2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Visit

March 5, 2010

Last weekend, like 80-percent of Canadians, I watched the unbelievable finish of the men’s gold medal hockey game and closing ceremonies.

At the beginning of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, my family and I traveled to Whistler Village to visit my sister and her family, visiting from Toronto, and took in some amazing events. Whistler was unbelievable! As soon as we arrived, we were transformed by the energy of the village. You truly could have just walked around the village and felt that you were part of the Olympics.

We attended ski jumping and Nordic combined events during the day; in the evening, we attended the victory ceremonies. Seeing such strong, brave athletes in tears as the received their medals gave me butterflies in my stomach. I couldn't stop looking at my daughters, aged 8 and 10, as they watched these exciting events. Sometimes, you have to remind your children how lucky they are. That day, I didn't have to – you could see it in their eyes.

Later on in the Games, I attended an ice dancing event by myself, taking in the excitement and opportunity myself. Although the media spoke negatively about the weather, many referring to it as the “Spring Games”, I thought the city looked marvelous! British Columbia is a beautiful province, so stated on our license plates, and what a better time to show this to the world.

While many people stood in line for hours to purchase clothing, to view medals and visit the various pavilions around the downtown core, before my event I wandered around the streets people watching. There were endless amounts of people roaming the streets of Vancouver, all different nationalities, residents and visitors alike. I have never seen so many people in such a relaxed, happy mood, many dressed in a sea of red-and-white patriotic pride.

My favourite part of the Olympic Games was how much my daughter’s learned from the experience. When the Games started, they understood that there were hundreds of people from around the world coming to British Columbia to play sports. After our Canadian men won their 3rd gold medal in a row, Sophie and Charlotte stood tall and proud in our living room and sang O Canada. Now they understand how great it is to be a Canadian!

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