Federal Government Teams Up With Bid Group For 2010 Games

The Canadian federal government yesterday joined the Vancouver-Whistler bid for the 2010 Games, "clearing the way for organizers to mount a national campaign for funds and supporters," according to Robert Matas of the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, who writes that Prime Minister Jean Chretien "promised to be an enthusiastic cheerleader for the bid." But Chretien "did not make any commitment of financial support for the [C]$23-million bid or for the Games, which organizers say could cost up to" C$1B. Matas notes that thus far, the Vancouver-Whistler bid committee has received commitments of C$16M. Vancouver-Whistler Media Relations Manager Sam Corea said that the committee "will face some hurdles in looking for contributions while the economy is in recession and the war against Afghanistan is dominating the news" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 11/9).