I am interested to see, as I travel, how the rest of the province is doing with the Olympic spirit and then how the rest of Alberta is doing with the spirit.
So, now that I’m officially done my volunteer shift, I need to write down some things that have come to mind that I just don’t want to forget, so you’ll have bear with me…
“With Glowing Hearts” – That’s the tag line from the games. I never really noticed it prior to being here and the more I’m here, the more I realized how appropriate. I tried to figure out how to get a poster out of our rink with no success but in my souvenir shopping today I found two great posters that I will frame with some of the other souvenirs that I have gathered. We’ve had some discussions about how many emotions and thoughts ‘with glowing hearts’ brings about now…. I’d love to see some comments from those not in Vancouver about whether you’ve noticed the tag line and what sort of thoughts you have about it… Personally, I think the marketing person or team is absolutely amazing… they allowed the sponsors to use the VANOC logos - the blue, green rink boards that you see in hockey, figure skating, speed skating – pretty much any background can also be seen on GMC dealerships, Petro Canada Station (fueling our athletes) and so on… Every bus, train and stations shows nothing but ads for the Olympics or their sponsors. It’s truly so well integrated…
Day 12 of the Games and I’m watching Ashley McIvor’s victory ceremony – crowd is still singing as loud as the first Canadian Medal…. How proud can we be of our athletes – so many firsts, so many personal bests… And when in the history of our Nation, have we ever, won so many GOLD medals…?? And has anyone heard the national anthem so many times yet everyone is still singing O Canada just like the games started… As I sit tonight and watch the ceremonies, I wonder how this has changed not just me, but everyone who calls themselves Canadian? How many young athletes are being influenced by these games? How many of us (weekend athletes) want to do more with our lives – go for that extra walk/run/workout – or volunteer for one more event? But still remembering that above all – make it fun – Colin Montgomery is the picture of fun for me for these games – how happy and excited he was and celebratory… Celebration of things going well is something I have difficulty with (my co-workers can attest to this) that I truly want to make part of my life.
Watching Joannie Rochette on the ice…. landing her jumps.. Here’s another Olympic story… Just like the Solvenia, cross country skier… Where does she find the strength to do what she is doing? Does she feel the strength from all of us watching? Does anyone watching this not cry??? Amazing.. absolutely amazing… I have to use Rod Black’s quote about one of the bravest young ladies out there… I don’t know many people that would have the fortitude that she is showing right now…. and I don’t know anyone – male or female that could be dry eyed after watching that performance or the shots that come after.
Another first for the games – if you haven’t been on the website for vancouver2010.com.. do so… it changes the way you watch some of the sports – for example, figure skating – I can see what jumps each skater is going to do and what they get scored… the live feed for the luge, bobsled and skelton is also amazing…
Yes, the games have had their challenges but overall, these have been Canada Games and I’ve been extremely lucky and proud to say that I’m a blue jacket….
Okay no pictures tonight but I’ll get some final ones up tomorrow… stay tuned for stories about the SUI-RUS women’s game, my run in with the men’s CZE host and my travels to Winfield….
The best part of the past couple of days – watching one last event, sunny skies, and my final volunteer gift (Swatch watch)…..
The worse part of the past couple of days – finding out there’s still snow in Calgary… and realizing that the Games are coming to an end…. it’s been so much fun, so many things to see and do and so many people that I have met that I’m sad it’s over…..
February 24, 2010 at 3:49 pm |
I LOVE the “with glowing hearts” logo. I noticed it right off the bat and thought it was so cool how they could mesh Canadian pride with the “humanity” theme the IOC is using. So very appropriate.
I also watched Ashleigh’s victory celebration and thought it was awesome that Oh Canada seems to be sung a little bit louder everytime it gets sung. I had curling on in the background one day and they had to stop the event and wait because of a spontaneous Oh Canada. SO fun! I have been wearing red all week too (there is only so many times I can wear my jersey to work). I say fooie to anyone who says these games aren’t a success for Canada.
Looking forward to seeing you back in the snow (though it may not last long according to the weather reports). Thank you for the gift of your thoughts over this time, it has really connected me to the games besides over a tv or on a website….
February 27, 2010 at 4:13 am |
Having experienced the games in Calgary in 1988, I didn’t think it could be beat…Vancouver has at least matched the if not outdone the pride we have as Canadians.
There are no words to say how proud I am to be Canadian…like others, I might only be 2nd generation, but I think that is what makes us who we are as a nation. We know the stories of our grandparents…or even parents and the struggles they endured to make the lives of their children and grandchildren easier.
There may be days where we all feel like we can’t take much more…but all we need to remember is how much others have had to endure to make our lives better.
That is what has me tearing up each time I hear O Canada…