Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies will focus on sport development in Canada long after the Games

For Whistler, what happens after the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is as important as what happens during, which is the reason for Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies (WLS2010).

After the 2010 Winter Games, it will be up to the Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies to ensure the multimillion-dollar Games venues in the Whistler community become part of the community, a new tourist attraction and a key player in athlete development in Canada.

WLS2010 is a not-for-profit business that will own and operate three 2010 Winter Games venues post-Games: the Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park and the Whistler Athletes’ Centre.
The 2010 venues will offer recreational programs as well as training facilities where they can fine-tune their skills. Athletes will also be able to find affordable accommodations at the Athletes’ Centre, which is key to attracting training camps, international competitions and other tournaments.

“The three new 2010 Winter Games venues will mean increased recreational and economic opportunities for the Sea to Sky Corridor,’’ said Keith Bennett, president and CEO of Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies. “Our goal is to make these venues economically sustainable.’’

Seven years after the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, the venues are still well used. Visitors take tours of the freestyle skiing venues, ski jumps and sliding track. The former Olympic venues are also home to U.S. national ski, snowboard and sliding athletes.

“These venues are an on-going legacy for us,’’ said Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker Becker. “They continue to be a draw for everyone from elite athletes to the public.’’

For more information visit whistler2010sportlegacies.com.

Local athlete describes competition as pinnacle moment

Local halfpipe Olympian Justin Lamoureux is most at home in a halfpipe because his definition of down time differs from most. Lamoureux is a different breed.

For Lamoureux who recently finished seventh, the top Canadian in the men’s Olympic halfpipe competition, challenge is all part of the game. With a degree in engineering from the University of Waterloo, he knows where hard work will get you.

During university, Lamoureux showed up for a few halfpipe contests and met with success. Without much snow time under his belt, Lamoureux realized he might have stumbled onto something good.

“When school was done, I stopped everything and went snowboarding. I was already kind of turning professional in my last year of university,” Lamoureux said.

In the past few years, Lamoureux said his entire focus was on the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. When he dropped into the pipe, it was a pinnacle moment for Lamoureux.
“I can’t even begin to describe the local support I felt,” said Lamoureux. “The crowd was unreal. You could literally feel the energy.”

During the competition, the world watched the best snowboarders tear up the halfpipe. Lamoureux said the sport is continuing to “go through the roof.” The average snowboarder is laying down sweet spins, huge air, stylie tricks, and super clean style. Lamoureux admits it’s an exciting era to be part of.

With his competition complete, Lamoureux has morphed into an enthusiastic Olympic spectator. His goal is to soak up the experience at as many events as possible.

“I am trying to take in as many events as I can and hang out with my new friends,” Lamoureux said. “It’s all about enjoying the experience.”

By Kevin Damaskie Rings around the Inukshuk

Whistler has proudly, passionately and progressively put the “Winter” in these Games. Well done. Our pedestrian village is packed with fanatics having a supportive, good time and the mountains – well, they always deliver what comes naturally.

And while the ticketed sport events have been a great success, it is all things free that have made this place so vital over the past couple weeks. The Whistler Arts Council and Whistler Live! have combined to develop seamless programming and events that fill Whistler Village from Skiers Plaza to Village Square and every nook and cranny in between.

But, the two most popular attractions were last to arrive at the party. I’m talking about the Inukshuk on Village Gate Boulevard and the Olympic Rings outside Whistler’s High Mountain Brewhouse. Every time I pass by either the Inukshuk or the rings they have been literally covered in human beings. Cameras snap, kisses exchanged – Olympic zeitgeist spread.

Emma Dalsantso, a colleague at the Resort Municipality of Whistler, sent me an email yesterday entitled “A purely Canadian moment.” She had attended the medal ceremonies and then to the rings for photos.

“There was a short polite line up to take pictures standing on the rings,” she wrote. “Just as it was our turn and my friend climbed up onto the rings, the Czech team (followed by the Swedish team) went in front of the rings to take a picture.

The people in the line behind us set the Czech team straight and made them wait in line like everyone else to take their picture in front of the rings. It didn’t matter they were just awarded Olympic medals. Off the field of play, they were just like everyone else and had to wait their turn to get a picture!”

A truly Canadian ring to that tale, eh?

Share your innovative stories of life during the Games in Whistler at kdamaskie@whistler.ca

Reducing our waste output can help in the fight against global climate change

Have you noticed a discreet little green accordion-folded pamphlet floating around the Village?

Titled Mountains of Difference, this little brochure is another way for Whistler to show the world what the community has done on its journey towards sustainability, and to invite others to join, here in Whistler and when you go home.

Produced by the Whistler Centre for Sustainability as a handy way to communicate the community’s sustainability story, the brochure contains six different sustainability tips for tourists and several “Did you know?” facts about Whistler.

The brochures are also a part of the Whistler I CARE program, which stands for Citizens Acting Responsibly Everywhere. The Whistler Centre for Sustainability launched the I CARE program during the Games to encourage people to share their sustainability stories here and abroad.

Check out the following tip included in the brochure titled Chill Out or Switch Off.

You can see the stars at night in Whistler. Help to reduce light pollution, energy use and emissions by turning off lights — sit back and enjoy the night sky.

Turn the heat down in your room, get a blanket and snuggle up with a warm drink or hot body. It’s your choice.

Help spread the word by sharing your copy. If you would like one, come by the Whistler Centre for Sustainability office located in Municipal Hall, the Tourism Whistler Info Centre or visit whistlercentre.ca.