Second Olympic Cauldron to Burn in Vancouver?

(ATR) Speculation builds that a second cauldron will be lit in Vancouver for the Olympics, one outdoors, in addition to the caldron for the opening ceremony under the dome of BC Place Stadium. The Feb 12 ceremony will be the first one held indoors for either winter or summer Games.

An additional cauldron for Vancouver is believed to be set in a waterfront plaza next to the International Broadcast Centre. A white box draped and fenced is suspected to contain the extra burner.

Such a flame would allow broadcasters to use a “beauty shot” of the flame against the sea and the snow-capped mountains to the north, a view the caldron inside BC Place does not afford.

In a statement to Around the Rings, VANOC VP for communications Renee Smith Valade does not specifically confirm or deny the possibility of the waterfront cauldron. She says surprise is part of the drama of the cauldron lighting at opening ceremony.

“Speculation always builds around how the Olympic cauldron will be lit and while the final moment will be a surprise, the lighting of the BC Place cauldron will be a spectacular moment – it’s a moment that will ignite the world in the spirit of the 2010 Games and marks the start of the Games.

Smith-Valade does confirm that a cauldron is planned for Whistler, site of ski and sliding events.

“As with most Games we’ve also looked at whether there should be secondary cauldrons that complement the main cauldron in partner communities that host major sport venues, Whistler will also have an Olympic Cauldron that also celebrate the start of the Games and that will be lit on February 13,” says Smith-Valade.

If indeed the covered object is a cauldron, its location would have a certain emotional tug. The plaza is named for Jack Poole, the Vancouver businessman who led the bid for the Games and organizing committee as chairman. Poole died in October after a bout with cancer; he died the same day the flame for the Vancouver Olympics was lit in Olympia, Greece.

Ceremony Sneak Peek

Hundreds of performers dressed in red toques with pompoms, white sweaters, grey slacks or skirts and white footwear were seen exiting BC Place Stadium after a Saturday night dress rehearsal.

The rehearsal included a song by Bryan Adams withan unidentified female singer. The chorus of “sing something louder so the whole world can hear” included aboriginal drums and chants.

First Nations themes are expected to be woven throughout the entire production. Four Host First Nations CEO Tewanee Joseph has already called the Games the “world’s biggest potlatch.”

Trap doors were built around the false floor and cauldron so performers could pop up and down. Costumes include lumberjacks and voyageurs. A flying canoe is involved.

Global TV revealed last week that a performer was injured in what appeared to be a ski jumping stunt through the Olympic rings. WorkSafeBC, the provincial workplace safety regulator, “met with the employer” but no inspection report was issued, said spokeswoman Donna Freeman.

Two more rehearsals are set for the ceremony; one tonight, the final one before an audience of staff, volunteers, sponsors and friends of the Games is set for Feb. 10.

With reporting from Bob Mackin and Ed Hula in Vancouver.