Celebrated Canadian authors Douglas Coupland and Roch Carrier are among the major contributors to the Vancouver 2010 Official Souvenir Program, which went on sale last Friday (Nov. 13) across Canada.

Designed as a keepsake for Canadians and visiting spectators, the program — in both English and French editions — contains a compelling mix of stories and features capturing the unique spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the athletes and memorable moments from past Games. The 148-page program, priced at $17.85 Cdn. plus taxes, also includes a comprehensive guide to Games venues, schedules, sports and maps. The program was produced by Vancouver-based Glacier Media under exclusive licence from VANOC. Glacier Media also publishes The Question, the Squamish Chief and Whistler The Magazine.

“This publication featuring some of this country's best writers is a great souvenir and introduction to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for spectators and Games fans alike,” said Dennis Kim, director of licensing and merchandising for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “Whether you're looking for information or inspiration, this program delivers and also shows a real sense of the spirit and excitement of Canada's Games.”

The Vancouver 2010 Official Souvenir Program is available at Olympic Stores in Vancouver, Whistler at the Vancouver International Airport, and online at www.vancouver2010.com/store. They are also available, along with several other Games-related VANOC licensed publications, at the Olympic Superstore at the Bay Downtown Vancouver, as well as Hudson's Bay Co. stores, and select retailers across Canada.