Most people won't get to see the Canada Winter Games medals until opening day but the organizers did whet the public's appetite this week by announcing the artist who designed them.
Officials disclosed, after months of anticipation, that Jen Pighin - an elected councillor for the host Lheidli T'enneh First Nation and one of the region's most noted visual artists - created the successful designs that are now melded into gold, silver and bronze.
"Jennifer's design captures the essence of the 2015 Canada Winter Games," said Stuart Ballantyne, CEO of the 2015 Canada Winter Games. "Her design will help us tell the northern story to thousands of athletes who will receive medals during the 2015 Canada Winter Games - leaving a legacy in both our community and with the athletes."
"The creativity of Jennifer's design truly captures the northern B.C. spirit and will certainly resonate with every athlete that will reach the podium at the upcoming 2015 Canada
Winter Games in Prince George," agreed Tom Quinn, chair of the Canada Games Council.
The majority of the metals used to turn Pighin's designs - and the athletes' success - into permanent icons will come from the B.C. ground. The gold, silver and bronze is provided by Teck Resources Ltd., a mining giant with a strong history in this province and strong commitment to the Canada Winter Games as the exclusive metals supplier.
"As a proudly Canadian company for over 100 years, Teck is honoured to help celebrate the achievements of athletes from coast to coast who inspire us through their dedication and commitment to excellence," said Don Lindsay, Teck's president and CEO.
Pighin has had a celebratory week. On Tuesday it was announced by Team BC that she was the designer of its feature apparel that will be worn exclusively by the athletes, coaches and other members of the provincial contingent at the Games;.
Games officials explained the competition was a nationwide call for artistic expressions, and was juried to ensure a top-quality final selection was made from among the entries. Pighin's was selected based on the visual qualities she created. It was kismet that she was also a member of the resident First Nation - the only First Nation in history to partner as official hosts of a Canada Games event.
"I am truly honoured and extremely excited that my design was chosen from amongst many Canadian artists for the medals of the 2015 Canada Winter Games," said Pighin. "We are all working hard and looking forward to hosting this event on our traditional territory and it is truly an amazing opportunity for Prince George to show all of Canada how we do winter!"
The complete set of medals will be officially unveiled on the morning of Feb. 13 at the Media and Broadcast Centre based in the Wood Innovation and Design Centre's lecture theatre located at 499 George St.
