Olympic Gold

I'm thoroughly exhausted after Canada's win in Olympic hockey. What a game! And what a metaphor for the whole of the 2010 Vancouver Winter games. Hard work, perseverance and ignoring the sceptics wins the day. There were times when we thought it would be over before it began, there were nay-sayers who thought it couldn't be done and there were those faint of heart who didn't think it would be a success. But like our wonderful Team Canada, VANOC, Vancouver/Whistler, the Four Host Nations and the real people of Vancouver showed the world what it means to be Canadian. I am glad we hosted the games, I am glad they were a success, and I am glad so many people all over the world came to know our beautiful city.

But it is not over yet: in another couple of days we will host the 2010 Paralympic games. Hold on to your hats and stay tuned to your TV, more incredible athletics on their way!

Golden Moments

It is hard not to be proud when "Canada" wins gold at the Olympics. I think even the most cynical amongst us must smile. Watching Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir took my breathe away, seeing the Canadian women take the hockey gold was simply stunning, and witnessing Joannie Rochette win Bronze was awe inspiring. All of our athletes are 'gold' and have represented Canada with grace, dignity and honour. Knowing that the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has facilities that local athletes can practice at and become world class makes me proud too. Long after the 2010 games are over, our kids will be enjoying the facilities built for the Olympics. We can be thankful that the citizens of Vancouver think parks and recreation are important. Investing now means plenty of golden moments in the years to come.

Let the Games Begin!

Whether you were a supporter of the Olympic bid or not I think it is time to rally behind this global event. Like it or not the games are here. Now is our chance to show the world what Vancouver and Canadians are like--hospitable, generous and competitive. I was very disappointed that protesters disrupted the torch run on the last day so that the kids from Britannia who had come out to see it pass missed out; not to mention the veterans who also missed the torch pass because of a detour to avoid protesters. By all means protest if you want to, but do not deny others the joy, the excitement and the pleasure of this once in a lifetime event. As my dad used to say, 'the right to swing your fist ends at the tip of my nose'. There is a time and place to protest, the relay was not one.

The opening ceremonies were fabulous; I enjoyed watching them at home. Now I will watch with eager anticipation as Canada goes for the gold. Whether we win one, two or more of those elusive medals is really beside the point. The world is watching. Let's show them who we are. Let's be the best that we can be. (Go Canada Go)