The Olympic Torch and Torchbearer uniforms for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games were introduced Thursday in Canada's western mountain resort of Whistler, marking the official start of the one-year countdown, Xinhua reported.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge and Vancouver Organizing Committee head John Furlong attended the ceremony in Whistler, where the skiing and sliding events will be held.
The almost one-meter-long torch, inspired by both the lines carved into the snow by skiers shushing down mountains and the undulating beauty of the snowy Canadian landscape, was designed by Bombardier's aerospace and transportation design teams in collaboration with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).
"The design of an Olympic Torch is very important," Rogge told a gathering of 1,500 people. "It cradles the Olympic Flame and its message of hope, the celebration of excellence, friendship and respect wherever it travels in the world."
The torch, a white, futuristic-looking wand, will travel 45,000 kms through every province and territory in Canada on its journey to Vancouver for the opening ceremonies.
it weighs (with fuel) about 1.6 kgs and contains stainless steel, aluminum and sheet-moulding compound. It will burn for at least 12 minutes using a blend of fuels such as propane and isobutane.
"The Olympic torch relay will unite Canadians across the country with a spirit of excitement and pride in our athletes and will highlight the 2010 Winter Games as truly Canada's Games." Said Canadian Minister of State for Sport Gary Lunn.
The Olympic torchbearer uniform, which seamlessly blends in with the winter environment and torch design, was designed by renowned Canadian fashion designers Vivienne Lu and Tu Ly for the Hudson's Bay Company -- Canada's oldest company -- in collaboration with VANOC.
It consists of several pieces, including a jacket, pullover pants, toque and knitted red mittens. The uniforms are a commemorative keepsake for the torchbearers to remind them of their part in the historic journey.
"With only 365 days left to go until the Games start we are issuing an invitation to all Canadians to follow the Flame's route back to British Columbia and come celebrate 2010 with us." Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, said.
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