2010 Olympic Chair Tours Northern Sports Centre

Friday, February 01, 2008 01:11 PM

Furlong walks the indoor track with Shirley Bond, Colin Kinsley and Don Bassermann

Prince George, B.C. - 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee CEO, John Furlong, arrived, a little later than expected for a tour of the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre.

Mayor Colin Kinsley, Deputy Premier Shirley Bond, Prince George Spirit of B.C. rep Don Bassermann and UNBC President, Dr. Don Cozzetto did a walk through of the new multi-million dollar sports facilty with Furlong.

When asked why it is so important that Furlong see the Sports Center, Bond responded that it is an opportunity to recruit Olympic teams to train at the Centre, as well as recruit more students.

“This facility is one of a kind, it’s important for him to see this because he will be able to talk about it in his travels.”

Bond also said that by having him see the facility, it ensures that the benefits from the upcoming Winter Games will extend beyond the lower mainland.

Furlong seem impressed with his first look at the Sports Center, particularly with the indoor track that is built above the basketball and soccer areas.

He says Prince George is one of the most aggressive communities for working on international Olympic connections.

The Olympic mascots made their Prince George debut at the end of the tour in the basketball courts, where minor basketball action was happening.

Sumi, Miga, and Quatchi, hugged and posed for pictures with the throng of kids that swarmed as soon as they entered the gymnasium.

This was the first trip outside the lower mainland for the mascots, which require two vans to transport the costumes. They are inspired by BC’s wildlife, Native heritage, and modern pop-culture.

Young basketball players gathered around the Olympic mascots for a photo.