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Five-time Olympic medalist, Clara Hughes, sports gold at the Torino 2006 Winter Games. Bell Canada's $200 million commitment includes support for Canadian athletes, like Clara, and investments in technology and communities.
Bell's investment for the 2010 Winter Games to leave lasting legacy
The instant Vancouver won the right to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Bell Canada began building its own bid to be Premier National Partner. Bell got the nod in 2004, based on unmatched technical skill (our team has supported more Olympic broadcasts than any other in Canada), and on a financial commitment that supports B.C.'s economic, social and cultural development well beyond the Olympic Games.
Bell's commitment includes a value in kind commitment of $60 million to supply wireless and connectivity services to stage and broadcast the 2010 Winter Games. Our all 'IP design' significantly reduces the infrastructure required to deliver services at the Games. One cable does it all - delivering voice, data and Internet services - a design that showcases Canadian expertise to the world. Much of this infrastructure will remain in place to benefit B.C. residents and businesses.
In addition, we pledged $45 million in cash and in-kind contributions to support sports, athletes, and local and First Nations communities. This is already making a positive difference. During the past year, for example, we committed:
- $2 million to revitalize Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the Building Opportunities With Business Inner City Society and other organizations
- $3 million to help develop the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler
- $1 million to fund 2010 Legacies Now, raising awareness of the economic benefits and opportunities of the Games among B.C. communities
- And $15 million in Own the Podium, a national program to help Canada win the most medals at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and place in the top three in the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
Bell is also investing to make these among the "cleanest" Games on record, leaving a positive and lasting legacy. Our "Olympic Technology Sustainability Strategy" commits us to strict guidelines: use existing infrastructure where possible and ensure that any new facilities we build have minimal environmental impact. The strategy includes guidelines on how we buy products and services and how we recycle and re-use materials.
