WINNIPEG, May 9, 2008 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network)
Canadian Pacific (TSX/NYSE: CP) today announced it will launch a mobile ambassador for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Canadian Pacific Spirit Train will carry Olympic pride to communities across Canada while celebrating Canada's once-in-a-generation opportunity to welcome the world as host of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Beginning in September 2008, the Spirit train will stop in communities across Canada for day-long celebrations where families can meet Olympic and Paralympic athletes and will have an opportunity to interact with Olympic and Paralympic partners.
"CP first united Canadians almost 127 years ago when our rail line initially connected Canadians from coast to coast," said Canadian Pacific CEO Fred Green. "The Spirit Train is a natural extension of that legacy. Our employees are excited and proud to be involved in this initiative, demonstrating that our commitment to Canada's Olympiad has a community flavour which extends beyond moving products and providing logistic services."
CP also announced Canadian recording artist Colin James and his Band will be the musical headliner for the 2008 Spirit Train.
"I'm excited to represent Vancouver and the west coast on this cross Canada train adventure. The band and I are really looking forward to this chance to play – and to meet the athletes who will be representing Canada along the way. And to do it all by train will be a truly unique experience," said six-time Juno award-winner Colin James.
"CP has once again put their ingenuity to work and developed a creative way to involve all Canadians in the Vancouver 2010 journey," said John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). "The Canadian Pacific Spirit Train is a wonderfully inclusive way to celebrate sport, culture and sustainability with Canadians from coast to coast."
The Spirit Train includes an elaborate Olympic-themed Spirit Train Village which will include family-friendly booths, Olympic sport simulation activities, pin trading, video message centres, unique entertainment and engaging interactions with other participating Olympic partners such as Rona.
The Spirit Train will unite Canadian communities under its maple leaf banner to create momentum for the Olympic spirit over the next three years. The 2008 tour includes Metro Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Toronto, Smiths Falls and Montreal.
Further details about the Canadian Pacific Spirit Train, including lists of local and First Nations performers and the latest Olympic partners to join the Spirit Train experience, will be posted in time on www.cpspirittrain.com, a new interactive website also launched today.
