A strong message by IOC officials to Vancouver 2010 following a three day seminar on the 2010 Winter Games is for them to name a chief executive officer as soon as possible.
Rene Fasel, chairman of the IOC coordination commission for the 2010 Games said, “we don’t put the pressure on who it will be but we need the person who can share and organize and lead. It will be good if they make the call”.
Since Vancouver won the Games July 2, a transition team has been working on closing the bid committee’s books and appointing a 20-member board of directors.
Although a committee has been formed and is looking for a head-hunting firm to conduct the search, a CEO isn’t expected to be named until early next year.
John Furlong, former president of Vancouver’s 2010 bid, has said he would like the CEO job.
During the seminar, experts from organizing committees of past and future Games advised Vancouver officials.
Felli told the Canadian Press Saturday, “it was very important for them to understand the scope of what they have to do is this. I think the information we gave this morning will also help them see what direction they have to go”.
Jack Poole, chairman of the 2010 board of directors, said finding the right person takes time.
This is the first time the IOC has held a transfer of knowledge seminar for a Games organizing committee.
Felli added that it was important the different Games partners – the provincial, federal and municipal governments; The Canadian Olympic Committee; and the board of directors – stay in communication.
Meanwhile, local officials and IOC members don’t seem too concerned about two recent environmental issues that could affect the Games.
Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans warned of potential environmental problems from a planned upgrade of the narrow and windy highway leading from Vancouver to Whistler, where some of the venues will be located.
Rene Fasel, chair of the IOC’s Vancouver coordination committee said, “we trust the people here will find a solution. The IOC has a strong commitment to the environment, in favour of a sustainable legacy”.
And last week a geological engineer warned a slab of earth in the slopes above Whistler could give way because of recent heavy rains, and bury part of the valley town unless diversion channels are constructed.
Poole said the threat of a landslide has always existed. He added that it wasn’t the jurisdiction of Olympic organizers. “It’s between Whistler and the province. It’s not on our radar screen”.
