With YOG reporter Kimiya, at VANOC HQ
Had an interview last week with the Youth Olympic Games reporter, Kimiya Shokoohi, at the VANOC compound AKA The Westin Bayshore. I got to really express why I believe that the Cultural Education aspects of the Youth Olympic Games are important. Check out the story on my site, about halfway down the Olympic.org YOG section here.
Tonight I say "Luuuuuuuu" with the rest of you.
Tonight Canada’s hopes and dreams rest on the shoulders of a small group of guys named everything from Iggy to Lu to The Kid. Make no mistake, even as a lifelong supporter of amateur athletes, I understand that when it all boils away, the only thing that is left is hockey.
And I’m okay with that.
Do you know why? Because we EXPECT to win the Hockey Gold Medal. Both Men’s and Women’s. We believe we can win, we show up to win and we are heartbroken if we do not.
A few days ago the first reports started surfacing that the Canadian team would surely fall short of their medal target, and undoubtedly finish below first place in the overall standings. The truth of the matter is: the Americans are killing us, so are the Germans, not to mention Norway and Russia, with Korea nipping at everyone’s heels.
I saw a number of “on the street” interviews, y’know, those deadline driven clips where the reporter basically stops anyone who looks like they can form a sentence and asks them a question way over their head.
One lady had this to say, “Oh, you know, it’s just nice to see Canadians at the Games, having fun. No matter what the medal tally, we’re still proud of them.”
WHAT?! I dare say that this is part of the problem. Canadian complacency. It is our inability to stand up on the world stage and fight for the top of the podium. Or at least have the attitude that when we show up at any competition, of any type, we are there to win. Expecting to be the best.
Too long we have questioned if we’re good enough, if we should even be so presumptuous as to be anything more than just “proud of our athletes”. Yes we ARE good enough. A lackluster medal tally should highlight the fact that the only thing missing is a little tooth and nail.
So tonight, when we drop the puck with the “dreaded” Russians, who have only ok defence, no more fire power on the front end, and a way less competent goaltender, remember the feeling of being unafraid and confident. And do everything else in your life that way because being Canadian isn’t just about being polite and gracious, it’s about kicking ass too.
I haven’t written in a few days, just been enjoying the experience. Earlier today, (or I suppose yesterday), I went over the Westin Bayshore, which is now VANOC headquarters, and home to all the IOC people that make an Olympics happen. I met the people involved with the social media generation of the Games, which was pretty cool. There were Olympic posters all over the place, a simple campaign that shows the power of the Olympic brand. The art for these posters was so simple, all you have to do is throw the Olympic rings on the top and all of a sudden it’s profound. Oh the power of a brand.
I was there to be interviewed by a young reporter about my Youth Olympic Games Ambassador role. It was a great experience because I was able to really articulate why and how I wanted to make a difference in Singapore later this summer. I believe in the respect that the Games hope to develop between young people. It’s really important to me.
People talk about the commercialization of the Games. Sure, it’s big business. But there’s a reason for that. It is because the movement is simple and pure and you can use that to sell something. At the end of the day, this transaction doesn’t diminish the true impact of the Olympic movement. Part of that is the leadership and respect that the Olympic dream fosters among young people. I hope that is never forgotten in the argument.
If there’s anything that usually irks Canadians, it is getting made fun of. I must admit, in the past few days, with all the missteps and accompanying negative press, I can’t help but begin to feel a little defensive. The proud Canadian inside of me says, “Hey! Stop bugging me, I’m trying my best, after all, isn’t that what matters?”
But there’s another story that all the major broadcasters miss, especially those that beam their message from south of the 49th parallel.
The story is that we are doing things differently, we are an innovative country, and we are taking risks.
Should Olympic events be taking place at Cypress, so close to the city heat with balmy temperatures? Maybe not. But is it the absolute best venue for the events hoping to be hosted there? Under ideal conditions, absolutely.
On to speed skating from last night. Ok, so the Olympia ice machines were a bad idea. But we are trying to be the greenest games ever, and such a goal means taking risks, like choosing electric ice machines instead of the alternative Zambonis. If the Olympics were all about the athletes, Zamboni would have been the first choice. But they aren’t. It’s about the Olympic values, and using the movement’s power to effect change. So what the athletes had to adjust their warm ups! These guys are pros, ultimately the Games are about more than performance, and the choice of Olympia machines proves that we Canadians understand that.
And finally…the cauldron lighting, well ahem, 75% of it. Get over it. It was an amazing show. Rich with Canadian artistry, history and grandeur. Boiling the merit of an entire performance down to a jammed stage door just shows the shallowness of so many news outlets, both here at home and abroad. I was a part of that show, and I am proud of it. Again, they took a risk by going for the initial lighting inside a building, the first ever, and as we say up here, 3 outta 4 ain’t half bad 
Hey! This isn't our fault!
The Republic of Korea
A few days later, I am quite sure that there isn’t any way of describing Friday night. But I will try. It was more exhilarating and magical that I could ever have imagined. Upon arrival at BC Place, there was an electric atmosphere among our little group of placard bearers. We have all developed a degree of camaraderie and so it was nice to share the evening with some familiar faces.
The few hours in holding flew by, and before we knew it we were lined up ready to accept our placards and march into our ready position. To be honest, all day I was anxious, but as soon as I was in my costume everything changed. I was just excited. I mean, what did I have to be nervous about, I had to walk in a circle and I’d done in about 20 times.
About an hour before show time, there was a rumble down ring road in BC Place. It wasn’t Gretzky, it wasn’t Steve Nash. They had already elicited a cheer hours earlier. This time, it was a country. It was Greece. The athletes.
For the next hour or so, the athletes poured into the building, each with their own anxiety and nervousness. Before long it was time to cut in between them, and line up on the inside of ring road. The athletes actually cheered for us! I can imagine the wonder at seeing those “frozen” placards all labeled with the countries about to walk the floor.
I practiced my Korean in line, and by the time I was united with my team, The Republic of Korean, and the flag bearer Kang…I was ready. Rounding the corning to the entry point, with blue and silver light spilling onto the ramp, I couldn’t help my heart from literally pounding through my chest. The choreographers waved me up to the standby point and I proudly raised my placard into position, I could feel the air coming off the flag behind me and then, “whoosh”, down drops the arm of the stage manager and off I go.
It wasn’t so much the noise of the crowd, the lights or the grandeur of the stage. For me, it was leading a group of athletes into the beginning of a beautiful moment. It was being a part of an experience I never had myself, and sharing their abundance of joy and pride.
It was amazing.
Here is what I find dismaying about anti-Olympic protests. At the moment I am watching the Torch Relay wind through West Hastings Street, re-routed because of protesters. Ironically enough, a man named Matt Lee lit his torch in the heart of the downtown Eastside, a recovering addict, and a great story. A way the Games can have a positive impact on ANYBODY, whatever opinion you hold regarding their existence in Vancouver.
Alright, moving on, today is the big day. To be honest, I am a whole lot of excited with a little bit of anxious. After weeks of rehearsal, and practicing, waiting and imagining, the moment is here.
Just don’t trip Callum, just don’t trip. Apparently a lot of people will be watching this on TV. Haha, I’m kidding, I am a now an excellent walker. Watch for me halfway through the parade, it’s the closest I’ll ever get to membership in an Opening Ceremonies parade so I’m going to enjoy every part of the experience.
Part THREE
There is nothing to explain the rush of marching out in front of 60,000 people. The boom from the stadium as every country is announced.
And it’s not even the real thing yet.
There were plenty of superstars in the building tonight, but I can’t talk about any of it, so I’ll let the excitement build for Friday. All I can say is that it’s amazing to rub shoulders with some of the coolest Canadians in our young history.
I’m completely exhausted, trying to fit in rehearsals with work and other commitments. It’s all going to be worth it. I know. I can’t wait, two more sleeps to one of the most meaningful days of my young life.
Part TWO
Bring on the Olympics! Plenty of anticipation for Friday’s kickoff to the Games as the sporting world turns its attention to Vancouver, (or at least in a few days after the Superbowl hangover wears off). Tonight I have a big dress rehearsal for the Ceremonies, complete with a partial audience. If you’re going, you’re lucky! It’s going to be fun.
Thanks to Davis Wuolle, NG Farrell just finished up a slick page for Georgia, at www.georgiasimmerling.com. She’s training at the moment, but up to Whistler in a few days. You can follow her @gsimmerling
Trying to figure out how to best spend my free time during the Games, so I’m open to suggestions? There’s plenty to do, both in Vancouver and Richmond. If you’re up for the bus ride, I’m sure Whistler has an abundance of activities. I’ll be at the O Zone in Richmond with ActNow BC, to spread the message of healthy living, no doubt this might include a visit to Heineken Holland House which is somewhat counter to that message BUT I’d like to add that a positive dose of fun doesn’t hurt your health at all!
The best part of this week will have to be picking up my mom from the airport tomorrow, and showing her around Olympic Vancouver. She was the catalyst for my love of sport. My aunts always tell me how my mom was never idle from some sort of athletic activity, much like me. We’ll have fun together. My morning runs will be less lonely for a few days!
Part ONE
The Olympic city is getting louder.
The village opens tomorrow, and will welcome all the athletes, coaches and support staff, many of whom are already in the city!
I am excited. Sort of anxious, but looking forward to what the next three and a half weeks will hold. I have rehearsal tonight, as it becomes crunch time for the Olympic Opening Ceremonies crew to pull off what will be an amazing show.
Not only that, but yesterday I had an inspiring meeting with one of my clients, Georgia Simmerling. She was added to the Olympic Alpine Ski team last week. Yes, a newly minted Olympian.
Georgia just returned from speeding down hills in St. Moritz, just in time to go rip down some more hills in Alberta, (Nakiska for training), before it will be race time in Whistler. It’s a really exciting time for her, and an honour to be helping out.
It was great to get a sense of her anticipation and remember what it was like to behold the Olympic dream. It can be an overwhelming thing, but she seems content, and focused on what is next. Racing for Canada.
I am going to be writing a lot over the next while, as well as at http://www.ngfarrell.com/blog so keep updated here and there. And get out there! It’s going to be fun!
Georgia Simmerling, Olympic Alpine Ski Team
Alright enough about student politics, because let’s not lie, nobody cares anyways.
I want to start the discussion about the Olympics.
Our wonderful little city is slowly but surely putting in the final preparations for the Games. Banners are being hung, tents put up, and in a few days each of the country’s respective Mission Staff will begin landing at YVR.
The village opens February 4th, but no doubt there are thousands of athletes situated in nearby time zones, staging and acclimatizing for the big event.
While for some, the Olympics are about the sport, and the drama that unfolds therein.
But for others it could be different aspects of the experience.
For me, my Olympic experience will revolve around my, (okay I’ll let it slip), role in the Opening and Closing ceremonies. (That’s all I can say! It’s a secret). For you it may be the simple walk around town, and the spectators, coaches, support staff and athletes you’ll meet along the way.
Do you have tickets? What events are you going to? Where are you going to watch Canada’s athletes?
Let’s get the conversation going…please post below, and perhaps you can get a great idea from someone else about how to best enjoy what will be an incredible, once in a lifetime journey.
For me, other than the Ceremonies, I am looking forward to just sharing time with my friends, cheering for my country, and showing visitors that Canadians and Vancouverites are special, thoughtful people.
What about you!?
