Dozens on hand as mural by artist Milan Basic is unveiled on future home of Canada Games House

Prince George, BC – Artist Milan Basic has had a busy morning – he put the finishing spray-painted touches on his mural that now graces the side of the future home of Canada Games House at 545 Quebec Street at 4am this morning, and was on-hand for this morning’s official unveiling.

The  design for the side of the building  is the work of Andy Martinson of Epic Design, and  incorporates the  image taken by photographer Dustin Hall.

Speaking to the region’s three MLAs, many city officials, regional district reps, and city residents on-hand, Basic told the crowd, "I like the colour that it brings to Prince George and for those of you who know me in my two-and-a-half years here in Prince George, know that I’m really, really big on community and I feel like like the way I can contribute to community, is by bringing colour to Prince George."

Basic said his mural will be a legacy for his children and others.  Photo at right shows Prince George-Mount Robson MLA, Shirley Bond, taking a picture of the artist and his children, eight-year-old Niko and 10-year-old Audrey in front of the artwork. 

"As the BID Group of Companies, we are extremely proud to be the first official community sponsor and the home of Canada Games House," said spokesperson Marlene Fehr-Power.  Earlier this month, BID announced it would provide the 2015 Winter Games Committee with its new 6,000 square foot home in office space above the post office for the next three years. 

Fehr-Power told those gathered this morning that the company’s eagerness to be involved comes from two perspectives: from the belief that minor sport serves to benefit young athletes throughout their lifetime.  "Secondly, from a business perspective, we see the Games as a huge economic benefit to the Prince George region and, also to the downtown.  And we believe it will leave an iconic legacy for years to come."

Fehr-Power urged other companies to get involved and get on-board.  "This event truly has the opportunity to show the country what a terrific place Prince George is to be."

Mayor Shari Green thanked the BID Group for having faith in the downtown and said the mural is helping to change the ‘face’ of the city’s centre.  "And just a few blocks away, we’re going to have our athletes’ village when we’re here in 2015 in February thru March," said the mayor, "So, it’s just a few blocks away, it just adds to the excitement, the urban sort of vitality that you’re going to see when we have the athletes here."

2015 Winter Games CEO, Stuart Ballantyne, pointed out today is a momentous day for Canadian athletes, with the start of the Summer Olympics in London.  It also marks 928 days to the start Winter Games here.  Ballantyne said 43-percent of the Canadian Olympic Team in London are Canada Games alumni.