The Olympic podiums, on which the worldB次元官网网址檚 medal-winning athletes stood proud, might not be up for grabs. But thereB次元官网网址檚 plenty of other 2010 Games paraphernalia sitting in a Saanich warehouse waiting to be sold off.
Everything from Olympic-brand scarves and torch relay uniforms to nightstands straight from the Vancouver and Whistler athletes villages are on sale.
B次元官网网址淲ho wouldnB次元官网网址檛 want to own a part of something so unique as the Olympics?B次元官网网址� said Leslie Walden, acting director of Asset Investment Recovery. The AIR warehouse on Glanford Avenue has racks of clothing and collectibles from the Games for sale.
Two lanyards go for a buck. An Olympic vest costs $20. Jackets are $50. Furniture starts at $10.
For anyone looking to rekindle that Olympic spirit felt by many this time last year, this sale could be the last chance to grab the rings B次元官网网址� or at least something with the iconic logo printed on it.
Walden says theyB次元官网网址檝e already sold 90 per cent of what came in last March, after the 12-day event wrapped, and expects to see all of it gone by the end of next month. AIR also has warehouses in Surrey and Prince George with Games flotsam.
Among the items that are sold out are props from the opening and closing ceremonies, televisions and kitchen appliances. TheyB次元官网网址檝e also sold out of snowcats, snowmobiles, national flags and immense Olympic banners leftover after the Games.
Rarer items, such as Olympic torches, are available through www.bcauction.ca.
Tom Bagley, manager of IT asset disposal and secure media destruction, says the months since the Olympics ended have been a blur and a flurry of excitement for the provinceB次元官网网址檚 AIR employees.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 been some interesting stuff come through here in the last year. ItB次元官网网址檚 like Christmas day when we get something new in thatB次元官网网址檚 a little weird or unique,B次元官网网址� he said, citing Olympic shoe racks, fridges and towels.
The money raised through asset recovery and government auctions covers the cost of doing business, said Melodie Wey, spokesperson with the Ministry of CitizensB次元官网网址� Services. Any extra money is considered provincial revenue.
The AIR warehouse is located at 4234 Glanford Ave. and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday for cash-and-carry purchases.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a great opportunity to get a piece of the Olympics while the opportunityB次元官网网址檚 still here,B次元官网网址� Walden said. B次元官网网址淭his is one of your last chances to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.B次元官网网址�
kslavin@saanichnews.com
