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Edition no. 64 March 2010 |
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Canada shares its heart of gold |
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Vancouver will never be the same again |
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By Thomas Terrio |
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There are not many times in one’s life when a person can be part of something greater than themselves, however the 2010 Winter Olympic Games here in Vancouver has been such an occasion. Today I am so proud to be living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; so proud of what we have accomplished as a city, a province and nation. In my view, none of Canada’s athletes let the country down; and the people who live here in British Columbia “ The Best place on Earth,” participated more than expected and were more than gracious to everyone who came from around the world to visit. Despite all the ill luck and unfortunate circumstances surrounding the games, such as the death of Georgian bobsleigher Nodar Kumaritashvili, the lack of snow, and astronomical cost of securing the games, most people will agree the games were a resounding success with Canada capturing a record 14 gold medals for a host nation. Not to take away from any of the other athletes, most would argue, without the win in men’s hockey over the Americans with Sidney Crosby’s golden goal, the Vancouver games would not have the same luster they do today. Indeed, hockey as our national sport was once again the key to completing the Winter Olympic Games successfully. A silver medal would have meant little. Without the gold medal in men’s hockey, the games would have been defined much differently. Making fun in the closing ceremonies of the broken torch arm incident in the opening ceremonies was a classy way to prove how human error can be replaced with laughter, even when the circumstances are serious. Today, Canada is better, stronger, and more mature a nation because we have discovered Canadian patriotism in a new way. Canadians everywhere shared their heart of gold. Metro Vancouver will never be the same again. We are not perfect and yes, there is still much work to do. However, the one thing which will resonate the most from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver will be the idea if you believe in something and work hard enough towards it—anything is possible here in this great land. After all is done and the volunteers who gave so graciously of their energy move-on, it’s now time to say good-bye to everyone who visited. Thank you for coming. And like any great party or gathering which was a grand success, it’s time to pay the bill—l’addition sil vous plait. |
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Sports is human life in microcosm. |
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It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell. |
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Afterthoughts |
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Page design by Thomas Terrio www.viewfromthewest.ca ©2010 All rights reserved |
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View from the West |
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Thank you to all the visitors, volunteers and athletes, who participated in the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games |
