of the group said it will provide advertising space in The Vancouver Sun, The Province and in VanNet community newspapers, as well as access to its sister publication, The National Post.
Air Canada will provide national and international travel through airline passes. Air Canada also supported the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games.
Mary Jordan, Air Canada’s senior vice president, International and British Columbia, said, “just as Air Canada was supportive of both the Montreal and Calgary Games and past bids by Toronto and Quebec City, we are proud to now join the team for Vancouver 2010 and look forward to welcoming the Bid Corporation on board.
Other supporters of Vancouver’s bid are air carriers Helijet, West Coast Air and Harbour Air. Finning International Inc. is another bid supporter.
The bid’s overall budget is $34 million for the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Games. This figure includes up to $5 million for Legacies Now, B.C.’s athlete and sport development initiatives.
