Sounds of the Olympics

Our team recently worked with a National Public Radio reporter in Vancouver, introducing her to several clients for the sports-themed show "Only A Game."

Her first report from the Olympics, regarding the sights and sounds of the Games, aired on NPR last weekend, and I was delighted to listen to it online earlier today.

Speaking of "sounds of the Games" -- each night the crowds in Central Vancouver are bigger and bolder. Tonight's ice hockey match pairing Canada vs Norway has folks screaming and honking, and there's been an air horn or two in the distance.

While exiting USA House last night, it was fun to hear the Irish House throngs singing "O Canada" when the nation's first gold medal was presented across town at B.C. Place, a scene soon to be repeated with Canada's second gold confirmed today.

My favorite "Oh Canada" performance took place last Thursday when about 150 guests of Hudson's Bay Company (a client) and the Canadian Olympic Committee got a special post-Oprah private performance by The Canadian Tenors (check out the video for the full tune!).

This exclusive event marked the official opening of Canada Olympic House atop The Bay, downtown's home of the Olympic Superstore.

Pumped About New USOC Sponsor

With thanks to the USOC's communications team, this evening included a quick peek inside USA House for a press conference to announce BP will be a sponsor of the 2010 and 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, as well as the 2011 U.S. Pan American Team (the complete press release is available online).

The event took place in the smartly-dressed and conveniently-located (but closed to the public) glass tower across the street from a "rowdy with 'O Canada' singing" crowd at neighboring Irish House pavilion.

I was happy to learn that BP, among the world's largest energy companies, is on board for the current Games and upcoming London 2012 experience. According to the USOC's CMO Lisa Baird, as well as the BP executives in attendance, the BP and USOC negotiation was discussed prior to, but really took off when the 2016 Olympic host city, Rio de Janiero, was selected in Copenhagen in October.

It will be interesting to see how BP engages across the U.S. and compare it to their activation as a Tier One partner of London 2012 and a partner of the British Olympic Association.

Jolly good show!