Re: The Winter Olympics were a waste of money — March 3

While I understand where community editorial board columnist Ryan Regier is coming from, I have to say I respectfully disagree. The same argument — that the money could have been better used elsewhere — is commonly employed against artistic and athletic endeavours at all levels in this country. It concerns me that if people are willing to employ such arguments against events as global and epic as the Olympics, the local skating clubs and amateur theatre groups don’t stand a chance.

Some may say the two are unconnected, but on the contrary, if we don’t support our athletes on an international level, if we don’t support artistic and cultural displays (of which the opening and closing ceremonies were stunning examples), how can we expect art, culture and athletics to flourish in Canada on any level?

The Olympics, in my opinion, provide us with something that money can’t buy: inspiration and encouragement. There will always be better places for money to go. But if diverting such money elsewhere means the eradication of arts, culture and athletics in this country, that’s not a price I’m willing to pay.