体坛英语资讯：Canadian BC premier: Winter Olympics to create jobs_娱乐

体坛英语资讯：Canadian BC premier: Winter Olympics to create jobs

"They have exceeded sponsorship expectations, they have exceeded broadcast revenue expectations and tickets are effectively sold out now. All of those are generating revenues, which is paying for the Olympics."

Canada will be looking to reach the top of the podium in Vancouver and Whistler as its athletes have failed to win a gold medal in the country's two previous hosting of Olympiads at the 1976 Montreal Summer Games and the 1988 Calgary Winter Games. It is the only host country never to see its athletes win on home soil.

The distinctive medal podiums being used for the Games, 23 in all, are shaped like Vancouver Island and each feature more than 200 pieces indigenous wood from around the forestry-rich province. The fluid, wave-like pattern of the wood is said to echo the undulating peaks and ridges of the Coast Mountain Range.

Also unveiled were the three victory ceremony costumes designed by Canadian-Japanese Yumi Eto. The pieces include a midnight navy and blue "vintage inspired" ski coat adorned with Aboriginal artwork, and a chunky hand-knit heritage sweater, cinched at the waist with a hand-tooled belt. The outdoor version of the latter comes with a dark blue cocoon parka.

With the Games just 10 days away, Campbell added Vancouver and Whistler's hosting of the 21st Winter Olympics had lifted the spirits of a nation coming to terms with the current economic downturn.

"We've seen that in Canada, we've seen the torch go out to every province and touch literally millions of lives. What you can't ever measure is that the inspiration of young people is part of the Olympics. It might be a young artist .. a young speedskater," he said.