Counting To '10

The sporting world will converge in exactly one year on the Pacific coast as Vancouver lifts the curtain on its Olympic endeavor. Organizers are preparing to host the ’10 Games amid tougher economic conditions than any other Olympics in recent memory, and the uncertainty surrounding the event is a far cry from the optimism and excitement when B.C. secured the bid six years ago. Fallout from the global recession has "sent a shudder through an Olympic support base that once seemed impenetrable." VANOC's operating budget has swelled to C$1.43B, and security alone may cost an additional C$1B, leaving local taxpayers wondering if they will be funding the Games long after athletes have left town. Meanwhile, VANOC has its entirety of venues completed, a remarkable feat considering other recent host cities have needed every last second to put on the finishing touches. Also, VANOC appears close to a financing arrangement that will ensure completion of the athletes village.