Delays, Cancellations Mark First Days Of Games

Five days into the Winter Olympics, VANOC is clearly on the defensive. The international media is ripping the organization, as critics claim the so-called "Glitch Games" are "veering off course." Even in Canada, reaction is mixed, as the GLOBE & MAIL notes the problems of the Games are "sadly becoming the overarching narrative." The Vancouver PROVINCE states much of the criticism is "brutally unfair" and "exaggerated," but VANOC is "not showing an ability to deal quickly with the sore points." Olympic officials are speaking up in defense -- the IOC's Mark Adams admonishes the global press, calling the Games "amazing" and VANOC's John Furlong highlights the enthusiasm at the venues, saying IOC officials are "quite stunned." Furlong seems to hit the right note -- the energetic atmosphere continues to draw rave reviews, but the execution and organization are dragging down these Games.