CBC's Andrew Chang in Rio: pin trading pandemonium
Chang explores the pin bargains to be found at the 2016 Olympics
One of the many things that surprised me in Sochi for the 2014 Olympic Games was just how big a deal pin-trading was. Journalists are especially addicted to it.
Here's how it works: Broadcasters from around the world who have secured exclusive rights to televise the Olympics (like CBC has for Canada) will have custom, Olympic-themed pins.
Many businesses that are officially affiliated with the Games will do the same, as will the Olympic hosts themselves. You can also buy a huge variety of pins from gift shops.
That makes for a lot of different Olympic pins out there.
So while the Olympics are a time of celebration, sport and togetherness — many journalists also want a piece of the action.
Outside the main media centre, pin traders are at it all hours of the day. They bring pins not just from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, but also from every other Olympics they've ever been to or at least those from which they've managed to secure a pin.
Some pins are rarer than others — and those people who've amassed a larger collection will often drive a hard bargain. If you see a pin you like, be prepared to offer two of whatever it is you have in your pocket.
At least.
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