Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
But just as case for public funds for a new arena is undermined by the reality that average Calgarians can't afford to attend entertainment events that increasingly cater to the wealthy, these sporting facilities will be used almost exclusively by the children of the affluent. Many winter sports today are effectively restricted to the wealthy, who can afford thousands of dollars a year for elite training starting at age nine. Is it really a great public benefit that southern Alberta would have some new ski jumps and slalom courses for a handful of the children of the affluent to train on?
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That's a ridiculous argument. Sure, if you want to compete at the top level you need a serious commitment, but that's not different than anything. Are you saying the general population has had no benefit from an expanded COP, the Canmore Nordic Centre(which was basically free to use for a few decades, and still is in the summer), the Oval(I've got 2 step sisters that used it for speed skating for years, and their parents are far from loaded)...you don't have to do elite training to see a big benefit in these facilities, beyond getting kids interested in sport, and being active they also have financial benefits. Canmore has played host to all manner of ski and bike races, bringing millions of dollars in. Same with the Oval.