Last Saturday night the 2010 Olympic Games logo was officially unveiled in a gala ceremony at GM Place in Vancouver.Illanaaq is the new face of the Games - a face that probably should be kept under wraps.
To say that we're disappointed by the new logo would be an understatement.
Illanaaq is inspired by a famous Vancouver beach landmark, although, until the unveiling, we had never seen this famous landmark.
The logo is an interpretation of Inuit inukshuk sculptures and is said to symbolize friendship.
But the logo, with its green "Pac Man" like head and goofy looking legs looks more like something a five-year-old child might create out of Lego blocks than an historic symbol of the Games.
Last time we checked, the Winter Olympic Games were supposed to be about athleticism, sport and winter.
This symbol has nothing to do with sport, winter is non-existent, and athleticism? Did we mention the "Pac Man" head?
Having an Inuit symbol is a nice tribute, but what about showcasing a symbol native to the West Coast?
This week at a First Nations summit, West Coast First Nations leaders called the logo a "slap in the face." Can you blame them? The First Nations were instrumental in Vancouver/Whistler getting the Olympic bid. Their input should have been taken into account.
British Columbia is famous for its beautiful mountains, awe-inspiring scenery, oceans and forests, yet none of these are present in this logo.
This logo will be used on every piece of correspondence, memorabilia and literature between now and the Games in 2010. It's going to be used to help sell these Games to the rest of the world. Our Games will forever be associated with this logo.
The 2010 committee has dropped the ball. This logo is a joke, and the rest of the world is laughing at us.
Nice legacy for our Games to be tied to, huh?
