I have set up a new blog, for my CMC-Canada CEO blog. Bookmark http://cmc-yonemitsu.blogspot.com or click on the CMC logo to the left of this screen.
This new blog will allow me to customize the discussion and branding to promote CMC-Canada and to keep this Olympic Volunteer blog as is.
Thanks.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Back in the Saddle
Well, I am back in downtown Toronto and am working hard to tie up loose ends from my time away. I had a couple of meetings with CMA Ontario today, as we continue to work hard on our strategic alliance.
Even though I was away in Vancouver, I was able to keep up with CMC-Canada activities and work. I had the great opportunity to meet with CMC's in BC's interior (Kelowna), on Vancouver Island (Victoria) and in the lower mainland (Vancouver). It is so important to get feedback and understand member needs from across the country.
As well, I appreciate the hospitality of Western Management Consultants in Vancouver as thanks to Gerry Humphries, I was able to access an office so I could have the proper environment...conducive to work.
But, I am back in Toronto and am having a hard time remembering the Games and the beautiful city of Vancouver. The good news, is that I will be out west again in May, with the CMC-Canada National Board.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Beginning of Something New
Hard to believe but my blog has been popular. This was originally intended as a way of sharing my experiences with my sons. When CMC-Canada heard about it, they thought our members might find it interesting. Then the Richard Ivey School of Business added it to their Olympic blog site.
Bascially, all I did was share my experiences and my thoughts on Vancouver's Games, from the perspective of a volunteer. A funny thing happened. I noticed we had readers from farther afield. Then, we received a call from CBC TV and then, one from Macleans magazine.
As a result, I plan to keep this blog going but the topic will evolve, from the Games, to my thoughts and experiences as the CEO of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.
I hope this blog will morph into a source for information and a important communication vehicle for our members and firms in our industry.
From today, I will begin posting on issues for management consultants.
Thank you for reading and visiting the Olympic blog. You are invited and encouraged to keep reading, even if you are not a CMC-Canada member.
For the new readers, welcome.
Bascially, all I did was share my experiences and my thoughts on Vancouver's Games, from the perspective of a volunteer. A funny thing happened. I noticed we had readers from farther afield. Then, we received a call from CBC TV and then, one from Macleans magazine.
As a result, I plan to keep this blog going but the topic will evolve, from the Games, to my thoughts and experiences as the CEO of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.
From today, I will begin posting on issues for management consultants.
Thank you for reading and visiting the Olympic blog. You are invited and encouraged to keep reading, even if you are not a CMC-Canada member.
For the new readers, welcome.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Memories of the Games
If you are like me and don't want the Games to end, check out these video links....great memories....
1) "I Believe / J'Imagine" video - images of Canada's medal winners with a duet of the anglo/franco versions of the CTV/TSN music: http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=7796f648-df46-4b33-a23b-6a23909e09ab
3) "Olympic Dreamin' in the Digital Lounge" by CTV's Matt Wells - a song with highlights of Canada's Vancouver Olympians: http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=16afced6-f953-42f8-88ce-46c9493947e9&cid=rss
Games:
4) NBC's Tom Brokaw introducing Canada to the American viewers - this is a lump in your throat video that will make Canadians proud: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrA4V6YF6SA
5) "You Gotta Be Here" video - produced by Tourism BC - HD version - this is an unbelieveable montage of views of BC hosted by some famous British Columbians - don't watch it unless you want to visit/move to BC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwSCHRQCIBY
Pre-Games:
6) "With Glowing Hearts" video - released prior to the Games, to generate enthusiasm in Canada for the Olympics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA03hJxNA9oPre-Games:
7) "I Believe" video - released prior to the Games, supporting the torch relay:
a) English version sung by Nikki Yanovsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v0o27BPIIk
b) French version sung by Annie Villeneuve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G8RYAQXVC
8) "O Canada" video - by McDonalds, the official restaurant of the Games - generating enthusiasm for the Games - nice patriotic video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm5Lr6Qll_g
9) "We Were Made for This" video - by Hudsons Bay Company, the official clothier of the Games: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLsFkZKj63U
10) Vancouver 2010 Olympic Bid Win video - listen to Jacques Rogge announce the winning city in 2003: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpSqv1jx-8M
11) Vancouver 1970 Olympic Bid video - December 2009 CBC report on the failed 1970 bid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62pyjt1RPfI
Back to Reality and Thank You
I'm enroute back to Ontario on the red-eye following the 17 day party called the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. What a dose of reality.
But oh what a climax to the party. It almost seems like a dream - G14, the gold medal hockey game, with the storybook ending and then, the surreal closing ceremonies.
No matter what the foreign press writes, don't believe it. These were wonderful games.
Why? In the end, it was all about the people. Welcoming and friendly. It seemed that the old Canadian quiet, conservative stereotype was disposed of and we became an openly proud nation. I have never seen so many hockey jerseys worn 7/24. I have never heard the national anthem sung spontaneously. I have never felt the warmth of people like Vancouverites have shown in a big city.
Speaking of people, I have to comment on the hospitality of my friends, Rob and Kathy Stewart. While we have been friends for more than 20 years, you never know how things will go over a four week visit. Four weeks could challenge even the strongest of friendships.
The Stewarts were wonderful hosts, who along with their extended family made me feel like I belonged.
I have to make a special comment about Kathy. Yesterday, she made the ultimate sacrifice. She gave up her closing ceremonies ticket and urged me to take it. Imagine, a once in a lifetime event and she felt that Rob and I should celebrate our passion for the Olympics, our Vancouver 2010 journey and our friendship, with the closing ceremonies.
Unbelieveable. Generous. What can I say but thank you Kathy. Thank you Stewarts. Thank you VANOC. Thank you Canada.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
But oh what a climax to the party. It almost seems like a dream - G14, the gold medal hockey game, with the storybook ending and then, the surreal closing ceremonies.
No matter what the foreign press writes, don't believe it. These were wonderful games.
Why? In the end, it was all about the people. Welcoming and friendly. It seemed that the old Canadian quiet, conservative stereotype was disposed of and we became an openly proud nation. I have never seen so many hockey jerseys worn 7/24. I have never heard the national anthem sung spontaneously. I have never felt the warmth of people like Vancouverites have shown in a big city.
Speaking of people, I have to comment on the hospitality of my friends, Rob and Kathy Stewart. While we have been friends for more than 20 years, you never know how things will go over a four week visit. Four weeks could challenge even the strongest of friendships.
The Stewarts were wonderful hosts, who along with their extended family made me feel like I belonged.
I have to make a special comment about Kathy. Yesterday, she made the ultimate sacrifice. She gave up her closing ceremonies ticket and urged me to take it. Imagine, a once in a lifetime event and she felt that Rob and I should celebrate our passion for the Olympics, our Vancouver 2010 journey and our friendship, with the closing ceremonies.
Unbelieveable. Generous. What can I say but thank you Kathy. Thank you Stewarts. Thank you VANOC. Thank you Canada.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:YYZ
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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!
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!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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.
Friday, February 26, 2010
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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