A riveting behind-the-scenes account of the transformative Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games -- an extraordinary story of visionary leadership, love of country and the ability to dream boldly.

When John Furlong emigrated from Ireland in 1974, the customs officer greeted him with "Welcome to Canada. Make us better" -- an imperative that has defined Furlong's life ever since. A passionate, accomplished athlete with a track record of community service, Furlong was a volunteer for Vancouver's 2010 Olympic bid movement when it began in 1996 and then spent the next 14 years living and breathing the Olympics. Furlong and his organizing team, including 25,000 volunteers and many partners, orchestrated a remarkable Winter Games. Patriot Hearts is the story of how they did it.

Working with Globe & Mail columnist Gary Mason, Furlong recounts the lead-up to the Games and describes how he handled seemingly insurmountable setbacks -- such as the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, a global recession and the washed-out snow at Cypress Bowl -- to achieve a runaway success and, ultimately, a pivotal moment of nationhood.

Patriot Hearts will be published on February 12, 2011, the anniversary of the 2010 Olympic opening ceremonies. Furlong will donate part of his book royalties to the Own the Podium program.

John Furlong was the leader behind the team that organized and delivered the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to positive reviews the world over. Furlong has been involved with athletics all his life and was recently named Canada's Sports Executive of the Year. For his contributions to the province and country he was recently announced an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of the Order of BC.

John Furlong's profile page

Gary Mason's profile page

"Patriot Hearts is a human story of passion and pride, of adversity and triumph, leadership and courage, told with genuine humility -- an unforgettable, sometimes tearful, emotional account of one of Canada's greatest ever achievements. It's a story of great significance we all played a part in."

Brian Williams, Canada's Foremost Olympic Anchor

"This is a story of Canadian triumph over adversity that touched us all, told with honesty and humility, and I was proud to be a part of it. From Mr. Furlong and his staff, with their hard work and leadership, to the many volunteers from across Canada, to the great Olympics fans of Vancouver, the province of British Columbia and Canada, we were all proud to hold our heads high and say we were Canadian. Patriot Hearts will touch your soul."

Wayne Gretzky

"Patriot Hearts is a gossipy gallop across the emotional arc of the Games, from heroics on and off the snow and ice to jaw-dropping examples of petty intrigues, jealousies and tragedy...Above all, this is a story of teamwork and leadership."

Maclean's

"[Patriot Hearts] is a story about sticking to one's vision, no matter what other people say...by the end, it is clear Furlong's particular brand of zeal, perseverance, and focus is required to put on such a complicated and successful spectacle."

Quill & Quire

"From negotiations that led to the highest corporate sponsorships in Olympic history to the involvement of political interests and the development of controversial programs and choices, this offers a story about organizing an Olympic event and provides businesses, politicans and leaders with behind-the-scenes insights on what goes on. Any sports and many a general-interest collection will relish this survey."

The Midwest Book Review

"Mr. Furlong is full of such relentless, sometimes baffling positivity -- not least in his new memoir, Patriot Hearts, co-written with Gary Mason."

National Post