New Official Clock Marks 3-Year Countdown to Vancouver 2010

Vancouver, Canada - February 12, 2007


The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) unveiled the Official Countdown Clock to an enthusiastic gathering in downtown Vancouver, marking the 3-year countdown to the XXI Olympic Winter Games which begin on February 12, 2010.

The landmark clock – measuring three metres wide, more than six metres high and weighing 1,170 kilograms – was created by Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega, the Official Timekeeper of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, who worked with Vancouver-based Karacters Design Group to produce a design that combines precision timekeeping with public art.

“This clock is a stunning example of what’s possible when you tap into local creativity and talent,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of VANOC. “With only 36 months to go until Games time, it serves as a compelling, constant reminder of how close we are to welcoming the world to Vancouver, Whistler and Canada in 2010.”

The clock showcases the contrasting urban and natural settings of the 2010 Winter Games. Steel and glass speak to both the thriving metropolis of Vancouver, Host City of the Games, and also the ice and snow at the heart of winter sport. The clock’s red cedar tower evokes images of Canada’s lush forest landscapes and pay tribute to Aboriginal culture and tradition.

The clock sits atop massive blocks of cast concrete in the heart of bustling downtown Vancouver at the Georgia Street Plaza near the Vancouver Art Gallery. Two electronic displays count down the hours, minutes and seconds remaining until the Opening Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games (February 12 - 28, 2010) and the Paralympic Winter Games (March 12 - 21, 2010).

Omega is the Official Timekeeper and will be responsible for delivering the scoring and competition results to the world.

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