Jul
Olympic golf or sailing?
Steve Acken
As China continues to take a rightful old arse kicking in the news these days leading up to the Olympics, it has been interesting as a communicator to watch how Beijing officials attempt to manage not only hostile protestors, but also resulting media coverage. From doping issues to human rights violations to tarnished torch relays – China has had its hands full. Now it appears that not even Mother Nature is content to sit this one out.
Pegged as “China’s latest Olympic nightmare,” green algae has taken over one third of the Olympic harbour where sailing events are set to take place in little over one month’s time.
Now I’m sure some of the commentary gets lost in translation, but a recent AP story had me wincing at some of the remarks made – and wondering if some folks will be getting into a lot more trouble than, say, a member of VANOC if one were to utter some less than positive words.
It’s obviously a serious situation, but I can’t help but wonder a couple things. First, how will China attempt to explain this away if the green sludge remains throughout the Games? And second, will we see some sort of brilliant stunt (ala Mir and Taco Bell) come to light from some golf or spinach marketing executive with lots to gain and little to risk?
Only time will tell.
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Yet another communications challenge for the Beijing team! At the very least, after the whole debacle of the Beijing Olympics is done, it will certainly make for an interesting communications / PR case study!
Just create a new sport, “an exciting last minute addition” – e.g. marsh canoeing or bog jumping….could play to Canada’s strenghts and help bump up our medal count at Beijing 2008.