Economic woes push Vancouver 2010 Olympic organizers to consider canceling the evening award ceremonies

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WHISTLER, B.C. - Vancouver 2010 Olympic organizers are considering canceling the evening award ceremonies and giving the medals out at sport venues to save money.

Gary Lunn, the minister of state for sport, said that in tough economic times the Vancouver Organizing Committee has to look at its bottom line.

"They are looking at all of their options and that is the right thing to do in today's economic climate . . . They have to prepare for the unknown," he said.

But Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed said residents do not support the cancellation.

"We know there are challenges but this would be a huge blow to Whistler," he said.

Whistler is planning to throw a $18.5-million party, slated to run 24 hours a day for the duration of the Olympics, which will include concerts, shows and celebrations.

The party will be held at Whistler Village and at the Celebration Plaza Olympic venue, the construction of which is due to be completed in September.

There was considerable controversy about the construction of the plaza due to the clearing of about 1.6 hectares of woodland.

It is slated to cost $14.2 million with $5 million coming from Canadian Heritage, $3 million from VANOC, and up to $6.2 million from Whistler.

Melamed said not having the medals awarded at the plaza likely would put a damper on the atmosphere in Whistler.

It also would reduce the number of spectators who would come into the village from the other venues, he said.

VANOC vice-president Terry Wright would not discuss the cuts specifically but said in an e-mail: "All Games time venues and plans are currently under review, given the economic downturn and the final preparation of the update to the VANOC business plan.

"Until that review is complete and the business plan is given final approval and then made public, it would be inappropriate to comment on specifics."

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Photos courtesy of Ian Lindsay/Vancouver Sun and Bonny Makarewicz / The New York Times

Original Source: Montreal Gazette and NY Times