Canada PoliticsHere’s a crazy idea: Bring the 2014 Olympics back to Vancouver
A few years ago, when Olympic organizers in Sochi were fraught with financial and administrative problems, some suggested that the Winter Games could default back to Vancouver for 2014.
Obviously, it didn't happen.
But with all the recent talk of a Sochi boycott, maybe it's an idea worth revisiting?
There's a growing chorus of voices calling for a boycott of the next Games — scheduled to start in February — because of Russia's anti-gay laws.
The 'no sochi' movement really took off, last week, after a scathing op-ed in the New York Times by renowned actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein.
Just six months before Russia hosts the 2014 Winter Games, Mr. Putin signed a law allowing police officers to arrest tourists and foreign nationals they suspect of being homosexual, lesbian or “pro-gay” and detain them for up to 14 days. Contrary to what the International Olympic Committee says, the law could mean that any Olympic athlete, trainer, reporter, family member or fan who is gay — or suspected of being gay, or just accused of being gay — can go to jail.
Earlier in June, Mr. Putin signed yet another antigay bill, classifying “homosexual propaganda” as porntography
So far, no country or athlete has actually committed to boycotting.
In fact, former Canadian Olympian Mark Tewksbury — who is gay — told Global News that athletes should go to Sochi.
"I don’t believe in boycotts," he said.
"The athletes would pay the price, not the host country. I think the best thing is to be present and continue to live your life."
[ Related: Soudas on gay rights concerns in Sochi ]
But if this groundswell continues to build — and athletes and countries actually boycott — why not Vancouver 2014 as a Plan B?
Most if not all the venues are still intact: Rogers Arena for hockey and figure skating, the Richmond Oval for speed skating and Whistler Olympic Park for cross country and downhill skiing, ski jumping, bobsleigh, skeleton, etc..
It wouldn't be as grand as 2010, but has to be better then a sparsely attended Sochi 2014.
[ Related: Vancouver bar at the heart of Russian vodka boycott to protest anti-gay laws ]
Yahoo! Canada News ran the idea by former Vancouver Olympic CEO John Furlong. Here is what he had to say:
"I believe there is zero chance of this happening. If the IOC were having issues with Sochi on any significant matter I expect they would get them worked out," he said on Friday.
"The notion of moving Games has been the subject of discussion and been written about over the years – and I have been asked before. it does make interesting reading but practically speaking would never happen. Even if the desire was there – the logistics hurdles would be insurmountable."
We're still holding out hope.
(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)
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