The 80s were a great decade to be a sports fan in Alberta. The Olympics were in Calgary in 1988, the Oilers won the title 5 times and Calgary trounced the hapless Habs in 1989. A lot of sports infrastructure exists in Calgary to this day, as a result, the most impressive of which being “Canada’s Olympic Park”. Other than being a subtle swipe at Montreal’s embarassment, it has certain problems of its own.
I don’t think the true spirit of sports is being respected in the Olympic Park. For one, there is the crass consumerism. For example, let us look at the RBC 2010 Flag tour.
Small thinkers probably don’t see the problem, but I don’t see why RBC needs to stick itself into the name of the event. It makes me less likely to use their machines – patriotism isn’t something that should be appropriated by marketters. Sadly it is – and to great effect. I wonder how much those guys made off the “support the troops” stickers anyway? Besides, if it really is a “Flag Tour”, why is all the promotional material in RBC blue?
Flipping on a trampoline while playing loud rap music is not a sport. Sorry.
Lots of kids – wonderful right? Not really. They were eating french fries for lunch in the Olympic park restaurant. You would think they would serve something healthier at the olympic stadium, but you would be wrong.
Speaking of unhealthy food.. I’d rather put my head in an oven. I haven’t met too many athletes who “put pork on their fork”.
Oh, and in case you want to go see the park yourself, forget about public transit – there is no way to get there except by car or on foot. The Public Transit in Calgary is the pits and is a great embarassment to our nation. Don’t bother taking a cab, since it will cost you 52 dollars from the airport (woo hoo!)
I know it might seem like a lot to ask, but considering the public paid for the olympic park, I just wish it would be used to promote public health rather than public consumption.
ya man that sucks, its all about consumption, money!! The only reason politicians care about the olympics is because of the huge influx of money that comes along with it. Man, even in our school, did you remember the food they used to serve in teh cafeteria??? anything but healthy.
Comment by Nader — May 13, 2006 @ 1:12 pm
Listen the gov may want it for the money but look where the potential may be in the furtue it could be used for the biulding of the future transite to the site, or into the road mantince and construction and many more, it does have its benifits on us in the futre but yes it sould have some sports and heathier food choices.
Comment by Theatre GOd (edon quizno's) — May 13, 2006 @ 2:57 pm