The 2010 Olympic Torch design was revealed on February 12, 2009 during an Olympic press conference in Whistler, Canada. Though the design was "inspired by Canada's open landscape, vast potential and smooth fluid lines left in the snow from winter sports", the torch design has been compared to a marijuana cigarette and has been jokingly referred to as the Olympic Toke by the media.Guardian: No Worries About a 2010 "Olympic Toke" (May 20, 2009)
The XXI Winter Olympic Games will be held in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010.Olympic.org: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Design Unveiled (February 12, 2009)
Controversy
The design for the 2010 Olympic Torch has been dubbed "The Olympic Toke" by the media. Based on the "fluid lines left in the snow from winter sports", the torch appears to have a crimp at each end and combined with a twist in the body of the torch, it resembles a hand-rolled marijuana joint. Since Vancouver is known as major production area for illegal marijuana, comparisons have been taken in stride by the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC). Dave Cobb, the executive vice-president of the VANOC commented on the media nickname, "We're not worried about it at all."Guardian: No Worries About a 2010 "Olympic Toke" (May 20, 2009)
The 2010 Olympic Torch
Featured Video : The 2010 Olympic Torch
Bloomberg news explains some of the controversy surrounding the 2010 Winter Olympics Torch.
References
Fast Facts
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The white torch features has a red Maple leaf cut-out, an inukshuk, the emblem of Vancouver 2010, as well as an engraving of the Games motto "With Glowing Hearts/Des plus brillants exploits"Olympic.org: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Design Unveiled (February 12, 2009)
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October 22, 2009
2010 Olympic Flame will be lit in Athens, Greece and then handed over to a representative of CanadaOfficial Site: Torch Relays
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Torch relay will begin in October 2009 and will end with lighting of the Olympic Flame during the Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver in February 2010Guardian: No Worries About a 2010 "Olympic Toke" (May 20, 2009)
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Uniforms for the Olympic Torch Relay were designed by two Canadian fashion designers, Vivienne Lu and Tu LyOlympic.org: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Design Unveiled (February 12, 2009)
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The uniforms are white and accented with bright blue and green accents on the left arm of the jacketOlympic.org: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Design Unveiled (February 12, 2009)
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The uniforms also feature the traditional Olympic rings design on the back and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay emblemOlympic.org: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Design Unveiled (February 12, 2009)
