“…..VANOC does not accept any unsolicited proposals,

suggestions or ideas regarding the 2010 Winter Games.”

Actually, this is how the letter from VANOC begins:

___________________________________________________________________

Dear Sir

I am writing in response to your proposal regarding music and animation in connection with the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games (the “2010 Winter Games”).

Thank you for your interest and support for the 2010 Winter Games. However, you should be aware that the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) does not accept any unsolicited proposals, suggestions or ideas regarding the 2010 Winter Games.

VANOC has developed a protocol to address unsolicited proposals so that the legal and commercial rights of both VANOC (as recipient of proposals) and you (as a producer of creative work) are protected. The protocol requires that unsolicited proposals not be considered, that they be sealed in perpetuity, and that they be maintained in files accessible only by the VANOC Proposal Administrator.

In accordance with VANOC’s protocol, your submission has not been reviewed or considered. Upon receipt, it was immediately forwarded to me for handling. It has been sealed in perpetuity and is accessible only by me as Proposal Administrator.

________________________________________________________________

I stared with blank incredulity as I pictured the Administrator wearing a Hazardous Material suit placing my letter in a sealed vault along with evidence of Roswell Alien abductions and pics of who really shot Kennedy. And what’s this about a proposal? – at this point I had only phoned VANOC and got a message machine, so I gave my name and phone number, said that I had an idea for an animated video and I wanted to get in touch with somebody responsible for promotion of the games. Instead of returning my call I got the letter, which goes on to explain that VANOC will from time to time be soliciting various goods and services, that requirements will be posted on their website which I’m encouraged to monitor, and which also provides information on other ways in which interested members of the public can support and participate in the 2010 Winter Games.

I produced this video as a tribute to the beautiful city of Vancouver and the 2010 Olympics.

The piece is called “Olympic Dreams” and can be viewed at:

YouTube.com

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1B7A1E39EFBD242F

Google Video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6834607309222361920

or by the direct YouTube feed below.

I’m cognizant that my use of the word “Olympic” in the title along with the rings shown in my video might be a sticky issue with the IOC and VANOC.

I’m afraid that I don’t have the $60 million dollars necessary to legally use these symbols.

When I was a youth I had the good fortune to travel to Greece on a school trip and visit the site of the very first Olympiad. I’ve always held these grand illusions about how the Olympics symbolize the higher ideals of all men and women - Ideals like open competition and fair play, honesty, respect.

Perhaps you’ll find me at the Olympia Restaurant in Vancouver with 5 donuts carefully arranged under my napkin.

casazaza@shaw.ca