2010 Podiums, very Canadian

Here is a look at the design for the Vancouver 2010 podiums. What do you think? Personally, they were not what I expected, but I really like them. I am used to the traditional, box-like podiums so it was weird seeing these ones, however I think they really represent the host province of BC.

These very unique podiums were designed so that no one forgets the Vancouver Olympics. They are shaped like Vancouver Island, both in form, and topography. The podiums are made of wood from various regions of B.C. Each of the 23 podiums weigh as much as 260 kilograms. These very Canadian pieces of art were made by RONA. We hope to hear O'Canada while our athletes stand at the top of those podiums!

Tight Security

Yesterday a press announcement was made. VANOC has said that you should arrive at your Olympic Venue 2-3 hours before the start of the event (2 hours for city venues, and 3 hours for mountain venues). They are estimating that it will take this long just to get into the venues. I think it is great that they are putting so much effort into making these Games as safe as possible, but 2-3 hours seems quite ridiculous. What happens if you've already bought your transportation ticket and it doesn't allow 2 to 3 hours before the event. I don't disagree with the security, but should they not have announced this a little earlier?

Spectators will be asked to walk through a magnetometer and all belongings will be subject to x-ray screening. They said that you should not bring anything into the venues that you would not be allowed to bring on an airplane including food and drinks, even water. I'm was a little curious why the Olympic Games have to have so much more security than a NHL game for instance. I found the answer from the inspector of security coordinator for the Vancouver 2010 Security Unit. He said "this level of security is not something Canadians are accustomed to for a sporting event, but it's become standard practice based on past Olympic games and international competitions." It is estimated that the screening process will take up to a minute. Spectators can speed up the process by emptying their pockets, and are also advised to bring no bag, or as little as possible anyway.

About 5,200 RCMP officers, 4,500 members of the Canadian Forces, 1,800 regional police officers, and 5,000 private security officials will be deployed for the Games.
So I'm sure we will be safe as can be at the Winter Games!

In need of change..

Why is it that there's no womens ski jumping in the Olympic Games? And why is it that in women's hockey they are not allowed to hit? And the women have to wear full face masks when the men don't? None of this makes sence to me... Canada is supposed to be a country of equal rights. I understand that these rules are set by the IOC and Canada really has nothing to do with it, but shouldn't someone have said something about these rules a long time ago. The Olympic Games are the largest and most prestigious sporting event in the world, and you'd think that by now they would have equal rights for men and women. Thay should be setting an example for the world to follow, but I guess not.

Paralympic Athlete of the Day Paul Rosen is Canada's 49 year old Sledge Hockey Goalie. Rosen started playing hockey at a very young age, however after a serious injury playing the sport, Paul was unable to compete. He spent many years with infections and unbearable pain until his lower leg was finally amputated at age 39. During his recovery, Rosen took up sledge hockey, he showed a great deal of talent in the sport and made the National Team. He competed in the 2002 Winter Games and the 2006 Winter Games where their team took home the gold. Is that a success story or what?
In 2007 while at an autograph session with fans in Toronto, Paul's gold medal was stolen. During a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, commentator Don Cherry told the theif to drop the gold medal in a mailbox. The medal then turned up at a postal sorting station in Toronto and was returned to the goalie.