Cash-strapped VANOC is selling 20 of the 23 podiums built for the 2010 Winter Olympics to the highest bidder.

"Not sure yet where they will go, but three will be kept," said VANOC CEO John Furlong. "We will make that decision in the future but they will be in a place where people can go and look at them and relive the stories of the Games."

Gameday Auction is the VANOC memorabilia licensee, but B.C. Sports Hall of Fame president Sue Griffin hopes one of the podiums will end up in the B.C. Place Stadium sports shrine. The most coveted will be the podium mounted by the first Canadian to win gold on home ice or snow.

"You're talking about inspiring generations to come," Griffin said.

The podiums were built from wood donated by B.C. communities, First Nations and businesses. Each was assembled at the East Vancouver Rona Fabrication Shop from more than 200 pieces processed at UBC. The model Furlong and Premier Gordon Campbell unveiled Tuesday was fashioned from Douglas fir cut at the Powell River community forest.

VANOC also unveiled the wooden trays for medals, flower bouquets and Aritzia provided fashions medal-bearers and athlete escorts will wear.

Bob Mackin reports for 24 Hours Vancouver.