An excited crowd of approximately 2,000 gathered at noon on Monday, February 12 in downtown Vancouver to celebrate the launch of the Official Countdown Clock for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

When the moment arrived spectators gasped as the enormous clock – measuring three metres wide, more than six metres high and weighing 1,170 kilograms – was unveiled.

“It’s really big,” said Kassie Kelly Charles, who attended the event with her parents. “It looks like an ice cube.”

The landmark clock was created by Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega, the Official Timekeeper of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, who worked with Vancouver-based Karacters Design Group to produce a design that combines precision timekeeping with public art.

“This clock is a stunning example of what’s possible when you tap into local creativity and talent,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

“With only 36 months to go until Games time, it serves as a compelling, constant reminder of how close we are to welcoming the world to Vancouver, Whistler and Canada in 2010.”

The clock showcases the contrasting urban and natural settings of the 2010 Winter Games. Steel and glass speak to both the thriving metropolis of Vancouver, Host City of the Games, and also the ice and snow at the heart of winter sport.

The clock’s red cedar tower evokes images of Canada’s lush forest landscapes and pay tribute to Aboriginal culture and tradition.

The clock sits atop massive blocks of cast concrete in the heart of bustling downtown Vancouver at the Georgia Street Plaza near the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Two electronic displays count down the hours, minutes and seconds remaining until the Opening Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The clock bears the official 2010 Olympic and Paralympic emblems – inviting the world to come together and celebrate in 2010.

Omega is the Official Timekeeper of the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Beijing’s countdown clock presides over the legendary Tiananmen Square.

As Official Timekeeper, Omega will be responsible for the scoring and competition results during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, delivering results to excited audiences from all corners of the globe.

The time between now and Games time in 2010 will really fly, according to Peter Huerzeler, director of Swiss Timing, sister company of Omega. “Three years may seem like a long time, but believe me, three years go by very quickly!”

Vancouver 2010