Sports

The 2nd Annual Poverty Olympics

by TFleming | February 9, 2009 at 09:35 am

207 views | 22 Recommendations | 7 comments

Olympic protesters took part in the 2nd annual "Poverty Olympics" yesterday on the Vancouver downtown east side. The protesters are trying to bring awareness to the poverty and homelessness in Vancouver which has resulted from the decision to host the 2010 Olympic Games.

An estimated 500 people showed up to the lighthearted event that started with a mock torch carry from East Hastings to the Japanese Language School on Alexander St. One man dressed up as Mayor Gregor Robertson and was joined by three Poverty Olympics mascots: Itchy the Bed Bug, Chewy the Rat and Creepy the Cockroach.

After performances by Coastal Salish singer Sara Good and a skit by the Streams of Justice the torch was lite. Several protesters spoke out about there disappointment in the government, pointing out how much money has been spent on the Olympics at the cost of poverty stricken individuals. Wendy Pederson, an Olympic protester pointed out that, " The cost of a ticket to the Opening Ceremonies is $ 1,182. A single person on welfare get $610 a month."

Sharon Burns, who was part of the opening ceremonies choir and danced in the closing ceremonies finale, is a Carnegie Centre volunteer who has lived on the Downtown Eastside most of her life.

"The Olympic Games are for rich business people, developers and people with money. We need to get the information out there about the real needs we have in this province," she said.

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bharbara.gudmundson

at 11:41 on February 9th, 2009

bharbara.gudmundson has contributed a photo to this story.

bharbara.gudmundson

at 12:33 on February 9th, 2009

On February 8, 2009 we met at VANDU on Hastings Street in Vancouver. When I got close I could hear the sound of a saxophone being played by a member of the Carnival Band.

I have photographed a great many of the CCAP marches and rallies and have attended and spoken at many Vancouver Council Meetings in attempts to alleviate the homelessness issue. There is one common element that is evident in all of the CCAP marches, meetings and protest rallies. Look at the faces of the people. The press and the media many times refer and attempt to portray the people who are addressing poverty and homelessness as a group of hooligans. These are not the faces of hooligans. These are not the actions of hooligans. These are Canadians young and old, Native, European, Asian, African, British, Scandinavian, male, female, rich and poor and all levels in between.

eastvanray

at 13:06 on February 9th, 2009

Is there any connection between this and the DTES Olympics last year where actual events were held?

bharbara.gudmundson

at 21:07 on February 9th, 2009

This was the second annual Poverty Olympics. There were events held.

Paschen

at 16:47 on February 9th, 2009

This is a great Idea and much needed exposure.

Barry Artiste

at 21:12 on February 9th, 2009

I read about this in the Sun, quite poignant

mtammas

at 19:06 on February 10th, 2009

I am so glad that you posted the Vancouver Poverty Olympics. I hope this story goes far and wide around the web. Citizens in other cities and countries need to know that when the IOC comes calling, with all its allure, they should run, run, run away as fast and as far as they can!