Games motto welcomes the world, inspires excellence

Sep 25, 2008

Determined to develop a Games motto that will welcome the world and recognize the inspirational achievement of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has officially announced “With Glowing Hearts” and “Des plus brillants exploits” as the official 2010 Winter Games mottos.

These two phrases — which will forever be tied to Olympic and Paralympic athletic achievements in 2010 — express the character and personality of Canada’s Games.  “The mottos describe the pride that results from outstanding achievement; be it an athlete’s performance of a lifetime or the valuable contribution of a dedicated volunteer. There’s a champion in everybody and the mottos invite everyone to step up to their own podium and give their very best through the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the 2010 Winter Games, ” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer.

While the motto is connected to all Canadians, it also embodies what it takes to be an Olympic or Paralympic athlete, and the feeling every athlete will have — no matter where they are from or what flag they stand beneath — when they have the honour of representing their country on the world stage in 2010.

In conjunction with the motto announcement, VANOC has also launched a national public service announcement (PSA), sharing the motto with Canadians and the world. The one-minute spot features Canadians from all walks of life and all regions of the country. The PSA will be broadcast on television stations and at movie theatres across Canada, as well as online at vancouver2010.com.

View the PSA

The motto will be integrated into pre-Games and Games-time materials and activities, and will be a key component of the 2010 Winter Games graphic identity that will be seen throughout the host region and at sport venues in 2010.

Historically, Olympic and Paralympic Games mottos are emotive of the spirit of the Games host.

Recent mottos include:

• Beijing 2008: One World One Dream
• Torino 2006: Passion Lives Here
• Athens 2004: Welcome Home
• Salt Lake City 2002: Light the Fire Within