Meet Kathy deLisser, YVR’s Manager of 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Operations. Kathy is one of the 400 people who work here at the Airport Authority and it’s her job to keep our planning and preparations on track in the lead up to the 2010 Winter Games.
Kathy’s worked with the Airport Authority since 1994. She is managing the specific needs of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, officials, VIPs and spectators who will be travelling through YVR in February and March of 2010.
Throughout each test event this past winter, Kathy and her colleagues determined a focus for the event that will mirror the Games-time experience. For example, the World Press Briefing brought 300-plus international journalists through YVR for a logistics briefing on the Games. Kathy chose to test dedicated lanes for arrival processes and coordination and integration of transportation services between VANOC and YVR.
The best part of Kathy’s job? “Being exposed to the excitement of an Olympic Games from a planning perspective. This role has given me the opportunity to learn so much about the Olympic Games and the immense preparations required to stage them. I get to talk to hundreds of international athletes and 2010 medal hopefuls about their expectations for a smooth airport experience in 2010.”
Of all the sports in 2010 Kathy is most looking forward to speed skating. “It’s one of the most exciting spectator sports I’ve ever enjoyed. The speed and aggression with which these athletes compete is incredible.” It also helps that the Richmond Olympic Oval is a neighbor to YVR. “Every day I look out of our office windows at the Oval, and it’s a great reminder of our connection to the Games.”
