Official Lighting Ceremony - The Inukshuk

Wednesday, March 1^st

February 24, 2006 (No. 14) - Vancouver's landmark Inukshuk, inspiration for the Official Emblem of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games , will be officially illuminated during a colourful ceremony on Wednesday, March 1st between 5:30-6:30 pm.

The sunset ceremony will start with fire-twirling, stilt walkers and samba drummers as they lead a 200 strong children's school choir along the seawall from Sunset Beach to the Inukshuk site near Bidwell Street and Beach Avenue. Following speeches by representatives from the City of Vancouver, VANOC and local First Nations, a dramatic fire dance accompanied by drumming will culminate in the lighting of the structure. Free hot chocolate and other refreshments will be served following the event.

The banks of English Bay Beach will provide perfect viewing opportunities for the event.

The Inukshuk sculpture is made from grey granite, stands 20 ft tall and weighs 70,000 lbs. This traditional Inuit navigational aid was a gift to the City of Vancouver from the Northwest Territories following EXPO '86. It was moved to its present location at the English Bay groyne in 1987.

Participants at the Inukshuk lighting are encouraged to bus or walk to the event, dress for the weather and bring flashlights.

Vancouver's many Celebration Week activities mark the handover of the Olympic flag and herald the countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

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For further information, contact: Terri Clark, Communication Coordinator at 604-257-8438.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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