Three years ago the city unveiled a massive digital clock nearby that
since has been counting down the days, minutes and seconds until the
Opening Ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
As he has watched the time wind down, Banchev has grown more excited for the event that will showcase this city to the world.
“I was a host for the Bulgarian team in
in 1988 and that was nice,” said Banchev, who when asked his age only
says, “too old.” “But this is the greatest city in the world and these
are going to be the very best Olympics yet.”
Between 300,000 to 400,000 visitors and 10,000 members of the media are expected to converge on Vancouver and
Finishing touches around the region are being completed hurriedly as
the sounds of hammering and drilling can be heard downtown and
sidewalks often are clogged with “Men At Work” signs.
“We’re in great shape,” said
spokesperson for the Vancouver Organizing Committee. “The key for any
organizing committee is to have the venues ready to go and tested and
have (everything) … ready for the athletes to arrive and start
training. That process is just being finished up right now.”
Vancouver has worked at a break-neck pace since
being awarded the Games in July of 2003 and in that time has built a
high-speed rail system from the airport to downtown and surrounding
areas, athletes villages, a convention center and sporting venues,
among other things. There also have been expansive improvements on the
In many store windows throughout
signs urge “Go Canada Go” and 2010 banners are affixed to the sides of
buildings so the Olympic rings have a presence indoors and out.
Excitement also appears to be growing with the locals as the start of the Games closes in.
“I’m excited we’re the host,” said
“There have been some great changes in the infrastructure with
beautiful environmental buildings like the new conference center.”
Still, Brehaut doesn’t believe hosting the Games is all positive.
“Overall it’s not worth it,” he said. “There will be
long-term tax increases because of the increased cost for the
municipality.”
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman
“Vancouver is a beautiful city and one of the best
cities in the world, and it’s obviously going to get more populated
after this I think,” said Seabrook, who will play for Team Canada at
the men’s ice hockey tournament at
lot of people who maybe didn’t think the Games would be a good idea
early on (are) … jacked up. You can see people running around with
Team Canada stuff.”
Along with a lack of new natural snow that was
planned for, the biggest challenge still facing the Vancouver
Organizing Committee — 1,400 staff members and 20,000 volunteers — is
reminding residents about the role they will play in the transportation
plan.
“(It’s critical) the traffic on the roads is
minimized (so) athletes and officials and people who need to get to the
venues can easily do so,” Smith-Valade said.
Until the Games open, the area will continue to transform itself into a stage on which the world will watch.
“It’s a little bit the way you feel before you’re
hosting a great big dinner party,” Smith-Valade said. “You have
everything ready, the menu is set, you’re lighting the candles. Still,
you have a little bit of nervousness. When you’re going to host the
world you’re a little bit anxious about putting on your best
performance.”
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(c) 2010, Chicago Tribune.
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