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Why the Olympics Stink… and Why They Don’t
Friday, February 7, 2020 @ 7:00 pm
Donations at the door or when you watch online are voluntary and only partially cover program costs. If you agree that continuing education is worth the investment, We’d love to hear from you.
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Almost no sporting event captures the imagination like an Olympic Games. Unlike Soccer’s World Cup or the NFL’s Super Bowl, there’s a whole smorgasbord of different sports and disciplines on display. And you get to cheer for your own country to do well. What’s not to love? But not all is gold medals and glory. The Olympics has morphed from an idealistic 19th century idea to a 21st century corporate juggernaut. Along the way it has picked up elements of fascist spectacle, capitalist ideology and unrestrained nationalism. Within those problematic realities, there still exist the moments of inspiration, joy and tragedy. How to watch and enjoy the good stuff while not forgetting the bad stuff?
BIOGRAPHY:
Kevin Sylvester is an award winning illustrator, author and broadcaster. He’s known for his wide range of interests, which made him a popular sports commentator for CBC Radio, where he continues to fill in from time to time. Kevin has had a lifelong love, and hate, for sports. He covered more than ten Olympic Games in his time as a CBC sportscaster, and has continued to write sports-books for kids. Those books include Gold Medal for Weird, Basketballogy, and Baseballogy. He also writes and illustrates everything from picture books (such as Gargantua (Jr.): Defender of Earth) to middle grade detective novels and science fiction (Neil Flambé, Mucus Mayhem, MINRs).