General

“Canadian Olympic hospitality appears to be cold, aggressive and overcompetitive”

The Times is unimpressed by Vanoc’s 128-page etiquette guide

Canada’s “charm offensive,” The Times says, is reminiscent of Beijing’s laughable state-sanctioned Olympic etiquette of two years ago. The 128-page document that was circulated among Vanoc employees includes instructions like: “hair should be kept tidy yet stylish,” “Never dress in clothes that are too tight…They make a slim person look gaunt and a large person look heavier,” and,  “Avoid wearing short socks. If they are too short, they may show bare leg when you sit down.” The Times cites Canada’s ambitious ‘Own The Podium’ program as another example of how Vancouver is distorting the spirit of the Games by “squeezing out every element of home advantage.” Says Sir Clive Woodward, the performance director of the British Olympic Association: “It’s an interesting take on what home advantage actually means and their definition, to be fair, surprised me. It’s a moot point whether its against Olympic spirit.”

Times Online

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