Vancouver Information and Newspaper

Hundreds of demonstrators turned out for the poverty torch relay in downtown Vancouver yesterday to spread the message that money should be spent on fighting poverty, not staging the Olympic Games.

A poverty Olympics was also held, featuring events that can only be described as unique.

Protesters wore eclectic costumes and carried signs and posters that read Homes Not Games and End Poverty, It’s Not a Game.

The rally also attracted some members of the international media.

Amidst events with names like housing hurdles and the broken-promise slalom, speakers passionately argued the Canadian and B.C. governments should spend money on housing.

“We are pressuring the government to do a few simple things — raise welfare, raise minimum wage and build social housing,” said Trish Garner, who helped organize the mock torch relay.

“Better yet, shift priorities from Olympic spending to a poverty-reduction plan.”

Others at the rally decried condo ownership and amassing personal wealth.