Excerptcize

Australian banner hangs outside the athletes village in Vancouver (Image by the CBC)

Towards the end of last week, in an incredibly tone deaf move, the International Olympic Committee sent word to the Australian Olympic team that the large banner the team had suspended outside their rooms at the athletes village needed to be removed, citing their rules against allowing non-sponsored trademark images to profit from the games. The banner, a cartoon boxing kangaroo on a green background that also features the Southern Cross that is present on the national flag has served as a longtime mascot for the Australian team at both summer and winter games. How the IOC was not able to see that their request was the only possible action they could take that would cause an increase of profits from the sale of the non sanctioned flag is beyond me, but that has nonetheless happened. As of this Sunday the banner was still hanging outside the village and a local flag shop has been fielding numerous calls from city residents looking to purchase the flag in solidarity with the Australian team. Australian team officials have indicated that should they receive an official request in writing from the IOC the banner will be removed. Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts has indicated the city of Surrey would find a prominent place to display the banner should it’s removal from the village come to pass.

• In Response To Paul Sullivan's '5 Reasons' Against The Vancouver Games [/caption] In an editorial comment from Wednesday's Metro Vancouver, Paul Sullivan outlined his five reasons to not 'Believe' in the Olympic Games. While I can appreciate the jab at CTV, the Canadian broadcaster for the...
• Looking Forward, Looking Back [/caption] Today is certainly a big day for Canada at these games as the Womens hockey team will go for gold later this afternoon. Womens curling semifinals have just finished, the men will play later...

• What is the Best Sports Memorabilia? Millions of people are shopping online looking for the best sports memorabilia. The best sports memorabilia can easily span a number of different sports while...
• Davis Cup World Group Semifinals and Bell Challenge This week in Tennis featured the Davis Cup World Group Semifinals and Playoffs for Men, and the Bell Challenge for the women. The Bell Challenge...