CTV comments on Lebanese Olympian, in the super G race

CTV covered the Alpine Skiing - Ladies' super G on February 20th at 10:00 AM. In commenting on the Lebanese participant, they alternated between ignoring her and making condescending comments.

I find it anti-olympics spirit (and colonial) of the commentator to say "it's difficult to ski for countries like that... because you haven't inspiring people [like Canada's champions] to make you aspire to great things"! Pigeon-holing small countries in the Olympics negate the spirit of the Olympics, an event that is supposed to be particularly supportive of athletes that make it to the Olympics against all odds!
I say we write CTV about that. The event covered and commented on was Alpine Skiing - Ladies' super G on February 20th at 10:00 AM. Their email is news@ctv.ca

PS: Ironic that Canada considers itself more international-minded than the US. While a Canadian commentator said "it's hard to ski for a country like that", CNN made this accurate and uplifting report on skiing in Lebanon: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/02/24/lebanon.olympics.skiing/index.html

We support Team Lebanon in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics by watching!

Dear Lebanese

Please support TEAM LEBANON in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and watch them on their scheduled competitions. Lebanon is the only Arabic country with participants this year.

Here are some info about one of the three of the Team Lebanon members, Chirine Njeim.

Chirine Njeim, a 24 year old Lebanese attending the university of Utah is representing Lebanon at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in skiing disciplines on the 20th, 24nd and 26th of February in Whistler Village. Against all odds, this brave young woman is heading to the contest with the Lebanese delegation .

Chirine left Lebanon at the age of 16 after convincing her parents to allow her to pursue her passion in skiing while training in Utah and attending university. She has consistently pursued and excelled at many skiing disciplines, proudly representing Lebanon once before. This is her second and most qualified attempt as winning an Olympic medal.Hoping we can generate some support for Chirine, since her parents are not able to attend in person. I am asking all groups in all cities to mobilize what they can in contacting those they know in Vancouver or neighboring areas to ask them to attend and support Chirine by waving Lebanese Flags, being vocal during the competition, and on facebook

Don't Forget the Dates
February 24, 2010
10:00 - Alpine Skiing - Ladies' Giant Slalom 1st Run
Medal Event
13:15 - Alpine Skiing - Ladies' Giant Slalom 2nd Run
February 26, 2010
10:00 - Alpine Skiing - Ladies' Slalom 1st Run
Medal Event
13:30 - Alpine Skiing - Ladies' Slalom 2nd Run

Feb. 20th results for Ladies Super-G

Chirine on ESPN

As expected from a corrupt government the Lebanese ski federation was useless to the Lebanese Olympian.