July Issue 105
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Citius, Altius, Fortius! Latin for
"Faster, Higher, Stronger," the once proud Olympic motto.
Now when you think of the Olympics, it's
"Cheaters, Corruption and Entitlement!"
It's sad because I love the Olympics. I loved
what they stood for and obviously I would love to see Calgary and Southern
Alberta host the 2026 Winter Games.
You may remember that I wrote about a
possible Calgary Olympic bid on these pages about two years ago. In fact,
Calgary did explore a bid for the 2022 Winter Games but the timing was not
right.
It's no secret that the International
Olympic Committee has a terrible track record (the Canadian Olympic Committee
has had its share of issues as well) and unless the IOC is willing to make
major changes, Calgary or no other city (or country) in their right mind should
get into bed with this organization.
Change started at the 127th IOC session in Monaco
in 2014 as President Thomas Bach introduced Agenda 2020. 40 detailed recommendations
to outline what the future of the Olympic movement will look like.
Evaluate bid cities by assessing key
opportunities and risks. Shape the bidding process as an invitation. Reduce the
cost of bidding. Include sustainability in all aspects of the Olympic Games. These
are just four of the recommendations that also include increased transparency
and strengthen ethics.
Talk is cheap! The real question is can a
leopard change its spots? Time will tell if this organization can move away
from their sense of entitlement in the sports world.
Agenda 2020 is the reason Calgary is going
ahead with the bid process says Doug Mitchell, chair of the Calgary Sports
Tourism Authority.
"We wouldn't be doing this if we
weren't satisfied the IOC is going to look at existing facilities and coming
back to original cities that have held and hosted the Games," says
Mitchell. "If they want us to build a new 10,000 seat Olympic Oval for
speed skating, we will say no!"
Calgary's
bid will be sound and fiscally responsible. While there will be a cost
associated to upgrade existing faculties, the Calgary bid should only have to
include 4 new venues.
1)
An athlete’s village that could be used as low cost housing after the Games. This
was done in London for the 2012 Summer Olympics. University of Calgary was used
as the athlete’s village in 1988.
2)
A new hockey arena. This is already being discussed by the City of Calgary and
the Calgary Sport and Entertainment group. The Olympic Saddledome was built
with funds from the 1988 Games.
3)
A new ski jump facility. The current facility at Winsport is obsolete.
4)
A new curling venue. Curling was a demonstration sport in 1988 and was held at
the Max Bell Arena.
As
far as our existing facilities are concerned, let's take a look at the options:
1)
Nakiska - It was a poor (and costly) choice for a venue in 1988 for Alpine but
it is fine for ski cross, boarder cross and some free style events.
2) Lake Louise - The ski resort would have to
be included as a venue to host Alpine events. This was an issue in 1988 because
it's situated in a National Park. You may have to limit the number of tickets
sold to alpine event.
3)
Olympic Oval - Still considered the "fastest ice in the world", upgrades
would have to be made to seating, timing and technology but still a world class
facility for training and major events.
4)
Sliding Center at Winsport - The Luge, Skelton and Bobsleigh track is not
considered technically challenging, a few modifications could be made to update
the facility.
5)
Olympic (Scotiabank) Saddledome - It would be decommissioned after the 2026
Games, but would have to stay operational for the Games to host Short Track
Speed Skating and some figure skating events.
6)
Markin Macphail Center at Winsport - the Olympic size ice surface with a world
class Hockey Canada dressing room could be as a secondary ice hockey venue or
if needed for curling.
7)
Canmore Nordic Center - Still a world class facility for Cross Country Skiing
and Biathlon.
8)
McMahon Stadium - A major renovation is needed as the city has already talked
about a plan B for CalgaryNext. This facility would be used for opening and
closing ceremonies.
Those critical of the Olympic Games look at
the 50 billion price tag for the corrupt 2014 Sochi Olympics under Vladimir
Putin.
"It was ridiculous and has turned off
many potential host countries," says John Furlong, the CEO of the very
successful 2010 Winter Olympics. "The entire operating budget the Vancouver
games was 2.5 billion and I think Calgary could do it for less."
There is a misunderstanding that Norwegians
wanted no part of the 2022 Olympic Games. Not true! Norway couldn't be more
proud of their Winter Sports history. The truth is that Norway wanted no part
of the IOC. Only 12% of Norwegians had a favourable opinion of IOC demands and
arrogance.
The IOC also has a huge doping scandal
hanging over their heads. Russian track and field athletes have been banned
from competing in Rio this summer. There was wide spread doping allegations
surrounding the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. 31 athletes were caught in
retests from the Beijing Olympics in 2008. 23 athletes were caught in retests
from the 2014 London Olympics. Cheating has been going on forever and do
sponsors want to be involved in these types of scandals?
Speed Skating World Champion Ivanie Blondin
admits it's embarrassing. "People come up to me all the time saying, oh
you're an Olympian, do you use drugs?"
Agenda 2020 does address the issues but
only time will tell if the cheats get the message. Only time will tell if the
IOC really can change.
As far as Calgary's potential bid for the
2026 Games, at least Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi is on board.
"From almost the moment that I was elected
mayor, 6 years ago almost, citizens have been coming to me saying it's time. It's
time in the sports history of this city for us to bid for another Olympic
Games."
I agree!
About Jock Wilson:
Jock has been involved in the Calgary sport media scene for over 30 years. He hosts the
Calgary Stampeder football broadcasts on Newstalk 770 and is the host of
Sportstalk from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Email: jock@am770chqr.com
Twitter: @sportson770
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