Protests Security Worry for 2010
The head of security for Vancouver 2010 claims international protest groups are “considering, contemplating or planning” illegal protests during the Games.
“Those individuals that are planning on engaging in violent or criminal protest will maintain my interest and I would suggest that the Canadian public would expect me to do nothing but,” said Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit Asst. Comm. Bud Mercer to Vancouver city council on July 7.
Mercer said North America is no stranger to violent gatherings, including the 1994 Stanley Cup riot in Vancouver, the “battle in Seattle” at the 1999 World Trade Organization summit and the 2001 Summit of the Americas in Quebec City.
Police were criticized for dressing like protesters and throwing rocks at the latter event.
Mercer said it is easy to find suggestive photographs, cartoons and graphics on anti-Olympic websites, including a parody of the Vancouver 2010 mascots holding molotov cocktails and a photo of three hooded people with the Olympic flag stolen in 2007 from Vancouver city hall.
“It was the police overreacting in my view, not the protesters,” said Chris Shaw, an Olympic Resistance Network member and author of Five Ring Circus: Myths and Realities of the Olympic Games.
“The political authority, the civil authority has to set the stage for what happens. The police belong to them, they answer to them.”
Governments must command police to strictly adhere to Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of expression, Shaw said.
Meanwhile, Mercer said there would be protest zones at venues. He would neither confirm nor deny that the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Centre, Pacific Coliseum and Thunderbird Arena would have the so-called “free-speech areas” because they are in or beside public parks.
Mercer said 40,000 background checks are underway on accredited Games visitors with another 100,000 to go. V2010 ISU has 454 full-time staff and will grow to 500 in three months. It will be in charge of security for Games’ venues, transportation networks and critical infrastructure for 60 days, from Jan. 23 to March 24.
The “theater of operations” extends below the 49th parallel into Washington state.
No CEO Summit During the Games
The Government of Canada canceled its1 million Canadian dollar sponsorship of a Forbes magazine conference in provincial capital Victoria next February. The scrapped event was supposed to coincide with the 2010 Games.
“Paying $1 million to host 100 CEOs does not make sense in the current economic climate,” said Melissa Leclerc, spokesperson for international trade minister Stockwell Day.
“We are spreading the message at investment events, trade shows, exhibitions and international conferences and we will continue to do so through Games-time and beyond,” Leclerc said.
Federal Liberal Olympics critic Keith Martin slammed the cancellation.
“The Conservatives have just told the world’s business elite to stay home,” Martin said.
Cypress Ski Passes Include Olympic Ceremony Chances
Cypress Mountain's commemorative 2010 season passes went on sale July 7.
The first 1,500 online buyers each get a pair of tickets to an Olympic medals ceremony and concert at B.C. Place Stadium. A pair of opening ceremony tickets will be drawn from all buyers.
Cypress users are being warned about season-long restrictions and disruptions for parking, chairlifts and runs. Both alpine and nordic ski areas will close Feb. 1-March 8 for the Games. VANOC has agreed to compensate Cypress for Olympic-related revenue drops.
Cypress’ marketing director Jeffrey Koeman said “this is the offer VANOC came up with for us.”
Canada Pavilion 2010
Public Works and Government Services Canada is mulling a Canada Pavilion for the 2010 Winter Olympics. A July 3 document released July 6 seeks comments and recommendations from companies interested in bidding on the project.
(Prices reported in U.S. dollars unless noted. Exchange rate: USD$1=CAD$1.157)
With reporting from Bob Mackin in Vancouver.
Últimas Noticias
Sinner-Alcaraz, the duel that came to succeed the three phenomenons
Table tennis: Brazil’s Bruna Costa Alexandre will be Olympic and Paralympic in Paris 2024
Rugby 7s: the best player of 2023 would only play the medal match in Paris
Rhonex Kipruto, owner of the world record for the 10000 meters on the road, was suspended for six years
Katie Ledecky spoke about doping Chinese swimmers: “It’s difficult to go to Paris knowing that we’re going to compete with some of these athletes”
