Vancouver organizers defend games amid criticism

(AP) — The head of the Vancouver Olympics has defended the games after scathing criticism of the fenced-in flame, ticket cancellations, ice machine breakdowns and other glitches.

John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver organizing committee, says the problems are being fixed and the games are inspiring euphoria across the country.

Furlong says he has read the media criticism and calls some of it untrue and unfair.

Furlong said Wednesday that "when we make mistakes, we have to fix them."

Organizers addressed a key complaint Wednesday when they opened greater public access to the Olympic cauldron along the Vancouver waterfront.