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browna · 08-17-2004, 10:38 PM

Let me start by saying this...I am big into sports and have been my whole life, and my wife was some polticial games away from going to Olympic Swimming Trials herself in the late 80s.

Not to defend the government, but lets say this....how many people give two craps about amateur athletics outside of the Olympics?

Enough to pay more taxes to fund athletes? I mean, the argument can be made about other programs etc taking funding.

But do you think any government would gain huge support for an 50% increase in funding for what comes down to basically 5 weeks every 5 years, when those interested Canadians will watch the Olympics?

Some, not all, just see the medal counts and then assume the government is to blame. Some are just dull, some are just looking for a reason to bash the government.

Then rolling out the arguments for countries such as Australia and their funding. Well, most of that funding goes to certain events (swimming), in mainly only one Olympics (Summer).

The COC with their upgraded standards, have done the least expensive thing. It's raised the bar, which is a good first step.

Add to this, as of yesterday Canadian swimmers had 2 personal bests out of 50 or so performances. The rest, couldn't cut it when it came down to it. One of the biggest complainers last time (Malar in swimming) couldn't cut it to even qualify.

Maybe better physc training? Sure, maybe. But thats a little different then physical training and coaching and facilities that a lot of the funding would go to..when the athletes can't perform up to their own personal stanadards, its tough to lay the blame squarly on funding.

Hey, I'd be for upgraded funding...and willing to pay for it through higher taxes. But its a tough sell in this country, when, after the Olympic spolight fades, so does the intensityof the debate...as often times the media moves onto another government or societial issue....and people in this country find something else to complain about.

Its about feeling embarassed in regards to national pride it seems when the Olympics are on, but prioirty #72 come September for most people in this country.

08-17-2004, 10:38 PM	#7
browna Franchise Player Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Calgary Exp:	Let me start by saying this...I am big into sports and have been my whole life, and my wife was some polticial games away from going to Olympic Swimming Trials herself in the late 80s. Not to defend the government, but lets say this....how many people give two craps about amateur athletics outside of the Olympics? Enough to pay more taxes to fund athletes? I mean, the argument can be made about other programs etc taking funding. But do you think any government would gain huge support for an 50% increase in funding for what comes down to basically 5 weeks every 5 years, when those interested Canadians will watch the Olympics? Some, not all, just see the medal counts and then assume the government is to blame. Some are just dull, some are just looking for a reason to bash the government. Then rolling out the arguments for countries such as Australia and their funding. Well, most of that funding goes to certain events (swimming), in mainly only one Olympics (Summer). The COC with their upgraded standards, have done the least expensive thing. It's raised the bar, which is a good first step. Add to this, as of yesterday Canadian swimmers had 2 personal bests out of 50 or so performances. The rest, couldn't cut it when it came down to it. One of the biggest complainers last time (Malar in swimming) couldn't cut it to even qualify. Maybe better physc training? Sure, maybe. But thats a little different then physical training and coaching and facilities that a lot of the funding would go to..when the athletes can't perform up to their own personal stanadards, its tough to lay the blame squarly on funding. Hey, I'd be for upgraded funding...and willing to pay for it through higher taxes. But its a tough sell in this country, when, after the Olympic spolight fades, so does the intensityof the debate...as often times the media moves onto another government or societial issue....and people in this country find something else to complain about. Its about feeling embarassed in regards to national pride it seems when the Olympics are on, but prioirty #72 come September for most people in this country.