What's not to love?
Written by: Julie Ovenell-Carter[This post originally appeared on Sept. 24/09, but since we're just a month out from the start of the 2010 Winter Games, I've brought it back...]
Just back from Whistler where a small group of international travel writers were this week treated to an impressive dog-and-pony about British Columbia’s upcoming Winter Olympics.
Let it be said that I did not cave to the hard-sell. There is no bandwagon in my future. Surely anyone with half a brain understands that the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are the worst thing that has ever been unleashed upon an unsuspecting Canadian public.
Consider the evidence:
Sea-to-Sky Highway improvements will threaten family values.
Even before they spent $600 million straightening out the death-trap turns on Highway 99 between Horseshoe Bay and Whistler, this long and scenic road was named among the world’s top drives by Britain’s esteemed Guardian. Now, with the rough edges smoothed off, you can actually take your eyes off the road long enough to appreciate the glorious views–and that can only lead to one thing: motorcycle riding. What will happen when decent men—and even women—are tempted to leave junior with a sitter so they can hit the highway on two wheels?
The Cultural Olympiad will make children want to grow up to be artists.
It’s insidious how these things happen: one minute you’re a well-intentioned parent taking advantage of the Cultural Olympiad’s artistic bounty to introduce your youngsters to the wonders of Robert Lepage’s multi-media theatre spectacles or Tanya Tagaq’s mesmerizing throat-singing and the next thing you know they’re clamoring to enroll at Arts Umbrella. Then they’ll hit voting age and start lobbying the government to increase funding for arts and culture and before you know it, Canada will be a hotbed of creativity and innovation.
Taxpayer-subsidized video footage will bring more tourists to Canada.
Believe it: Canadian tax dollars helped produce stunning, professional-quality B-roll of Canadian destinations for use by international broadcasters before, during and after the 2010 Games. For months and possibly even years, friends, family and even total strangers from around the world will see this dramatic footage on TV and web sites and be inspired to come and spend money in our country. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The Canada Line will lead to decreased workplace productivity.
No joke: the clean and green light rapid rail service that will whisk the Olympic masses from Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes for less than a cabbie’s tip will also be used by local commuters. Every day these hard-working Canadians will be surrounded by international visitors and their suitcases. How long will it be before they begin to waste precious hours day-dreaming about their own world travels?
The Squamish-Lil’Wat Cultural Centre will promote co-operation and cultural pride.
The striking new $30-million aboriginal cultural centre at Whistler is just one example of what can happen when Canada’s First Nations are consulted and included in the planning and execution of major projects. There are, in fact, four separate First Nations working together as co-hosts of the 2010 Winter Games. And to see what can happen when a nation’s racial rifts begin to heal, you need only look to the example set by our good neighbours to the south…
Michelle Leroux
on September 25th, 2009My Top Reason to Hate the Olympics? Deserted slopes on Whistler Blackcomb. The so-called “Olympic aversion” will leave powder-filled slopes untouched for most of Feb. While all eyes are on the Olympic venues – skiers and snowboarders who head up to explore the 90 per cent of terrain still open to the public will be all alone. They will hear nothing but the sounds of their breath, the gleeful whoops escaping their lips and the swoosh of snow as they carve down the mountain.
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on September 25th, 2009That’s a good one Michelle. One of the things that they mentioned to us was that this year season’s passes to ski Whistler are at the lowest price in a decade! The details about that deal can be found here: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/tickets/seasonpass/index.htm
Murray Atherton
on November 23rd, 2009I almost didn’t read this, Julie! As you know I”m one of the biggest Olympic Boosters and just wasn’t in the mood to read some more Olympic Bashing! HILARIOUS! I hope you’ve submitted this to the newspapers and local magazines.
Good Job!
Corbin
on December 1st, 2009Hahaha! Classic! I honestly read this expecting some more hate on the Olympics. By the 2nd heading I was still like…whens she gonna start cracking skulls? Then it hit me. Go My brain! Great post!
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on December 1st, 2009Thanks Corbin! Glad it made you laugh!
Andrea - 2010vanfan
on January 4th, 2010So glad Corbin wrote about your post or I may have missed it! This is fantastic. I’m sure there are many more reasons, I’m going to have to try to get my brain in gear to come up with anything nearly as clever as yours. Thanks Julie!
Darren
on January 4th, 2010Great post Julie! When I read the title I thought you had switched sides and decided you were now against the games
Sarah
on January 5th, 2010My top reason to hate the Olympics is the Mascots – I mean who comes up with a first nations gaggle of fur that every child from every country loves?
My favourite Mascot moment was watching Miga Cross-Country ski at Whistler Olympic Park last year. Miga had a bit of a fall, and a 7-year old was watching. Miga got back up and kept on trying. The 7-year old then turned to her parents and said, if Miga can get up and try that I can learn to ski too.
Do you believe?
Christina Wallaert
on January 7th, 2010I read this awhile ago and just read it again. Still super funny and very true. Thanks for putting this interesting spin on the Olympics. I for one am unbelievably excited about the Olympics and coming to Vancouver 2010. Come February 19th there is no place I would rather be than in Vancouver with the rest of Canada and the world.
And I love Sarah’s comment! These games are an inspiration to the next generation of Canadian Olympic althetes. Go Team Canada!
Lorraine Grescoe
on January 7th, 2010Like Darren, I at first thought you had switched sides. But, actually, after reading this I was the ne who switched sides. Thanks, Julie.
Lorraine Grescoe
on January 7th, 2010Like Darren, I,too, at first thought you had switched sides. But, actually, after reading this I was the one who switched sides. Thanks, Julie.
Jennifer Wah
on January 19th, 2010Just came looking for your umbrella link, and stumbled on this, too, Julie. Great post. And… What Sarah said! My 4-year-old wanted to learn to skate to keep up with Quatchi, whom we have skated with a few times. Oh yes, I believe!
Jennifer Wah
on January 19th, 2010If you’re a supporter of Big Pharmaceuticals, here’s another reason:
All this bubbling, cheery, patriotic enthusiasm will surely dampen sales of anti-depressants at this time of year?
Cindy Brown
on January 28th, 2010Julie
Very uplifting article . You have reaffirmed my courage in driving up to Whistler . In the past I have been terrified of the ” Highway to Hell …99 ” . It’s now a reasonably safe drive for a puss like me.
Lannie Rickson
on January 30th, 2010you forgot to include the multi billion plus $ spent on avoiding being a target for terrorists. yes.. nice price tag that should be spent on health care, education etc for those who actually live here. The only ones who stand to make money are the fat cat developers, the friends of the government and so on .. you’ll be paying for this nightmare for years to come and guess what.. all that supposed tourist money that will roll in.. don’t count on it..
I hope there is a special Hell reserved for those that brought this on our heads. :>(((((((((((((