VANOC management is in a "pressure cooker environment," according to the 2010 Winter Olympics' chairman.

Jack Poole said yesterday after 2009's third closed-door board meeting that the organizing committee monitors daily the "domestic and international sponsorship funds committed but not yet received."

The amount owing was not disclosed, but VANOC claims it has contracts for $753.3 million, which is 1 per cent shy of its goal.

VANOC officials say no sponsors have defaulted on cash payments or goods and services. But Nortel is in bankruptcy and General Motors is expected to follow.

No Olympic Games' organizer has wrestled with such a global recession.

"While the activity planned by the sponsors is compelling, it's fairly clear also that our sponsors and our partners are all having to deal with these new challenges that all of us are confronting for the first time in our lifetime," conceded CEO John Furlong.

Poole said Vancouver Olympic Village construction "is very close to VANOC's schedule." Commercial space outfitting at the $1.1-billion complex begins in August. VANOC occupancy is scheduled for Nov. 1.

An April 9 WorkSafeBC inspection report found roof control workers at ceremonies venue B.C. Place Stadium were not properly trained. Neither Poole nor Furlong would say whether VANOC has discussed the safety troubles with operator B.C. Pavilion Corporation.

"We believe every (partner) will meet their obligation to us and deliver us the venue we want in the condition we want," Furlong said.

Bob Mackin reports for Vancouver 24 hours.