TORONTO, (djc) – Reactions to the news of the 2008 Olympics going to Beijing were mixed in Toronto on Friday. While most were disappointed with the news, others were relieved, as they thought Olympic-earmarked money could better be spent to fund social programs.
Officials from the Toronto Bid were let down, but maintained their composure as they discussed losing the bid. ” Obviously, we would have preferred to win, but it was a very strong competition and we’re very proud today. Olympic competition is not only about winning, it’s about striving for excellence, it’s about reaching beyond yourself, and it’s about sportsmanship. On all these fronts, we are all winners today because we put forward an excellent Bid that leaves a significant legacy to the people of Toronto and Canada, and to the Olympic Movement,” said Toronto 2008 President and Chief Executive Officer John Bitove.
However, some anti-poverty activists were pleased that the 2008 Olympics did not go to Toronto. Bread Not Circuses, and the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee (TDRC) held an anti-Olympic breakfast and rally at the Toronto East Portlands Friday morning. “I was very relieved. We know that in every recent host city, disadvantaged people have suffered a lot, we’re glad to see that won’t happen here,” said Helen Lenskyj from Bread not Ciruses.
Cathy Crowe from TDRC was not completely satisfied with the results. “We didn’t joyously celebrate. We realized our not winning means it goes somewhere else, and our concerns about social welfare are mirrored with other cities. It won’t be easy, but we’ll have to keep pushing for affordable housing.” Both Bread not Circuses and TDRC protested the Olympics on the grounds that they felt Toronto should be putting money towards combating homelessness through affordable housing, rather than sporting events.
A polling of people around Toronto found mixed reaction to the news. Some were aware of human rights issues with Beijing, and thought that it was not an appropriate the choice for the games. According to Amnesty International, over 1700 alleged criminals have been executed in China since April.
“I am disappointed, because of all the stuff that we know is going on in China, particularly human rights issues , ” said Connie Cunti.
Phillip Swaile agreed: ” I think it’s kindof ironic, it’s interesting that they would agree to put the Olympics in a country where the human rights are the way they are, what kind of a message does that send to people who don’t respect human rights? It’s saying that it doesn’t matter, that there’s no penalty for that.”
“I think it would have been great for a lot of job prospects to have the Olympics here in Toronto, and that’s a sad thing,” said Alvin Guthrie.
Annie Chow would have been pleased if Toronto or China won, because of her two cultures. “It doesn’t matter for me, because I’m Chinese. If Toronto gets it, I’m happy, if Beijing gets it, I’m happy,” she said.
Some were more neutral about the announcement, such as Phillip Davis: “It would have been nice, but I’m just as happy that the noise and confusion isn’t coming to Toronto.
The question of why the IOC chose Beijing is yet to be answered definitively. Some felt that the International Olympic Committee’s chair Juan Antonio Samaranch was obviously in favor of Beijing from the beginning, and wanted to see them win as a legacy as he is leaving office.
Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman’s comments about Africa may have also left a bad impression of Toronto on IOC judges, despite Lastman’s apology. Prime Minister Jean Chretien also apologized to the IOC for Lastman’s comment during questioning prior to the vote.
The fallout of the Toronto Olympic Bid will likely continue until July 24th, when finances will be discussed at a board meeting.
