Music Legends to Close

Neil Young, Alanis Morrissette, Avril Lavigne, Michael Buble, Simple Plan and Hedley all helped to close the Games.

In an entertaining finish, the Olympic flag was passed to Sochi, the flame was extinguished and Jacques Rogge called the Games "excellent and friendly".

What a party for the past 17 days. What a finish - from Alex Bilodeau to Team Canada (hockey), we were mezmorized with our flag and nation.

Canada! Vancouver! Atta boy!



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Location:BC Place

Closing Ceremonies

We are midway through the closing ceremonies and the Greek national anthem us being sung.

The Canadian dancers, O' Canada, parade of nations and the awarding of the mens 50km cross-country skiing medals kicked off the agenda.

More later.


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Location:BC Place

G14

Fourteen golds. G14 for short.

The most gold medals of any country at the Vancouver Games. Not bad for a country and a program (Own the Podium) that many people left for dead last week.

In week two, Canadian athletes showed their mettle. Today's hockey game was emblematic of the drive and tenacity needed to succeed.

The atmosphere is crazy. I have never seen as many flags and Canadian hockey jerseys as I have seen today. I have never seen patriotism like this. A spontaneous version of O' Canada erupted at the street corner as we waited for the lights to change.

I watched the game from the Olympic Village. Funny, but it went quiet as of 12 noon. Everyone was inside watching the game.

Great work Team Canada. Great work Sidney Crosby on the overtime goal.

G14.

I'm standing in line at the concession at BC Place, ready to buy 4 beers at $9 per and I'm happy. Really happy.

I'll write more after the closing ceremonies. I think I'm going to pee myself I'm so excited.


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Location:BC Place

My Last Shift

It is 5:30 am on Sunday February 28, 2010.  I am arising and getting ready to go to the Olympic Village one last time.  Today is the Closing Ceremonies.  Tomorrow athletes, coaches and officials will go home ending one big 17 day party that took 50 years to plan.

It was after the Squaw Valley Olympics in 1960 that some Vancouver leaders thought that the Games were possible.  This was the inspiration behind the creation of Whistler Mountain.  It was a long journey, as 3 separate bids failed.....until the announcement in 2003 that Vancouver had won the right to host in 2010.

Seven years, sounded so far away.  Yet now, we are on the final day of those Games.

What have these Games meant to Vancouver, to Whistler, to British Columbia?  What have they meant for the athletes?  For Canada?  For you or I?

It is expected that most of the athletes will be in the Vancouver Village as the Whistler athletes come down for the Closing Ceremonies.  I think the answer is here.  It will be apparent today and tonight.  I hope the Village is rocking.  I hope Canada celebrates this awakening of pride that have been the result of these Games.

But, before that answer is delivered, there is the matter of a hockey game.  One little game with the final gold medal on the line.

Go Canada!

Whistler and the Olympics

We had a great visit to Whistler to see the village and the womens 30 km cross-country skiing race at Whistler Olympic Park.  Before going there, we had dinner at the Whistler Brew House and watched the Slovakia vs Canada semi-final hockey game.  Close....too close for comfort.

As well, we saw the womens curling.  Rats.

In the photo, I was so glad to have my sons, Tait and Blaine, visit so they too could experience a bit of the Games.  Here we are, just outside of the Whistler Awards Venue, where the Olympic flame burns.

Tomorrow, I work my last shift at the Polyclinic and Olympic Village.  More on this later.

Whistler and Hockey

Whistler is a world-class ski resort, so what does it have to do with hockey?

Not much except I'm sitting in the Whistler Brew House eagerly anticipating the start of the Canada - Slovakia semi-finals.

I saw Slovakia play earlier in the round robin. They have almost a full squad of NHL'ers and will pose a major obstacle to Canada's gold medal dreams.

Go Canada go.

Just a short note about Cheryl Bernard. Disapponting that she lost. She had the chance in the 10th end to win. Bad shot that led to the extra end. Rats.


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Bronze into Gold

The Canadian Womens Hockey team won gold last night but it was Joannie Rochette's bronze that was golden.

With a courageous and focused effort Rochette put the loss of her mother in the back of her mind for four minutes, as she concentrated on her free skate. Competing against one of the best skaters ever, Rochette did her mother proud. Congrats Joannie.

I caught the womens hockey game in the airports. Second period in Victoria and the third at YVR. Great play from both teams but with a solid win for the Canucks.

Thanks Jacques Rogge for raining on the womens parade last night. His talk about the state of womens ice hockey was ill timed and not very appropriate.

Funny how the IOC is sour on hockey while other sports that are only popular in Europe (like Skeleton) are not discussed.

I think it might be a negotiating tactic with the NHL regarding it's ongoing participation. Just a hunch.

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Vancouver 2010 Day 14: Off to Victoria

Today I'm off duty at the Olympic Games and am traveling to Victoria to meet with our Vancouver Island CMC members for lunch.

But I hope I don't miss the womens gold medal hockey game or Joannie Rochette's courageous skate tonight.

Team Canada was pummeled by the media and fickle citizens last week. The "Own the Podium" program has been questioned but I do recall OTP CEO, Roger Jackson, saying before the Games that the second week will be much stronger for our athletes. How right he was.

Yesterday tied the record for the most medals won by Canadians in any Olympic Games. Outsanding performances were had in speed skating, short track, bobsleigh and hockey.

Speaking of hockey - what a display of power and domination by the mens Team Canada. It is hard to believe that we tied the Swiss in regulation, last week.

I watched the game at the sports bar, Sin Bin, with a plethora of Canucks fans. Exciting. "Lou!!!!"

Finally, I'm pumped because my sons arrive tonight for a short visit to the Games. I want them to be able to say, "I was there."

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Location:YVR

An Outstanding Show

I could be talking about the Canada / Russia hockey game, which was a great game. Instead, today I had the opportunity to see a display of endurance and athleticism up close, and that was truly inspirational.

I was at the mens' 4 x 10 km Cross-Country Relay Race at Whistler Olympic Park.

Canada skied a gritty, tenacious race.  The race was two legs of classic skiing and the final two legs of skating style. Our men had their best finish in history with a 7th place showing. This was no embarassment - it was a true accomplishment. Our anchor, George Grey, outkicked Russia and Italy at the end, in front of a loud and boisterous crowd.

Truly athletic efforts were made by Marcus Hellner, of Sweden, for the gold, and by Petter Northug, of Denmark, for the silver.

Hellner took off on a climb with 3 km left and created a 15 gap from the other two skiers in his pack.  Talk about gutsy....breaking free on the uphill.  This was the margin of victory.

Northug wasn't one of those left behind by Hellner. Instead, he was in the second group, made up 37 seconds on his leg and caught the first group by the final 500 m.  He then outkicked the Czech and the Frenchman for the silver.  Truly inspirational.

But what made this event even better was the fact that I was right at the finish line, in the front row. I saw the desire and determination on the faces of those who won the race for the finish and also, the faces of those who were beat.  Giving up was not an option for the Swede or the Norwegian.  Grey of Canada refused to let the Russian and Italian beat him to the finish, once they reached the stadium.  His determination broke their spirit.

There is no doubt that I loved Canada's hockey win over Russia today, or Clara Hughes' gutsy bronze in the 5,000 m speed skating, or the womens' 3,000 m short track relay silver, or the one-two gold and silver finish in womens' bobsleigh, but to me, this Cross-Country race demonstrated Olympic competition at it's best.


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Gold!

Gold for Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir!  

I'm going to work the graveyard shift at the Olympic Village right now and I am sure the Village will be abuzz with excitement.

Congrats to Tessa and Scott.

More Ontario Pride

Normally, I am not a figure skating fan.  But I do respect and honour greatness and after watching Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir skate a perfect dance last night, I am a fan.  Raving fan.  Both Virtue and Moir are from Southwestern Ontario and that makes me even more proud.

I'm waving my Canadian flag tonight as they skate their free program.  Go Tessa and Scott!

BC's Interior: Meeting our Members

Last Thursday, on one of my days off from the Olympics, I had the distinct privilege of meeting a number of Certified Management Consultants in Kelowna, British Columbia.  Led by Chapter Chair, Deb Bourne and supported by Marty Playford and Paul Burgener, the Interior BC chapter is not large in numbers, but they are big on passion.  I met some wonderful consultants who truly enjoy what they are doing and where they are living (I too love where they are living).

We had a terrific chat and update on CMC-Canada and on what these members are doing in the business community.  The Interior Chapter comprises of consultants in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and the rest of the interior.  In fact, it was a pleasure to have members from Terrace and North Vancouver join us via teleconference.

We were fortunate that the Daily Courier printed a great article about the Association in their business section.  Great work Deb on making this connection.

Later this week, I have the great opportunity to meet with Lower Mainland CMCs and Vancouver Island CMCs.  I am looking forward to getting to know as many CMCs as I can.

Local Pride

On Thursday, Christine Nesbitt won gold in womens' 1,000 metre long track speed skating.  While she has dominated the race all year, her gold medal win was by the slimmest of margins.  It is testament to the enormity of the Games and to her drive and desire that she managed through the pressure to win.

I don't know Christine, but I felt a bond with her during her win.  Don't get me wrong, I had absolutely nothing to do with her victory, but because we hail from the same city, there is a link.

Because I too can say that I live in London, Ontario, there is a bit of extra pride with Christine's win.  My Canadian chest is pumped up a bit more.  I am sure the London Free Press and A Channel TV have covered her story in an extra special way.

London is well represented at the Games, with Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue competing for gold in Ice Dancing.  Again, I'm sure that I will focus a bit more on their competition and will be a bit more proud when they succeed.

Finally, VANOC board member and Ivey Business School Dean, Carol Stephenson, hails from London.

London, Ontario....feeling a little extra local pride thanks to Christine Nesbitt and the rest of the Olympic athletes and leaders.

Ivey Connections

Coming to Vancouver to work the Games has been a great experience....not only because I am working a the Games but because it has provided an opportunity to reconnect with old friends.  Four weeks sounds like a long time, but I am finding myself short of time, as the list of people to meet with is long.  

The Richard Ivey School of Business network is a great one and the bonds are tight. 

Earlier this week, I linked with Eric Lee, Randy Jang and Murray Lynn, all Ivey MBA alums.  They were all involved with the BC Chapter of the Ivey Alumni Association in previous years.  Yesterday, the networking continued.  In the morning, I reconnected with Brian Phillips, an Ivey alum, who also served the Chapter and on the Ivey Alumni Association Board of Directors.  At lunch (pictured above), I reconnected with my Ivey classmates - twenty three years after we started our MBA.  Rob Stewart, Jim Logan, John Toomey and myself, shared old war stories and lies.

Ironically, there was another neat connection.  Rob, Jim and I, all ran the New York Marathon together back in 1991, while John just returned to Canada after living in New York for many years.

The Man in Motion

Today, I had the opportunity to meet Rick Hansen, the Man in Motion, who serves as the mayor of the Vancouver Athletes Village.  For those of you who can't remember Rick, he has raised more than $200 million towards spinal cord research.  He is an excellent ambassador and is a perfect choice to serve as the head of our village.

Rick was hosting the BC Minister of Health, Kevin Falcon, as he toured the Polyclinic.

At the Opening Ceremonies, Rick was the torchbearer who brought the Olympic flame into the stadium.  He passed off the flame to Catriona Le May Doan.  There was no more symbolic sillouette than when Hansen entered BC Place with the torch.

Bad Games or Bad Press

I have been continually reading in the media about how bad the Vancouver Games are.  Most often, this has come from news reports in the UK but I have seen some from Canadian newspapers, as well.

For what it is worth, allow me to state...these are not poorly organized Games.  In fact, you would be proud to know that VANOC has done and is doing a great job in hosting the Olympics.  Yes, it would be nice if the weather would not be the source for delays, cancellations and lack of snow.  But, these are Winter Olympic Games and the very definition of "winter" indicates that bad weather may be part of it.  I fear this is what the UK media may be missing.  You can't just turn on cold weather and snow.  There is a reason why there is a ski hill at Cypress....they normally get lots of snow.  Unfortunately, we have a weird year on our hands, which is actually a great testament to VANOC's organization skills, that they have some very good conditions, even though mother nature has not cooperated.

If you look at the photo of Cypress' mogul run, you can see the depth of the base of snow.  I would suggest that this is deeper than many resorts have in most seasons.  That is a clear example of the work organizers have put in to create very good conditions.

Having said all of that, I do agree that the Olympic Cauldron issue is an embarassing one.  I cannot see how anyone would find the 12 foot high chain link fence surrounding it, keeping fans 50 feet away, acceptable.  They have now found a very good solution, allowing fans to use the elevated walkway to get closer and to have an unobstructed view of the flame.

For what is it worth, this is my two cents.....and you get what you pay for!!!

Snowboard Cross, Luck and More...

I don't know about you, but luck seems to be balanced.  You win one, you lose one.  Everything is equal and balanced.

Today, I had the most amazing opportunity.  I had to go up to Cypress Mountain to deliver some supplies.  If you recall, Cypress is where the freestyle skiing and the snowboard events are being held.  It was sunny and clear - a perfect day to be up on a mountain.  After delivering the supplies, we had a quick look around.  We saw the mogul run where Heil and Bilodeau shined.  We saw the jumps for the aerials....holy smokes!!  Then we climbed the hill and saw a few racers come down the snowboard cross course as they were qualifying for the finals.

Neat.  If there ever is a sport that television does not do justice to, it is the ski and snowboard events.  It is difficult on the small screen to convey speed, pitch and height.  You have to see the size of the half pipe...you can't even imagine it.  You have to see how steep the mogul run is.  You can't imagine the size of the aerials jump and the landing area.  You can't believe how big the final jump is on the snowboard cross run.

Back to my story.  I had great fortune to go up to Cypress, but when I came back to the city and heard everyone talking, I realized that I had bad luck.  I totally missed Maelle Ricker's gold medal in snowboard cross.  Rats.  You win some, you lose some (seriously, I realize that I am very fortunate to be here in Vancouver).  Congrats Maelle.  Gold #2 for Canada.

Here is a neat tip....as the Olympics progress and as Canada starts to win a mess of medals, it is getting a bit hard to keep track of the standings.  Here is a neat add-on (from a Canadian company) that you can use on your desktop to keep track of the standings and your favourite country (http://norex.ca/content/olympics):

For Windows:   http://norex.ca/content/olympics#sidebar
For Mac OS X:  http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/sports/olympicmedalscount.html
For Windows Mobile: http://norex.ca/content/olympics#winmo

Honouring Bilodeau

Tonight, I had the great opportunity to see Alexandre Bilodeau receive his gold medal at the Awards Ceremony at BC Place.  The crowd was stoked about Bilodeau and they were loud.  We had third row floors and therefore, we had one of the best views of the presentation that one could hope for.

Following the awards, there is a musical performer, to bring a festive atmosphere to the stadium.  Each night, there is a provincial theme to the event.  Ironically, tonight's theme was Quebec.  What a fitting theme to match Bilodeau's gold.

I had the opportunity to attend this ceremony thanks to the generosity of my old Ivey classmate, John Toomey, who is seeing almost every event during his trip to Vancouver.  Below, you can see John, his wife, Rebecca and son, Nolan.

Gold in Family and Humility

Alex Bilodeau did what no other Canadian has ever done before....on Canadian soil....he won a gold medal in Mens' Moguls.  Outstanding.  Incredible.

But, what makes him a hero is not necessarily the fact that he won the competition.  Bilodeau is a role model and hero because of how he holds his brother Frederic, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, up as his inspiration and how he explicitly talks about how important his family is in his life.  It would be so easy to be embarassed of his brother, but he sees Frederic as the source of life's lessons.  How can anything be difficult when he sees the challenges that Frederic overcomes each and every day?  What a way to see the glass as half-full.  For more on Bilodeau's character, read Christie Blatchford's great article on Bilodeau (http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=41947.html?cid=rss).

Prior to the Games, Bilodeau was interviewed and said he knows Canada will get rid of the monkey on its back early, by winning a gold medal on the first day of competition - i.e. he was alluding to the fact that Jenn Heil was the favourite in her discipline.  Don't get me wrong, he was very confident, but he was also modest and extremely supportive of his teammates.

When you think about how he treats Frederic, his family and his teammates, I wish more of our so called "superstar" athletes would follow Bilodeau's lead and conduct themselves as he does.  What a terrific role model for our youth.

Finally, further to my comments yesterday about watching these Games with a big crowd.....how everything is a bit more exciting.....I had the privilege of watching the moguls competition at the home of Jamie and Laurie Stewart, with their extended family.  It was exciting having a dozen people celebrate Bilodeau's win and hearing the enthusiasm and support for Canada.

Go Canada go.

Canada's First Medal and Other Good News

Tonight, everyone at the Vancouver Athletes Village Polyclinic watched Jennifer Heil compete for a gold medal in Ladies Moguls.  It was exciting watching with everyone at the clinic.  Every time Heil or the other Canadians did well, you heard a roar throughout the clinic.  Yes, a roar.

This made watching the event more exciting than one could ever have, while at home.  I strongly recommend that you watch the big competitions with a large group.  It just makes it more fun.

Heil did well in the qualification round placing second, behind Hannah Kearney, the American. In the finals, the skiers competed in reverse order, from their finish in qualifications.  I can't even imagine the pressure on Heil, who is the 2006 Torino gold medalist and someone who has been expected to win.  You could cut the air with a knife, as the drama that unfolded in the final round, was top notch.  Heil did great, held first place until the final skier and won a silver.  Heil didn't lose the gold, rather Kearney won the gold, with an outstanding final run.

Let's hope that Heil's silver is just the first of many medals won by Canadians at the Games.

I have some other great news.  Yesterday, I was successful in booking flights to bring my sons to Vancouver for a few days, so they can experience the Games.  Tait, who is 16 years old, can't miss too much school, so he and his brother Blaine are making a quick trip, just so they can say they were there.

As much as I have enjoyed my time so far in Vancouver, I can't tell you how much I have missed seeing my sons, so it will be great to have them visit.

Canadian Pride

The global identity of Canadians is that we are easy to get along with and that we fit in and assimilate well with other cultures.  The downside to this is that we sometimes do not express enough pride about who we are and what we stand for.

Well, that was not the case last night at the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games.  Canadian pride was on full display and many things that characterize Canada were imbedded in the program, mountains, aboriginals, music, icons, etc.  It was an evening that often times put a lump in one's throat.  

I was proud to be a Canadian.  I hope we will feel this way many times over the next two weeks.

Here are a few more photos from last night, courtesy of Sarah Stewart, a budding photographer, who attended the Ceremony.

The Canadian team marching at the parade of nations.

The Olympic flame lit by great Canadians, Rick Hansen, Catriona Lemay Doan, Steve Nash, Nancy Greene Raine and Wayne Gretzky.

Young Canadian Singer is a Hit at the Opening Ceremonies

It is midway through the Opening Ceremonies.  Did you hear Nikki Yanofsky belt out our National Anthem?  Unbelievable.  Just turned 16 years old this past week.

To hear her #1 hit, "I Believe", which is about generating pride for Canadians during these Games, click on the title of this post.  It will take you to a great video on YouTube.

From my perspective, she is the first Canadian Gold Medallist of the Games.

A Frightening Start to the Games

In a training run earlier today Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili had a fatal accident during his run at Whistler's Sliding Centre.  He flew off the track and hit a metal post at speeds of 150 km/h.  From media reports, we understand that he was treated by medical staff at the venue and they were unable to revive him.

This is a sombre way to start the Games.  It puts the battle for supremacy into context.  No medal is worth a life.  We are so sad to hear of Nodar's passing.

Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates.

It's Here! Today, the Games Open!

Well, it is 3 am and I am working the graveyard shift in the Village.  It just dawned on me.  Today is the day that the Games open.

It has been seven years since Vancouver was awarded the Games and a lot of work has been invested since then.  For those who have worked for years on this, I am sure it is almost surreal to think the Games are actually here.

My guess is that it will be so busy that the next two weeks will go by quickly.  Hang on!

The Mens Downhill, one of the glamour races, goes tomorrow, on Saturday morning.

Also, I'm watching a news report about athletes who have tested positive for banned substances....in pre-Olympic testing.  How disappointing would that be - to actually be in Vancouver and then get disqualified.

In a similar vein, one of the American alpine skiers was injured in a training run today.  More devastating, Lindsay Vonn, the favourite for a number of alpine events, revealed that she has a deep bone bruise and that the pain is excrutiating.

Don't miss the Opening Ceremonies.  7 pm eastern or 4 pm pacific.

One Day to go!!!

The Village is getting full.  The Uniform and Accreditation Centre was really busy yesterday and the Opening Ceremonies had their final dress rehearsal yesterday.  The mens' downhill, which goes on Saturday morning, had their first training run yesterday.  These are all signs there is only one day to go, before the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics open and the fun begins.

Before it all starts tomorrow, I would like to thank Rob Stewart (right) for his help and support so I could have this opportunity to experience the Vancouver Olympic Games.  As I mentioned before, Rob and I have been friends since our MBA at Ivey, back in 1987.  Rob, Kathy and their children, Sarah and Ben have been generous with their home, allowing me to stay and making me feel welcome for this Olympic sojourn.

Vancouver is excited.  The final day of the torch relay is today.  It will traverse Burnaby into downtown Vancouver and will finish at Yaletown, adjacent to BC Place Stadium, where the Opening Ceremonies will take place tomorrow.  Make sure you watch the Ceremonies....you will not be disappointed.  There will be a lump in your throat, as a proud Canadian.

Further to my earlier blog, there is a great article in today's Vancouver Sun on who the final torch bearer will be.  Visit http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/should+light+cauldron+There+great+ones+Great/2549951/story.html

Also, you have to see the ride the torch took yesterday, up Grouse Mountain.  Visit http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/Daring+torchbearers+take+ride+Grouse+Mountain+gondola/2548371/story.html

Well, I have a long night as I work the graveyard shift tonight.  See you tomorrow, after the Games open!!

MM.

Olympic Queues

Well, I have encountered my first event of the Games and I have also survived the Olympic queue. Queue for the SkyTrain, queue for the security screening, queue to get in the building, queue for the bathroom and now, queue for the food.

There is security everywhere. Police are apparent and I have gotten used to metal detectors. Everyday when I enter the Village, I empty my pockets, I submit my bag for x-Ray and I walk through the detector. I have it down to a science.

So, I am programmed to queue and submit to screening.  It is good for the safety of the athletes, but perhaps not so good for the spectators.  Queues......necessary but sometimes a pain.

Interesting.

More on the Opening Ceremonies later.....much later....after Friday's real ceremonies.  We were sworn to secrecy, as a condition of getting to view the dress rehearsal for the Opening Ceremonies.  This blog writer isn't going to be the one who breaks the surprises.


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Location:BC Place

The Torch Brings Good Vibes

The Olympic Torch is making its way around the communities that make up Vancouver.  On Wednesday, the torch came through White Rock, Surrey, and New Westminster.  I had the opportunity to see it on Columbia Street in downtown New West.

I don't know the torchbearer but he received the flame, right in front of where I was standing.  The support from the citizens of New West was great.  People were lined up two and three deep, just to see the flame for 15 seconds.

But, more than what you can see, it was very heartening to see the support from the citizens.  There were lots of people wearing the colour red and clothing that showed the pride of Canadians.

Even if you are not the biggest supporter of the cost of hosting the Games, you cannot help but be impressed by the nationalism and pride that the Games and the flame evokes.

Teams are Arriving in the Village - 3 days to go!!!

With three days to go, all of the teams are arriving in Vancouver. Yesterday, today and tomorrow are expected to be the busiest days in the airport.

As the various countries arrive in the Village, they are greeted with a Team Welcome Ceremony at the International Plaza.  Yesterday, I attended the ceremony welcoming Chile and Bulgaria.

The event started with the drumbeat of the Four Host Nations (First Nations).  The teams were announced and they marched in, behind their flag.  Next, an honour guard from Canada's military was led in by a Mountie in his red tunic. They were carrying the official flags of Chile and Bulgaria.

Rick Hansen, the Man in Motion, who serves as the mayor of the Vancouver Athletes Village, brought a warm welcome to these incoming teams.  The announcer said that the Man in Motion tour raised more than $200 million for spinal cord research.  I recall watching how fast Rick traveled in his wheelchair.  After hearing Rick's eloquent speech, there was no doubt the organizers picked the right person to serve as the ambassador of the Village.

Each Chef de Mission was presented with a gift and the national anthems were played, as the honour guard raised the respective flag of the country.

The event ended with the lively song of the Olympics, with most of the team members dancing with the musicians and Olympic volunteers.

Also yesterday, Hayley Wickenheiser, captain of Canada's Womens Hockey team, visited the fitness centre.  It was neat to see her in person.

Today, Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee will be touring the Village.  Also, it will be the only time the media get a chance to be "inside the ropes".

Later this morning, I'll be in downtown New Westminster to watch the Olympic torch come through the community.  It was announced that Walter Gretzky, Arnold Scharzenegger, Sebastien Coe and Rolly Fox (Terry's father) will be carrying the torch today.  There has been no word of Wayne Gretzky or Betty Fox (Terry's mother) carrying the torch in the next few days, which means they are probably slated for the run during the Opening Ceremonies.

Tomorrow, I'll be attending the dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremonies with my aunt.  It should be a blast.

The Games open on Friday.  Don't miss it!

5 days to the Opening Ceremonies

We are just 5 days away from the Opening Ceremonies at the Vancouver Winter Games.

The Opening Ceremonies are bigger, better and more dramatic, with each Games.  Check out this article that contrasts past Ceremonies (http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/feature-stories/producing-olympic-games-opening-ceremonies_54364bs.html).

These have been one of the most anticipated Games ever. First, it is Canada and we can break the record of being the only host nation who hasn't won a gold medal. The "Own the podium" initiative has provided athletes with funding, coaching and support like never before. Instead of focusing on the negative, Canada is focused on being the leading nation as measured by medal count.

NBC is eagerly awaiting the Games too, as Vancouver's events will fit nicely into prime time television programming. CTV and TSN's partnership will have hundreds more hours than ever before.

Finally, just as Expo 86 put Vancouver on the world's stage, I expect the 2010 Games will truly make it a world city. Montreal is well known globally and Expo 67 and the 76 Summer Olympics solidified their reputation...I expect nothing less from Vancouver's time in the spotlight.

The real Opening Ceremonies are on Friday (February 12th).  I'm going to the dress rehearsal on the 10th.  Read what organizers are afraid of....http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=31416.html



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Pin Trading

When you look at the different events here at the Games, you won't see one of the biggest activities that involve the most people. That would be pin trading.

The trading of lapel pins is an obsession for many visitors. I visited the Olympic Superstore yesterday (in The Bay), where you can buy almost anything with the Vancouver logo on it, as long as you pay with either cash or Visa (no debit, no MasterCard or Amex as Visa is the official card of the Games). In the store Coca-Cola has set up a pin trading area. I met traders from Athens, Greece, Los Angeles, and Manitoba, who had hundreds of Olympic pins displayed, ready to trade. Some of these traders had thousands of pins in their collections.

I felt like a roman being thrown to the lions as these traders are pros. Apparently, there is a protocol - how you trade, how you signify your traders and how you interact with each other. One man had been to 14 Olympics and takes off work for a month each time. Serious trader.

Well, it is back to the Village after a few days off.

Location:E 1st Ave,Vancouver,Canada

The Village is Getting Busy

I'm writing today's blog sitting in the volunteers dining hall in the Athletes Village decompressing after my shift. It is in a temporary structure but it is comfortable. We get all the coffee we need (good for the graveyard shift) and we get fed when we work over mealtimes.

On Wednesday, we had a real treat as we got to eat in the Athletes section, as part of their test for the Village opening. What a great facility the athletes have. They have food stations serving almost every kind of cuisine you might want: Asian, Italian, North American (grilled), salads, soups, smoothies, McDonalds, etc. The smoothies were the best and they were from McDs!!

The official Village opening was on February 4th.  Rick Hansen, the Man in Motion, helped to cut the ribbon.  The photo above was taken at the grand opening.

With the athletes arriving, the Polyclinic was quite busy today. We doubled our staffing and even still, we were kept hopping. There were lots of tours as the IOC and NOCs (National Olympic Committees) officials and support staff wanted to confirm the services that we offer.

One of the busiest areas is the therapy area - physio, massage, accupuncture, chiro, rehab and more. Interestingly, we have to keep it secure as many countries might spy on their competitor athletes, discovering injuries and tender areas.

Overall, you would be impressed with how Canada has organized the Games but probably shocked at the overall cost.

One of the perks of volunteering is that I get to attend the dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremonies next week. There is much speculation over who will be the final torchbearer and light the flame, and many think it will be Wayne Gretzky but my money is on Terry Fox and his mother. With the technology available today, it would be easy to make Terry light the flame. The person has to have international recognition and with Terry Fox runs being held around the world, he qualifies in spades. Is there a better, more heart-wrenching story? And, don't ignore the fact that NBC has a huge say....I think they would want the drama of Terry.

Well, I have a few days off and plan to visit the Olympic Headquarters for pin trading, at the downtown Bay department store. There was one man in the news who had 20,000 pins. Amazing.

See you.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:E 1st Ave,Vancouver,Canada

Grand Opening of Village Thursday

Vancouver's Athletes Village opens today (Feb. 4th), just a few hours from now.  At 8 am, there will be a ribbon cutting which will officially signal the opening of the Village.  Athletes will start to arrive tomorrow and the Village will take on a whole new life.

I am working the graveyard shift right now and I'll be done at 7 am (ending 24 hours on site).  I'm planning to have some breakfast and then watch the ceremonies before catching some shut eye.  It is a bit quiet tonight, but I suspect this may just be the calm before the storm.

Speaking of the Village, yesterday I mentioned how beautiful the view of downtown is....here is a great photo.  Judge for yourself.  On the left, you can see BC Place, where the Opening Ceremonies will be on February 12th and in the background, you can see the "lions", the snow covered mountain peaks. 

On the waterfront, there is a flag representing each country who has sent athletes to the 2010 Games.

Approximately 2,700 athletes and officials will be resident in the Village.  A similar number of people will stay at the Whistler village.

So, here we are....a matter of 6 hours until the Village opens and the fun begins.

Day One in the Books

Well, Day one has come and gone.  I worked in the Polyclinic at the Vancouver Athletes' Village from 7 am to 3 pm and then helped out at Medical Headquarters until 8 pm.

The Athletes Village is awesome.  It sits on the shore of False Creek, overlooking Science World and BC Place.  The downtown and mountains complete the backdrop. 

Officials and delegates are starting to arrive.  Athletes start to move in tomorrow.  The facilities are top notch and countries are starting to decorate their balconies with their flags.  Soon, I expect to see a United Nations of flags.

The Polyclinic is in the heart of the Village.  Tomorrow all of the flags of the participating countries will be raised in Village.  I'll make sure I post a photo tomorrow.  Back to the clinic...the word "clinic" is a misnomer.  This is a mini-hospital.  Everything you can think of is here.  CT scan, MRI, xray, ENT, dents, therapists, emergency, etc.  Next door, is the doping centre.  On the other side is the athletes' fitness centre.  Should be a hubbub of activity when the athletes arrive.

Security in the Village is tight.  We have to go through airport-like scanners and searches. 12 foot high fencing surrounds the Village and the Police presence is noticeable. 

Today, I have a packed day.  Two full shifts plus a training session.  I'll be here for 24 hours.  Wish me luck.

I'm here...amazed and accredited

I'm simply blown away by the majesty of the mountains here in Vancouver.

I am standing here outside of the Uniform and Accreditation Centre at the Pacific National Exhibition grounds in the heart of Vancouver staring at the mountains on the north shore and I am simply blown away by it all. I can see "the lions", the peaks of Cypress and Grouse and it is a reminder that I am here in the most beautiful city in the world.  What a venue for the Olympic Games!

I got through accreditation and uniforms quickly.  It was a finely tuned machine.  Verify your identity, get a photo taken, get your accreditation, get fitted, pick up your complete uniform and then, before you know it, you are outside the back door, with a big bag in hand and with id around your neck.  30 minutes in all.

That is when I looked up, saw the mountains and had my personal moment with nature.

By the way, these are the same mountains that captivated me when I was 5 years old and on my first trip to the coast.  You see, both my parents were born and raised in BC (Abbotsford and Maple Ridge) but had to relocate after WWII.  So, with family roots in BC, I have visited regularly and have always loved the city.

Anyways, Rob picked me up and brought me to the VANOC offices and here I write.

Here is just one of the neat things that I saw today at VANOC offices....I just dropped down to the Operations Centre to see the 24 hour pulse of the Olympics.  The Ops Centre is a large room with tables around in a circle, with representatives of all of the key operational departments....so any problem can be solved quickly and efficiently.  The room has more televisions and screens that a Future Shop or Best Buy, with multiple feeds of every video channel known to man, so they can see every venue, from every perspective.  Impressive.

Well, I have to run to help out with some of the last minute planning here in the medical services department.  More tomorrow.

My Volunteer Role at the Olympic Games

Well, I'm headed to the airport for my flight to Vancouver on Air Canada.  As soon as I land, I'm off to accreditation and uniforms at the PNE grounds.  I'll report more on this after I get through the process.

Tomorrow, on Tuesday February 2nd at 7 am, I'll do my first shift at the reception desk at the Polyclinic (medical clinic) in the Vancouver Athletes Village.

If you are wondering what my responsibilities are....I will be the first point of contact as athletes enter the clinic.  Here is a photo of Ben and Rob Stewart showing me how I should appear....friendly, welcoming and an ambassador of Canada.

By the way, Rob is one of the key directors at VANOC, who has been planning for these Olympic Games for many years. He is on secondment from the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.  Rob is a great friend and an old classmate of mine, from the Richard Ivey School of Business.

Ben is a budding athlete - he plays lacrosse, soccer, hockey and he is a great skier.