Today the 2010 Australian Olympic Team made themselves known in Vancouver. A giant banner has been unfurled from the 8th floor of the Athlete’s Village featuring a boxing kangaroo on a green field with yellow stars. This flag was first adopted by the Australian Team in 2000 and has been used as their mascot ever since.
I like their team’s spirit, but be prepared for a quick welcome to Vancouver; I can’t see VANOC allowing this to stay up too long.
UPDATE [Friday, February 5th]:
Apparently it is IOC, not VANOC, that has an issue with the banner because the image is trademarked. Both Surrey’s mayor and Vancouver’s mayor have come out in support of the Australian Team and their right to display the team’s flag and both have offered to find a place for the banner if the Aussies have to take it down.
A giant flag featuring the Australian Olympic Team's mascot has been unfurled over the Athlete's Village.
Detail of the flag hanging from the 8th floor balcony.
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Tags: Athlete's Village, Olympics Photos, Vancouver
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Jack, is his name. He first came to light in 1891. In 19 41 the RAAF stenciled Jack on their fighter planes and bombers. Then he was seen on the Americas cup challenge in 1983. Jack is now a national symbol of Australia’s fighht to be the best, and fair play. You’ll see Jack wherever you see a national Australian sport.
Thankfully common sense has prevailed here and the IOC have backed off and let the Boxing Kangaroo continue to hang from the Olympic Village balconies.