If members of the International Olympic Committee had it their way, viewers and spectators would be exposed only to the logos of official corporate sponsors. Barring that perfect world, the IOC is doing its darndest to limit brand-name sightings at the Games, and apparently it is doing so with tape.
If members of the International Olympic Committee had it their way, viewers and spectators would be exposed only to the logos of official corporate sponsors. Barring that perfect world, the IOC is doing its darndest to limit brand-name sightings at the Games, and apparently it is doing so with tape.
In dormitories and arena bathrooms, pieces of tape were reportedly used to cover logos on light switches, soap dispensers, fire extinguishers and American Standard urinals.
This, the committee said, is part of its "clean venue policy" and stems from IOC rule No. 51, which bars advertisements, demonstrations and propaganda.
U.S. goalies Ryan Miller and Jonathan Quick felt the wrath of Rule No. 51 when they were asked to shield graffiti on their masks. Mr. Miller's "Miller Time" insignia was deemed a violation, as was Mr. Quick's "Support our Troops."
A 50-metre flag of a kangaroo wearing red boxing gloves was also considered a rule-breaker, and the committee ordered the Australian Olympic team to take down the giant flag from the side of a condominium building.
But the rule is not new to the Vancouver Games: Four years ago at the Turin 2006 Winter Games, a journalist at a figure skating event was forced to cover the Apple logo on the lid of her laptop.
-- Kathryn Blaze Carlson, National Post
