Temporary housing being built for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics will be converted after the Winter Games into affordable residences for the elderly and homeless in six communities in the province.
The Olympic committee, its sponsors RONA and Britco, and an unnamed major donor are covering the US$18.2 million cost to build the modular homes in Whistler, which will provide space for 640 athletes. The province will pay about US$20 million to turn the housing into 156 apartments.
“It’s never happened that there’s been an Olympic facility that has been taken and used in this kind of manner in a variety of communities,” British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said on Tuesday.
“We want everyone in the province to know that this is their Olympics ... this is a legacy for people outside of the immediate vicinity where the Olympics is taking place,” he said.
Olympic organizers announced this year that to fulfill the requirements for housing athletes in Whistler, they would have to turn to a temporary facility because the town wasn’t prepared to build more permanent homes for the Winter Games.
The 320 temporary units being built in Whistler are on top of permanent space for about 2,300 athletes and officials being built by the mountain community as part of its commitment to the event.
“We went from this temporary solution to this solution that will provide a spectacular village addition for the games in Whistler but a wonderful asset and legacy for the community after the games,” said John Furlong, the chief executive officer of the Olympic organizing committee.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely