The Olympic podiums, on which the world’s medal-winning athletes stood proud, might not be up for grabs. But there’s 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.
“Who wouldn’t want to own a part of something so unique as the Olympics?” 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 your last chance to grab the rings – or at least something with the iconic logo printed on it.
Walden says they’ve 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. They’ve 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 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 province’s AIR employees.
“There’s been some interesting stuff come through here in the last year. It’s like Christmas day when we get something new in that’s a little weird or unique,” he said, citing Olympic shoe racks, fridges and towels.
The money raised through asset inventory recovery and government auctions covers the cost of doing business, said Melodie Wey, spokesperson with the Ministry of Citizens’ 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.
“It’s a great opportunity to get a piece of the Olympics while the opportunity’s still here,” Walden said. “This is one of your last chances to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.”
kslavin@saanichnews.com