At the 1988 Calgary Olympics Canadian athletes failed to win a single gold medal, however, the impact of the games has far surpassed anyone's imagination. Following the games the venues were sold by the Calgary Organizating Committee to the Canadian Olympic Development Association (CODA) which later became WinSport Canada for a $1. CODA's mandate was to manage the legacy of the Calgary Games so Canadians could produce Olympic medallists at future Olympiads. The vision of Frank King and the Calgary Organizing Committee to create a Winter Sport Institue is seen today. Consider that of the 24 medallists at the 2006 Olympics 16 of them trained in Calgary and surrounding area utilizing the Olympic facilities from the 1988 Games. The number is expected to be even greater in 2010.
Recognzing the legacy of the 1988 Games this blogger hoped that the organizers of the 2010 Olympics Games (VANOC) would try to create a similar type of legacy in Vancouver and Whistler. However, this hope appears to be fading fast. Reports out of the business sections of newspapers in the United States and Canada indicate that some of the facilities are facing bankruptcy. http://olympics.thestar.com/2010/article/742535--intrawest-scrambles-for-cash Not to worry the 2010 Games won't be impacted, however the legacy that follows could in fact be in real jeopardy. Imagine a scenario where Canada's Olympic visision is managed by a group of bankers on Wall Street. The possibility is a lot closer than you might imagine.
None of the facilities built resides on Intrawest property except the bobsled/luge/skelton track, and the downhill course itself.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to note that the Nordic events, skating, aerials, freestyle, ski corss, curling, speedskating, etc. were built on time and under budget, and have no connection to Wall Street woes faced by Intrawest.