Vancouver View- Paralympic Preparations; Medvedev Pledge; Miller Time

Paralympics Chief Says Vancouver Means Growth

(ATR) The president of the International Paralympic Committee tells Around the Rings the Winter Paralympic Movement will encounter new growth in Vancouver next month with the Winter Paralympics.

Speaking in an interview Wednesday, Philip Craven cited the new discipline of combined alpine skiing; first time winter Paralympic competitors from Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Serbia, and Uzbekistan; as well as the first ever Medals Plaza for a Winter Paralympics as proof of the event’s growth.

“I just think the Winter Games, as with the Summer Games, is getting that much bigger” Craven said about the biggest change since Turin 2006.

Looking ahead to Vancouver, Craven said one of the biggest challenges is ensuring the Games remain one event, “not two events in two different places.”

Craven said there are “two distinct sites” for the Games— one in Vancouver for sledge hockey and wheelchair curling, and the other in Whistler for alpine events.

“Transport between the two locations is obviously a key to make it one Games,” Craven said.

“We’ve come up with a transport program that should fit the bill,” he added.

The Vancouver Paralympics will be Craven’s third Winter Paralympics as IPC president.

Craven said he believes Vancouver will replicate the energy and excitement felt during the Beijing Paralympics. The

Paralympics take place March 12 – 21.

“We’re absolutely convinced that it’ll be the same in Vancouver and Whistler in a month’s time. In Beijing we had many senior governmental officials...extend their stay in Beijing once they experience the spirit that is there…that’s going to continue, I’m honestly convinced of that.”

Medvedev Pledges Support for Olympians

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev says he will fully support Russian Olympians in Vancouver, saying the country’s Olympians can call him if any problems arise.

“Report to me, if some current problems emerge” he was quoted by ITAR-TASS as saying at a meeting with Russian Olympic Committee chief Leonid Tyagachev. “We will try to solve them. If necessary we will solve them at the political level, because the sports is not only the sports, but also the politics.”

Tyagachev added Russian athletes will always have an entourage with them in Vancouver “so that no one could upset the athletes.

Miller Time on the Whistler slopes

Alpine skiing star Bode Miller will represent the U.S. in all five alpine skiing events at the Vancouver Winter Games.

Miller recently rejoined the U.S. Ski Team after training on his own following the Torino Olympics. The two sides split after the last Olympics because of a clash of attitudes. His renewed commitment boosts to the profile of the team.

In Salt Lake City 2002, Miller took silver medalsin the giant slalom and combined events. However, he failed to medal in Torino.

While the media spotlighted him in Torino, Miller became known for his partying attitude just as much as his skiing. His antics upset U.S. ski officials.

Miller has experienced mixed success over the past couple of years. In 2008, he captured the top spot in the world cup overall standings. However, he failed to medal in the past two world championships.

Miller will begin his quest for five potential gold medals when he races in the downhill on Feb. 13. He will also participate in the slalom giant slalom, super-combi and super-G, giant slalom and slalom.

U.S. Ski Team men's coach Sasha Rearick told the Associated Press that he is looking for Miller to put down inspiring runs.

Polo Ralph Lauren Showcases Opening Ceremony Uniform

U.S. snowboarder Nick Baumgartner and alpine skier Kaylin Richardson modeled the official Opening Ceremony parade uniforms for Team USA Tuesday.

“It is a proud moment for us to watch these esteemed athletes as they walk out onto a global stage representing America in front of billions of people worldwide,” said David Lauren, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications.

The uniforms consist of a navy and red down jacket, a cable turtleneck, a wool hat with an American flag on the front and cotton fleece pants.

“To wear Polo Ralph Lauren, the quintessential American brand, it’s so amazing and I’m very very proud. Also, I think we’re going to be the envy of all of the other nations at opening ceremonies,” Richardson said.

The uniforms include a tribute to the 1932 Lake Placid Games and follow the patriotic red, white and blue color scheme.

The 2010 U.S. Olympic Collection will be available for sale in Polo Ralph Lauren retail stores, Ralphlauren.com and at select department stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Four Icelandic Olympians

The Iceland Olympic team was introduced at the Iceland Embassy in Canada Tuesday.

Four Olympians and one Paralympian will compete in alpine skiing for Iceland.

Media Watch

A letter to the editor in The Province newspaper calls for an end to the “negativity” surrounding the Olympics.

CTV asks just how carbon neutral the Vancouver Olympics will be. VANOC pledged to make the games the “greenest” ever.

Written by Ed Hula III, Sam Steinbergand Isia Reaves.