Concept Unveiled for New Terry Fox Memorial at BC Place
January 18th, 2011
January 18, 2011
Vancouver, BC (January 18, 2011): The new Terry Fox Memorial at BC Place will feature a series of four individual sculptures that together replicate the familiar running gait set by Terry Fox during his Marathon of Hope in 1980.
A rendering of the new memorial, created by Vancouver artist and author Douglas Coupland, was unveiled this morning by Premier Gordon Campbell, PavCo Chair David Podmore, Betty and Rolly Fox, and Coupland at the Terry Fox Plaza. Once completed, the new memorial will replace the existing Terry Fox Memorial in time for the reopening of BC Place this Fall.
Terry Fox Plaza is slated for renovation as part of the current revitalization of BC Place, and the existing memorial must be removed as part of the upgrade to the plaza. Last Fall, both PavCo and the Fox family agreed that the removal of the current memorial provided an opportunity to replace it with a new and long-lasting commemoration of Terry Fox’s achievements.
“This new memorial will serve as a permanent reminder of both Terry’s efforts 30 years ago to raise money for cancer research, and the subsequent accomplishments of the Terry Fox Foundation in the years since,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “The incredible determination that Terry showed us back in 1980 lives on today through the work that is still being carried on in his name around the globe. Little did Terry know that his decision to run across Canada would carry on for decades to come, and provide hope for millions around the world.”
“We’re pleased that we were able to combine our renovation of Terry Fox Plaza with the opportunity to make sure a suitable memorial to Terry lives on here,” added David Podmore, Chair of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo). “Although most of the current memorial will be removed, the etched steel panels from it will be preserved and given to the Fox family. Terry was an inspiration for all Canadians, and this new memorial by Doug Coupland will help us all feel one step closer to this incredible young man, and his accomplishments.”
“In creating this piece, I wanted to ensure we captured the very essence of what Terry’s run was all about,” Coupland said. “By creating four sculptures depicting the four distinct movements that made up his unusual gait, the aim was to help people understand the pain and suffering he endured to reach his goal. For those of us who actually remember seeing his run on the nightly news 30 years ago, the four sculptures will always remind us of the commitment he made, and his unwavering courage.”
“Doug Coupland has always been willing to call on his writing and artistic talents on our behalf to help ensure future generations have an appreciation for Terry’s efforts,” added Betty and Rolly Fox, Terry’s mother and father. “We were confident, based on Doug’s considerable knowledge of Terry’s story and his enthusiasm, that he would capture Terry’s values of courage, hope and determination, and he’s certainly done that in this new memorial.”
Mr. and Mrs. Fox said that the new memorial at the plaza marks the first step in a broader vision shared by the Family and many friends and supporters to create a national Terry Fox Centre based in Vancouver which will celebrate his legacy as well as highlight advances and achievements in cancer research in Canada.
About Douglas Coupland
Douglas Coupland is familiar with the Terry Fox story, having written the 2005 tribute book “Terry” in collaboration with the Terry Fox Foundation. Coupland grew up - and continues to live - in Vancouver. His first novel was published in 1991. Since then he has published twelve novels and several non-fiction books in 35 languages and most countries on earth. He has written and performed for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, England, and in 2001 resumed his practice as a visual artist, with exhibitions in spaces in North America, Europe and Asia.
In recent years, Coupland's written work and visual art career have blended together to create a variety of books and a wide array of art and design works that explore the identity of both Vancouver and Canada's citizens. His book City of Glass, a series of small essays on the city has become a perennial bestseller on the subject. A 2006 film comedy, Everything's Gone Green, further explored ideas begun in City of Glass, and his 2008 one-season thirteen-episode CBC series, was a high spirited exploration of Vancouver’s new high-tech economy.
In 2008, Coupland helped create the Terry Fox Miracle Mile in downtown Toronto. Last year, Coupland’s Digital Orca sculpture was unveiled at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Last summer, news also came of Coupland’s winning design for the Canadian Firefighters Memorial to be unveiled in Ottawa in 2012. www.coupland.com
About the Terry Fox Foundation
The Terry Fox Foundation maintains the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, National School Run Day and other fundraising initiatives. To date, over $550 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry Fox's name. The first Terry Fox Run was held in 1981, with The Terry Fox Foundation being created in 1988. Its national headquarters are located in Chilliwack, BC and it has offices in nine provinces. www.terryfox.org.
About the Terry Fox Research Institute
Launched in October 2007, The Terry Fox Research Institute is the brainchild of The Terry Fox Foundation. TFRI seeks to improve significantly the outcomes of cancer research for the patient through a highly collaborative, team-oriented, milestone-based approach to research that will enable discoveries to translate quickly into practical solutions for cancer patients worldwide. TFRI collaborates with over 40 cancer hospitals and research organizations across Canada. TFRI headquarters are in Vancouver, BC. www.tfri.ca
About BC Place
BC Place is undergoing a major revitalization that includes the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. Upon re-opening in the fall of 2011, BC Place will be the new home for the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS franchise, will continue to be home to the BC Lions Football Club, and will host the CFL Grey Cup in 2011, the 2011 Vanier Cup, plus many other exhibitions, and community and entertainment events. For more information, please visit www.bcplace.com