Pilots prepare for Winter Olympics TFRs

Posted by Meg Godlewski 

Pilots in the Pacific Northwest are being inundated with information about the Temporary Flight Restrictions stemming from the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver, British Columbia.

For safety and security reasons, Air Transport Canada has established TFRs that will extend into the United States for the duration of the games (Feb. 12-28). The TFR consists of two conjoined rings within a 30 nautical mile radius of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and the Whistler’s Athlete’s Village. Within in these rings there will be three Olympic Control Areas (OCA). Within the OCAs there will be seven Olympic Restricted Areas. The three U.S. airports in the TFR are Point Roberts (1RL), Meadow Mist (WN35) and Waldronaire Airport (90WA).

Air operations within these areas will be limited to emergency security and authorized essential service and media aircraft only.

Pilots who violate the TFR will be intercepted by military aircraft. In order to avoid this, both Air Transport Canada and the FAA have embarked on an extensive public information campaign to inform pilots of the special procedures.

Developing procedures for the Olympics was not a quick process, notes Minard Thompson, Jr., the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) coordinator for the Seattle Flight Standards District office.

“The 2010 Olympic TFR plan was developed and refined over a period of two months,” he said. “It was immediately recognized that our primary responsibility was to educate the pilots in the Northwest Mountain Region, which encompasses the states of Washingtion, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. There are over 66,000 registered airmen in these states — each having the potential for flying to the Vancouver, B.C., area during the Olympics. Additionally, other airmen from all over the United States needed to have the information available to them if they were planning on visiting the British Columbia area during the Olympics.”

Reaching all those pilots is a challenge, he admits. The FAA is attempting to do so by a combination of online announcements and expanded educational briefings held around the Pacific Northwest.

“The FAASTeam utilized its e-mail network and sent out over 250,000 e-mails in one day,” he said. “Along with our other contacts obtained through the planning process for the Olympic airspace restrictions, we probably doubled that number of e-mails in one day. Our contacts led to other organizations’ e-mail lists and it would be easy to estimate that over 750,000 e-mails were sent in the course of a couple days to pilots all over the United States. Our e-mails led to newspaper and television news articles as well.

“In addition, a color poster was developed by Johanna Forkner from the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization Operations Support Group, and we have started distribution of the posters to many FBOs in the Northwest Mountain Region,” he continued.

“If you Google ‘2010 Olympic Airspace restriction’ you come up with 126,000 hits on places to go for information about the TFR and Canada’s Class F airspace restrictions,” he concluded.

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Travel Tips and Budget Advice

by Matt Moore


Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada will host the 21st Winter Olympic Games from February 12th to 28th, 2010. Followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12th to 21st, 2010. The events will take place in and around Vancouver, as well as in the resort town of Whistler, some 100km to the north. There are several characteristics of Vancouver which make it stand out from all previous Winter Olympic venues. Firstly, it will be the most populous city ever to host the Winter Olympics. Secondly, it will almost certainly be the warmest, with the average temperature in February of 4.8 degrees Celsius. Thirdly, some of the venues will be at, or near, sea level, something which is very rare for a Winter Olympic venue. Unusual though these characteristics may be, they are actually all good news for visitors to the 2010 Winter Olympics as the large city means there are more local facilities and a wider range of hotels, it won`t be quite so cold and some of the venues aren`t so hard to get too!

The first thing to make sure of when planning your trip to the Olympics is that you have the correct documentation. All international visitors require a passport to obtain entry to the country. Visitors from most countries also need a visa, although if you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, the Republic of Korea, or Australia, you are exempt and do not require a visa. Vancouver International Airport has lots of flights to and from many airports. It may be possible to get a cheaper ticket by getting an indirect flight and having to change planes. This will take longer and will be more hassle, but if you are on a budget it may well be worth hunting around for the best deal. Unfortunately, as Canada is such a vast country the option of flying to another major international airport in Canada and then driving to Vancouver is not particularly appealing. Although you are more likely to be able to get a good value ticket to another Canadian airport around the time of the Olympics, you will be faced with a very long drive. For example, from the nearest major city, Calgary, it would take around 10-11 hours to reach Vancouver. One of our best suggestions is to look at flying into Seatac International Airport just south of Seattle,Washington in the United States. Especially because we've found some very appealing accommodations south of the border with direct public transportation available.

Once you are in Vancouver the fact that there is no spectator parking at any of the Olympic venues means that public transport is just about your only way to get around. Fortunately, as travel on the TransLink and BC Transit Systems (basically all public transport) is free if you have a valid ticket for an Olympic event on that day, there will be no additional cost for travelling around. This includes both travelling to Olympic venues and any other sightseeing you can squeeze into the day; so be sure to make the most of your free allowance. For those days when you don`t have tickets for events you will have to purchase travel tickets to get around. Alternatively, if you are planning a long stay, you can get a limited edition Olympic souvenir pass, which is valid for the entire month of February. Getting out to the Olympic venues at Whistler and Cypress Mountain is an altogether more expensive affair, which requires advanced preparation. You must purchase a ticket for the Olympic Bus Network, which will be valid for a return trip from a designated point in Vancouver to the destination that the event is at. You must book in advance and it is particularly wise to book before the 4th of January because all the fares double on this day!

As Vancouver and the surrounding area is a popular holiday destination even without the Olympics, there are many hotels to choose from at all budget levels. The key to getting the best deal is to book well in advance. If you are on a tight budget, bear in mind that the further afield you look from the Olympic venues the better deal you will find. This is probably the best value option, especially as public transport is free if you have Olympic tickets. As you are visiting during the Olympics it is obvious that you won`t get as much for your money in and around Vancouver because the demand will be so unusually high. However, there are other places you can stay where you will get a lot more from your accommodation than just a room to stay in during the Olympics.

Vancouver is very close to the border between the USA and Canada. This makes staying in the US a good option to look for cheap holidays, especially if you stay near a direct train route to Vancouver. Looking in Washington State north of Seattle there are particularly attractive accommodations on Camano Island. This is an ideal location, as it is within easy reach of the main train station at Stanwood, with direct trains to Vancouver. Camano Island`s Eagles Nest is a particularly fine example of luxury accommodation you would have to pay an absolute fortune for in Vancouver, but you could have at a reasonable price on Camano Island. It is perfect for a large family, or group, as it sleeps ten people and includes such luxuries as a hot-tub, games room, sports court, and multiple fireplaces, and wonderful views looking out over the water towards the snowcapped mountains to make your stay truly special. For anyone who wants to do more on their holiday than just go to the Olympics the area offers many activities, such as boating, kayaking, hiking, and golfing. In addition, it is well known for its wildlife and is very popular with bird-watchers. It really is an excellent place to stay, particularly if you want the Olympics to be something you visit whilst on holiday as opposed to the sole reason for your trip. It's perfect if you would like to be able to spend some quality time relaxing away from the inevitable crowds in Vancouver.

Torch relay brings Olympic dreams to Quebec

RIVIERE-DU-LOUP, Que. — The Olympic flame began its first of a 13-day stint in Quebec on Sunday and brought with it a Canadian medal hopeful who made his hometown of Riviere-du-Loup stand up and cheer.

Speedskater Guillaume Bastille ran with the torch from the top of a hill into his former high-school yard Sunday to light a celebratory cauldron.

As he made his way to the podium, the crowd of about 2,500 people chanted his name: “Guillaume, Guillaume, Guillaume!”

Others had made big signs with his picture and the name St. Modeste, the village where he was born, located a few kilometres outside Riviere-du-Loup.

His hockey former coach, who saw him put on skates for the first time, said he wouldn’t have missed the event for anything.

“I’ve seen him grow up and train and I hope he’s going to achieve his dream of winning a medal at the Olympics,” said Simon Dube.

Bastille was introduced on the stage as the “local hero” who is making everyone proud.

“Hero is too big of a word for me. I just feel like I’m a messenger. I’m bringing the flame to the people of Riviere-du-Loup to share with them the amazing spirit of the Olympics,” Bastille said.

His flame was lit by his sister Andreanne who ran in the relay just before him.

“It was a unique moment to be there with her. Coming down the hill and seeing all those people gathered there really gave me a big boost of energy,” said the Canadian speedskating relay team member.

“It’s going to help me get through the next two months of training,” he added.

Bastille passed the flame to Claudie Fournier, the head of the local speedskating club where he first started to train.

Fournier ran with a group of 20 speedskaters in the streets of Riviere-du-Loup. This mother of two, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, never let her illness discourage her.

“I’ve always been a very positive person and a very active one. It became even more important to me to stay in shape and healthy after I was diagnosed,” she said.

The day began with the flame leaving Edmundston, N.B., and making its way into Quebec under blue skies.

People lined streets of the dozen villages with flags and noisemakers in hand to catch a glimpse of the flame.

In Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Que., about 60 kilometres from Riviere-du-Loup, Mathieu Roy was the hero of his small town for a day as he held the flame high above his head running into the downtown area.

Villagers gathered to watch the 24-year-old autistic man get closer to his dream of one day attending the Olympics.

“He wanted to be a volunteer for the Vancouver Games, but it’s a bit too far from here,” said his mother, Andree Colin. “When he heard that the relay was coming to Quebec, he registered and was chosen,” she said.

Since he heard the news, Roy has been living for this day, taking long walks in his town every day to get into shape.

And he savoured every moment of the 300 metres he carried the flame.

“It was super, super,” he said afterward. “I’m really happy.”

His father said this is a moment his son will cherish forever. “We are so proud of him,” said Gilles Roy.

The Olympic flame moved 239 kilometres closer to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics on Sunday and ended its day in Rimouski, Que.

There, Canada’s greatest male cross-country skier, Pierre Harvey, kicked off the celebrations.

Harvey, who was born in Rimouski, was the first male athlete from Canada to compete in two different Olympics in the same year. That was 1984, at the Los Angeles Summer Games and the Sarajevo Winter Games.

At the 1988 Games in Calgary, the last time the Olympics were held in Canada, Harvey was chosen to recite the Athlete’s Oath at the opening ceremonies. This time around, Harvey will return to the Vancouver Olympics as a cross-country skiing announcer.

He will have to comment on the performance of his son Alex who is part of the Canadian team.

“It’s going to be very emotional. He finished third last year at a World Cup where I was working as a commentator and my voice was quivering as I watched him come back from behind to finish third,” Harvey said.

On Monday, the relay will make its way from Rimouski to Matane, Que., and from there on the ferry across the St. Lawrence River to Baie-Comeau, Que.

The Olympic torch’s 45,000-kilometre trek began Oct. 30 in Victoria and made its way through the northern tips of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, also making stops in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

It has since zigzagged across Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick.

The relay will see the torch carried into 1,000 communities, before it reaches its final destination, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver on Feb. 12, 2010.

Source

Who Are the 2010 Winter Olympics Mascots?

HISTORY OF OLYMPIC MASCOTS

Since the 1968 Winter Olympics, the official games have had a mascot. The mascot generally represents an animal native to the hosting country or a well known cultural figure. The mascot serves as an ambassador that conveys the spirit of the games and their home city, especially to young children. In the past, mascots were Misha (brown bear from Moscow), Sam (the bald eagle from the United States), and Hodori (a tiger from Korea.)

CANADA'S PAST CHOICES

As past host of the Olympic Games, Canada has offered mascots in the past. In the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada, there was Amik, a beaver. Amik represented the spirit of hard work which is crucial for athletes to gain the stature of being Olympic champions.

In 1988, for the Winter Olympics in Calgary, the world met Hidy and Howdy, polar bear siblings, whose names expressed feelings of brotherhood and welcome. Both are very important parts of the Olympic spirit.

2010 VANCOUVER MASCOTS- MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Miga

Miga is an adorable sea bear who lives in the ocean with her family pod near Tofino, off the coast of British Vancouver. She loves snowboarding. According to First Nations' legends, a sea bear part killer whale and part bear. The myth, Gonakadet, is one of the known tales of the sea bear. Miga is a combination of killer whale and Kermode bear. 

Killer Whales are the largest members of the dolphin family. They have been called by names such as Orca, Blackfish and Wolves of the Sea. They travel in family groups and depending on the type will eat seals, fish, and sharks.



For more information on the olympic mascots... source

Sinead and John Kerr head British Olympic skating team

Great Britain has a chance of winning its first figure skating medal at a Winter Olympics since Torvill and Dean 25 years ago.

The biggest team since 1994 will head to Vancouver in February and includes ice dance duo Sinead and John Kerr, who are ranked in the world's top five.

They will be joined by ice dancers Nick Buckland and Penny Coomes and pairs skaters David King and Stacey Kemp.

Jenna McCorkell will represent Team GB in figure skating.

Scottish siblings the Kerrs finished a creditable 10th in the 2006 Games in Turin and have moved up the world rankings since then.

Last season they won a bronze medal at the European Championships and this season have finished on the podium twice at the ISU Grand Prix and qualified for the final in Japan as one of the top six couples.

John Kerr said: "It's a wonderful feeling to be selected for the team. We learned an enormous amount about competing for Team GB when we were at the Olympic Winter Games in Turin, and of course we're looking forward to repeating that in Vancouver.

"It was a fantastic experience to finish in the top 10, but we're aiming to go even higher in 2010."

McCorkell, from Coleraine, is the seven-time British champion and is believed to be the first athlete from Northern Ireland to compete for Team GB in the Winter Olympics.

"I've been fortunate enough to have won the British title seven times, but the Olympic Winter Games is the pinnacle of our event. I'm thrilled to have been selected for Team GB," she said.

Britain last won an ice skating medal in 1994 when Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean took bronze in Lillehammer - a decade after winning gold in Sarajevo.

Source

WHO to monitor for flu outbreaks at Vancouver Winter Olympics

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -The World Health Organization is sending a representative to the 2010 Winter Olympics to monitor for potential disease outbreaks, and organizers and health experts have taken steps to protect against the H1N1 virus.

Planning for any impact H1N1 could have on the games has been under way since April, when British Columbia health officials increased the stockpile of antiviral drugs available in the province, according to briefing notes released under an Access to Information request. The WHO declared an official global pandemic in June.

Most athletes, officials and spectators are expected to be vaccinated against H1N1 by the time the Winter Olympics begin in February.

“If the vaccination rate is high enough, I don’t think H1N1 is going to be a risk,” said Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health, the agency overseeing health services for the Olympics.

British Columbia’s provincial health officer said the original supply was boosted by 3 million doses, bringing the total amount available to 10 million.

About 250,000 spectators are expected at the games, and there will be about 10,000 media members, and 5,000 athletes and officials.

The expected high rate of vaccination doesn’t mean the virus won’t be present, just that drastic measures won’t likely be needed, said Dr. Perry Kendall.

“I can’t imagine levels of absenteeism from influenza – whether it’s seasonal or from H1N1 – being so high you couldn’t operate the games,” he said.

Even so, swine flu remains a top issue for security planners.

“Even with the injections and the boosters and everything else that comes with it, (H1N1 is) still probably one of the biggest things that concern me,” said Bud Mercer, assistant commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and head of the Integrated Security Unit.

The ISU will have 750 officers on standby in case of illness or another major emergency and VANOC, the organizing committee, has a pool of volunteers that could be dispatched in an emergency.

The committee is also asking its staff and volunteers to get vaccinated, with plans in the works to offer the shots when volunteers pick up their uniforms in December.

Vancouver organizers and the International Olympic Committee have also recommended to all of the national Olympic committees that their athletes and officials be vaccinated against both H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

Daly said international athletes will be offered the vaccine when they get to Canada, with some teams arriving as early as January to begin training.

Public health nurses at the athletes village will conduct tests and monitor for illness at venues, including hotels where officials and sponsors are staying.

It’s the convergence of people from all over the world in Vancouver that’s prompted the WHO to get involved, said Dr. Mike Wilkinson, VANOC’s director of medical services.

“They are there to help us in monitoring anything that may come from outside, any of the incidences from any of the areas where the athletes might be coming from,” he said.

Seasonal flu is always a risk at a Winter Olympics, but monitoring done during prior games has shown little danger of a major outbreak.

At the Olympic village during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, 188 cases of influenza were diagnosed out of the more than 2,000 visits to the clinic there, according to statistics from Utah health researchers.

During the 2006 Olympics in Turin the incidence of influenza-like illness was less than that recorded during the same period a year earlier, according to Italian researchers.

Source

Vancouver's 2010 Olympic Legacy is beginning already

The Olympic legacy is being felt even before the 2010 Winter Olympics have begun. Cuts in the Arts and the closure of popular tourist attractions shows how tight money is.

The funding the British Columbia Arts Council receives from the Provincial Government is being slashed by 82%. In 2008/2009 the funding was $19.5 Million, but for the next two years the amount the BC Arts Council will receive is $3.5 Million.

The reason given by the Provincial Government for the huge decrease is that certain parts of the economy need the $16 million more, including Health - budget 14 billion dollars - and Education with its $5 billion budget. No other Canadian provinces have cut their support for the Arts during the current economic crisis. In fact, Quebec, Newfoundland, and Ontario have increased their Arts funding. Indeed in Quebec, the province’s funding of the Arts now makes up 26 percent of every performing arts organization's budget.

This huge cut in funding could not have come at a worse time. The same provincial government that has cut Arts funding is introducing the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on July 1st 2010. The HST is replacing the Provincial Sales Tax (PST set at 7%) and Government Sales Tax (GST set as 5%) and will add an extra 12% to the cost of all items. Because theatre tickets weren’t subject to PST or GST, this means that the price of tickets to arts and culture events will increase by 12%.

A good illustration of the effect these changes will have is the famous Bard on the Beach festival held in Vanier Park in Vancouver. The festival’s funding will drop from $80,500 in 2009 to $14,900 in 2011 and ticket prices will rise from a highest price of $34 in 2009 to $38 in 2010.

The next legacy of the Olympics is the closing of the Stanley Park Petting Zoo and the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth II Park, which will save around $2.8 million. One reason for closing the Conservatory was that the roof of this heritage building, consisting of plexiglass bubbles, needs replacing at a cost of $2 million. This price should be placed into the context of the cost of the replacement roof for the BC Place Stadium, for which a $458 million fixed-price contract was recently negotiated.

Source