2010 winter olympcs

[TripleTTT]

As everyone knows, (I hope everyone knows) the 2010 olympics are just around the corner. I was wondering if you might be able to share your opinions on the olympics. In my opinion, I don't think it was a good idea to have the olympics in vancouver, considering the school board is lacking in funds. Just looking for your opinions on the subject?

Is anyone going to any of the events?

[matt9476]

In my opinion, I don't think it was a good idea to have the olympics in vancouver, considering the school board is lacking in funds.

What does the school board have to do with the city hosting the Olympics?

Personally, I love the Olympics, whether is summer or winter. I'm fully expecting to watch as much of the games as I can. I want to see Lindsey Vonn win some gold in skiing, and I'm hoping the Americans can challenge what looks like a dominating Canadian team in hockey.

[TBean]

Vancouver did not put its Olympic bid in anytime in the recent past - you have to ask the question did Vancouver have that issue when they put the bid four or more years ago or is that a more recent problem as part of the general global economic crisis? If the answer is B, well that is just the way it is because you don't move an event of this size because the local government cannot fund its school board. While it is unfortunate that Vancouver is having the problem it is not a concern Olympic Committee, once that train was on the track the city was stuck hosting the Olympics. The region would have had to suffer a catastrophic event - falling into the ocean comes to mind - for the Olympics to be moved from that location.

I love the Olympics and love watching it. I seek out coverage of sports that are only in the spotlight once every four years - there is only so much ice-skating I can stomach (its swimming and gymnastics in the summer). But I really enjoy the games.

[Purple Fencer]

Venues have changed before, tho....76 was originally awarded to Denver before they pulled out (voters did not approve measures to secure the funding). Whistler, BC pulled out...the IOC decided to go to Innsbruck, which had hosted the Winter Games in 64.

Actually...I'm ok with Denver pulling out...the Olympics in the US in the Bicentennial year probably would've been politicized big time.

[Fencergrl]

Vancouver did not put its Olympic bid in anytime in the recent past - you have to ask the question did Vancouver have that issue when they put the bid four or more years ago or is that a more recent problem as part of the general global economic crisis?

Vancouver barely skipped a beat with the global economic crises. We were having trouble a couple years ago finding enough construction workers for all the extra projects the Olympics brought. We still have shortages in several sectors... they're just begging for nurses here. Housing sales have had their best quarter in 3 years and unemployment has dropped again last quarter.

Tourism is down a bit, but we hosted the Police & Fireman's Games and that dropped millions into our economy. So I would be surprised if it was affected when looking at year-end numbers.

The only reasons I can think why the OP mentioned funding for schools is:

1) Based on the profile of the OP, she is 15. This would be an issue she would be aware of.

2) The Premier made cuts to schools on the last budget, particularly sports programs. This isn't a surprise, he's pro-business, big business particularly. When I first heard of the cuts, I was concerned. My business relies on a piece of the funding from the schools. However, to be truthful I had an exceptionally busy year.

As others, I see it as a non-issue. Now if you want to talk about how badly the Olympics have been corrupted... THAT might be a more interesting discussion.

[larkascending]

Go go go, Yu-Na Kim!

[DavidX]

what the super chunky **** are the WINTER olympics?

[chase]

I wanted to go to watch the snowboarding, but I have to actually compete that weekend at the Junior Olympics.

[latenight]

Tourism is down a bit, but we hosted the Police & Fireman's Games and that dropped millions into our economy.

Guns and Hoses?

[Empty Wallet]

I want to go in the curling event, but have lost my iron.