Vancouver says security not a concern

Organisers of the 2010 Winter Olympics said last weekend they have no concerns about the safety of the Games, despite complaints from within Canada's national police force that not enough money has been allocated for security. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police had budgeted C$175 million ($166 million) for the Games when Vancouver was awarded the event in 2003, but internal documents obtained by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. said that as early as 2005 officials within the RCMP felt that was not enough money.

The Mounties are responsible for all security at the competition on Canada's Pacific coast, although they are expected to receive assistance from other federal agencies including the military.

Vancouver Organising Committee (VANOC) Chief Executive John Furlong said his organisation was still waiting for the RCMP to complete its business plan for security, but has not heard any direct complaints from police about funding levels.

"This is a very complex document they are working through," Furlong told reporters in Whistler, the mountain resort about 110 km (70 miles) from Vancouver where many of the skiing events will be held.

"We have great confidence in them and we believe they are going to do a superb job. And I think that's what the public wants to hear as well, that it is going to be a safe Games."

VANOC has said it will cost about C$2.1 billion to host the Games, including C$580 million in public funding to be used on venues construction. Security costs are not included in the budget and are being paid for by the federal government.

VANOC officials were in Whistler with reporters to show off construction on venues including those to be used for bobsleigh, biathlon and Alpine skiing, all of which are expected to be completed by this winter.

The 2010 officials said they remained confident they will meet their goal of having all the competition venues completed by mid-2008 to give athletes plenty of time to practice on them in pre-Olympic test events.

Construction officials said the advanced building schedule has also given them time to address problems such as excessive wind and to design venues that will be both challenging and enjoyable for the athletes.

"I think that athletes are going laugh when they're going through, they'll be having so much fun," said John Aalberg, VANOC's director of Nordic sports as he showed off the cross-country skiing course.