BC Business
It’s on, Vancouver. The 2010 Winter Olympics are here. So are the visitors. From thousands of media personnel to extra security forces, from those who live across the world to our neighbours from Calgary, people are flocking to Vancouver in full force.
Caroline Brisson, Montreal, Canada Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: I’m working here, for the French media, RDS. Q: Attending any events? A: I get to go to two hockey games and to some figure skating. I’m the most excited to go see
Severine Bachmann, Peter Klauser and Susanne Kaderli, Switzerland Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: Because we got tickets! Q: Attending any events? A: We have tickets to hockey and to ski events. We’re going to the Suisse vs. USA game. Q
Warren Gibson and family, New Brunswick, Canada
Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: The chance to see the Olympics in Canada was one we had to take. Q: Attending any events? A: Oh, tons. The opening ceremony, short track speed skating, figure sk
William & Tracy Fong, Toronto, Canada
Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: To visit family and to go to the Games. Q: Attending any events? A: We’re trying to get tickets – to anything. Q: Other plans? A: We’ll go see all
Melanie Ford and Barbara Foster, Anchorage, Alaska and Rainier, Oregon Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: It’s a once in a lifetime thing, being that we live so close. Well, relatively speaking we live close. Q: Attending any events? A: The
Chris Knight, Montreal, Canada Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: I’m here to work for the RCMP at the main media centre. Q: Attending any events? A: I get one and a half days off after four days of work. Hopefully I’ll get some ticke
Camilo Ramiraz, Columbia Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: I wanted to check them out. I’ve never been before. Also, I have some friends here that are getting married. Q: Attending any events? A: The opening ceremonies! Q: How is the atmo
Boldtumar Lagnaidorj, Mongolia Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: To watch the Mongolian skater. Q: Attending any events? A: Only speed skating. Q: How is the atmosphere in Vancouver? A: I like Vancouver!
Paola Motta & Michela Cesana, Italy Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: We’re working at Casa Italia for an Italian sports newspaper. We’re not journalists, though! We’re doing PR. Q: Attending any events? A: I want to see ho
Patty Vitale, Florida, USA Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: It was a great opportunity. We’ve never been to the Olympics before. Now we can check it off the bucket list. Q: Attending any events? A: The opening ceremony, the luge, some cur
Jose Gutierrez, Calgary, Canada Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: It’s my first time to the Games and to Vancouver. Q: Attending any events? A: I don’t have any tickets… yet. Q: Other plans? A: We’re going to Canada Pl
Penny Wise, London, Ontario, Canada Q: Why did you come to the Olympics? A: I’m with 3M; we’re here with customers to take them to events and to show them around. Q: Attending any events? A: We’re going to the opening ceremonies, the
From thousands of media personnel to extra security forces, from those who live across the world to our neighbours from Calgary, people are flocking to Vancouver in full force.
We’ve spoken with some visitors to find out exactly why they came to the city, what they plan to do while they’re here and how much cash they’ll leave behind. Both work and play brought people here, but the most persuasive force was the chance to be a part of such a special, world-class event.
For many, travel to the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’ve decided to bear the line-ups, the rain and the high prices because they simply couldn’t afford to miss out.
Their excitement is contagious. Visitors say Vancouver has an “electric” atmosphere.
Emily Jackson is a master of journalism student at the University of British Columbia. She contributes to TheThunderbird.ca and lives in Vancouver. Blog | Twitter