Media coverage of the Olympic torch relay will follow a strict minute to minute timeline, Games organizers said Thursday evening.
“Help us make this a great event by following our directions,” VANOC spokesperson Sebastian Theberge told dozens of reporters – some from as far as Japan and the Czech Republic – under a light drizzle.
Olympics organizers outlined a detailed series of instructions to journalists hoping to film, photograph and report on the relay.
The flame will first touch down at the west side of the Victoria International Airport at 7:15 am. From then on, organizers – and journalists – have to meet a tight series of deadlines.
Originally, reporters were told the flame would cross Victoria’s harbour in a canoe at 9:20 am. But after a speedy rehearsal, that time has been moved to about 9:25 am.
It’ll be followed by a five minute ceremony on the docks, then an 11 to 12 minute walk up to the main stage in front of the Parliament buildings.
Reporters who film the canoe from a special media zone can’t walk with the flame to the stage unless they stay 50 to 80 feet in front of the march.
“We won’t let people follow the procession, that’s really important,” Theberge said. “It’s not a security issue, it’s just to manage the show.”
Organizers expect anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 people to attend the torch relay ceremonies. Reporters have to be tightly managed with such a crowd, Theberge said.
Geoff Dembicki reports for the Tyee.
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mcdull
2 years ago
Lets see spirit
Looks to me like they may have more reporters than fans. May it rain on your parade. Our mayor asked if I was going to see the torch as it travels through town. I said nope I'm leaving town because I am not interested. Haven't watched the prolympics since they were in Seoul. Everyone I've asked has said going to what. The big city papers keep telling me we wax entusiastic (or maybe just spastic)
Norman Farrell
2 years ago
Blue screen?
Cheaper to do this here. We have plenty of studios that could have added thousands of CGI generated enthusiasts. As it is, one might think the only people present were the ones that flew in from BC. And that, apparently costs about $1,500 a day. Hmmm.
A vacation in Greece. Yes, on my list for someday, if I can afford to do it.
DPL
2 years ago
No doubt they have scripted
No doubt they have scripted this non event to the minute. Heck as they script things, our dollars flow and more and more programs get cut. That thing passes right outside our door this morning. The blinds will not be open, we will not be on the sidewalk. We can script things too and we do it for nothing. 250 cops in Victoria to keep this charade going. Wonder if we will ever get a true accounting of this idiotic cruise around the country. Gordo might even get to keep his little red mittens and scarf.
DPL
2 years ago
Turns out the scripting to
Turns out the scripting to the minute started off with a late arrival at YYJ. But I guess that's a bit picky. Some folks are still blocking parts of the lower numbered Esquimat rd and it was supposed be past the point quite awhile ago. Why do I care? Simple I wanted to go to the rec center in Esuqimalt this morning but the circus got in the way
Al
2 years ago
“Help us make this a great
“Help us make this a great event by following our directions,”
“It’s not a security issue, it’s just to manage the show.”
So, even the mouthpieces admit that it doesn't really have anything to do with sports, fairplay, international cooperation or anything else the olympics supposedly stand for.
It's all just a show, a sham, a media event. And people have to try to sleep under the clouds in the rain, wait for hospital beds, and other such atrocities.
Shame!!