Fleishman Hillard: The Political View

In just over 24 hours, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games will begin and Canada will bask in the world spotlight for two weeks. It’s an event that is first and foremost about sport, international competition and human achievement. But it’s also a critical time for municipal, provincial and federal leaders of the host country to demonstrate that they have done a good job planning for the big event.

At Fleishman-Hillard, we’ll be tracking the Olympic action on our new blog Winter Games Connect. Our emphasis is on social media and how technology is changing the way people experience major sporting events. Our bloggers from Vancouver, across Canada and in Olympic host cities like London, Sydney and Beijing will also comment on the business of the Games and how governments are engaged.

So what are the basic political dynamics that play out at an Olympic Games? For 2010, the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) is responsible for running the competitions, selling and processing tickets, staging inspiring ceremonies and ensuring that athletes, coaches, VIPs, sponsors and spectators get in and out of venues efficiently. These activities are at the heart of staging a successful Games, and by all accounts VANOC is well prepared. Our governments, on the other hand, are the hosts of the Games. They are responsible for many other critical aspects such as security and transportation infrastructure. Perhaps most importantly, our elected leaders and the professionals under their charge must make every effort to leverage the Olympic Games for our collective benefit. That means taking advantage of the world spotlight to promote Canada, hosting visiting dignitaries and business leaders in order to generate inward investment, and creating lasting legacies in terms of sport, arts and culture, technology and community building.

Already, the federal government has come under criticism for what looks to be a rather underwhelming Canadian pavilion at the downtown Vancouver public live site for the 2010 Games. The multi-million-dollar white tent does not look impressive from the outside, but the facility doesn’t open until Saturday so I’ll give the Feds the benefit of the doubt on this one. I hope to be dazzled when I step inside.

Today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in Victoria to speak to the BC Legislative Assembly on the eve of the Olympic Games and he will no doubt send a message of national solidarity as Canada gets ready for its close-up. So far, Harper’s approach seems to be all business, whereas BC Premier Gordon Campbell seems to be having a little more fun playing host. Last week he put on a hard hat and safety harness for a ride on the new zip line ride in downtown Vancouver. As my colleague Don Stickney reported on Winter Games Connect, Premier Campbell was all smiles for the camera as he flew over Robson Square to test the new Olympic attraction.

FH’s Winter Games Connect blog will be reporting on these and other newsworthy topics during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Bookmark the site and please join the conversation. Now let the Games begin!