Vancouver 2010 games posters unveiled

In a nod to Canada's most widely recognized symbol and in the build up to Canada Day 2009 celebrations across the country, the maple leaf has pride of place on the official posters of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, unveiled today in Ottawa by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

"One of Canada's most cherished symbols is the maple leaf. We put it on our flag, our uniforms and even our backpacks when we travel around the world. It sums up who we are - our shared history, values and goals as a country," said Nathalie Lambert, Canada's chef de mission for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. "That's why it's fitting to have the maple leaf on the official posters of Canada's Games. With this modern, youthful and spirited take on our national symbol, we will welcome the world as hosts of the 2010 Winter Games in just 228 days time!"

Lambert, a three-time Olympic medallist in short track speed skating, unveiled the posters with Jean Labonté, a 2006 Paralympic gold medallist in ice sledge hockey; and John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer.

The posters, which reflect the look of the 2010 Winter Games, have a bold, contemporary design and feature a cropped maple leaf composed of a vibrant palette of blues and greens found in the natural landscape of Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor, the games host region. When the Olympic and Paralympic posters are displayed together, the two halves of the maple leaf join to create a whole.