After Glow

The Olympics are all over and what a great event it was. People of the world came to know Canada a wee bit more and better as we showcased our beautiful country. As I watched the games on American TV I thought there would be a bias shown. The NBC Network did a marvelous job in depicting the games in a fair and decisive manner.

Actually, I never had the sense that it was an American Network as the commentators gave glowing accounts of the venues and the games. I had the feeling that the American broadcasters were reaching out to the Canadian and American audience showing just how valuable and deep our friendship really is.

Time and time again our mutual interests were emphasized and the relationship beyond sports was highlighted. I came away from the two weeks with a much prouder feeling about Canada and a greater understanding of our relationship with our best friend and great neighbour, the United States of America.

I feel a little sad it is all over but I look forward to the next games in Russia and can bask in the after glow of games well played in my home, Canada.

Ice Hockey Girl Style

Any person turning in to the Olympic gold medal game last evening would be hard pressed to tell if it was men or women playing that game. The give way sign would be the frocks of hair protruding from the helmets.Canada and United States were playing for the gold medal and no holds were barred.

These two teams were rivals for years and either at the world championships or the Olympics their desire to win reaches a fevered pitch. Last night these ladies showed the world how hockey should be played girl style. The game was one of the best I ever saw with super skills and coaching apparent. Canada was the better of the two on this night but given a seven game playoff it probably would have come to the last game to decide the winner.

Both teams were winners and no doubt losing caused the US captain to say,"silver sucks" in her interview. Her team was so disappointed that they acted out of the spirit of the Olympics. They were unable to get beyond the loss to partake of the Olympic Spirit and savour the moment. Both were responsible for bringing 19,000 hockey fans at the game and millions on TV and Radio to realize that equality for women in a once male stronghold was over.

When these players were lined up for their medals and you could see their face you realized they were the best of the best and it showed.Their faces told it all. There was happiness, sadness and unbridled joy on these faces mixed with the understanding that the years of training was worth it all. We now have to wait for another four years to be treated to this experience.

For a few hours nearly all Canadians forgot their troubles and had a collective, emphatic feeling of pride and happiness with the Olympic Spirit which is alive and well.

Olympics

The whole world is watching the Vancouver Olympics. For two weeks the earth breathes with a common heartbeat and acrimony is set aside. What a wonderful feeling to think that the world could be a home to all races and people with a diversified moral and cultural fabric living together in harmony.

The opening ceremonies were creative and show cased the multi-cultural aspect of Canada. The interwoven themes of our aboriginal nations with the peoples of the world forming a union that is the envy of the world. 60,000 people in the dome and billions around the world were spellbound as one surprise after another unfolded before our eyes.

I know that those who watched the program left with the understanding of what a Canadian is. The NBC network was so generous in its praise of Canada as the best friend of the USA brought me to a new level of proudness as Canadian and American neighbours.

The beauty of our great country was exhibited through magnificent photography and appropriate commentary. These games give we the people an opportunity to have a world valentine day where we are able to express our love through games and mutual respect.