This is my first Mission Team experience at a Games and as I sit here on day 9 of competition I realized that over the past three days I have learned a serious lesson.

Games go by fast.

What a flurry over the past few days! I have been from venue to venue, throughout the day and into the evening. It is interesting that in times like these, when there is so much energy, positivity and passion surrounding you, it is easy not to notice things that might be very apparent in everyday life. For example the time, what day it is, how much sleep you got, when you last ate…haha, pretty much all those regular habits that we take for granted back in reality. During Games time, this all goes out the window. You can basically live off the positive energy.

That time we won the World Cup

Last night was special. Chat with Champions, one of the Culture and Education Program’s staples, featured a talk from 4-time Canadian Olympian Charmaine Crooks, as well as 4-time medalist Angela Ruggiero. These women are leaders in sport for many reasons, they are also incredible speakers. One of the nicest moments was when our rhythmic gymnasts all stood up in unison to ask a question, they introduced themselves one by one, (by the way there isn’t one of them in the triple digits of weight), and then said, “Can you sing us a song?” In addition to being heavily involved with worldwide sport, an amazing athlete and business woman, as well as just a down to earth nice person, Charmaine can sing! But not without a show! She invited the girls onto the stage, and live web streaming across the world, our five miniature back up dancers doo wopped while Charmaine sang. It was classic.

In the past few days I have seen swimming, athletics, gymnastics, diving, basketball and canoe/kayak. Sometimes as many as three sports in one evening! I love watching live sport so much. I am always so excited to go and cheer on our Canadian athletes.

One thing has caught my attention. The Youth Olympic Games are about youth athletes. But the Games are powered and supported by other young people, and this makes the experience authentic, and important. There is a Young Reporters program, where talented young journalists have the opportunity to develop, learn and gain experience. Many of the purple shirted volunteers at the Games are young, including announcers at events, and venue marshals. There are of course the Young Ambassadors, who are everywhere. Young people are the fabric of these Games, and it is amazing to feel and see the special results that take place, on the field of play and surrounding it.

I can tell you this, this Games has proven that our generation has the potential to sculpt a better world. There are athletes from 204 NOCs, there are Singaporeans, there are Young Reporters/Ambassadors, there are other volunteers from around the world. Together, we are the Youth Olympic Games, and together I hope we can prove that we are the future, that we can overcome the challenges in front of us. Because there are many. I have more to say about this, but for now, I will leave it at that.

A few days remain, and I go to sleep each night, giddy with anticipation for the day to come. Tonight is no different.

The best Games time base camp here!

The sunshine and summer heat have finally arrived in Vancouver. It seems like every year, we Vancouverites bemoan the lack of summer, and applaud gently when it finally lands, with comments like, “that took a long time” or “well…finally”. I am pretty sure that it’s like this every year to be honest, and I am not sure from what memory we make the assumption that it should be 25+ in early June. Anyway, it is here, and that’s all that matters.

It is July 7^th, and that means I am just over a month away from travel to Singapore for the Youth Olympic Games. The team is nearly at full capacity, and I have had the chance to Facebook meet most of the athletes. It definitely reminds me of being an athlete in that age group, (mind you, ten years ago we weren’t Facebook heroes yet.) Ohhhhh! Just dated myself. (I’ve always wanted to write that, haha)

I remember being really dedicated to my sport. It was interesting because that dedication framed how I related to my world, whether that meant friends, family or other things. When it came to friends, it was tough to explain why I always went to be before 10 PM, or brought in bagged lunches that weighed 15 lbs. To my buddies that were non-athletes, it never resonated.

In seeing these Youth Olympians, those who are already connected with some of their Youth Olympic teammates on Facebook, it reminds me of the common ground I found with other athletes.

They just understood. It didn’t matter where they were from, what team, city, or province. When I eventually began competing internationally, I made friends just as quickly, because country was irrelevant, all that mattered was the sport.

Anyways, it’s been a cool flashback to meet and connect with our Canadian Youth Olympians thus far. They are inspiring people. I am sure I’ll be reminded of a lot more in the coming weeks, and no doubt learn a lot too.

Singapore 2010.

If this doesn’t mean anything to you right now, it will in less than 3 months.

This is because Singapore will be the site for the first EVER Youth Olympic Games!

August 14 – 26, 2010.

26 sports, over 200 countries, thousands of athletes, coaches, support staff, officials, volunteers, sponsors, media.

It’s the Olympics folks. Just for Youth aged 14-18. And it’s going to be really special.

Canada is sending a team of over 50 athletes. The absolute best youth athletes our country has to offer. Just like Vancouver, they’re going to be reaching for the top of the podium.

Strong and proud Canadians, unafraid to stand up next to the best in the world, and confident enough to beat them all.

I am going to go help them out. Anything I can do, because as much as this generation of athletes will forge a new definition of Canadian confidence, we’ll also be classically humble and helpful, as always.

Follow the dream right here. There will be a Facebook group and plenty of tweets, just for the Canadian Youth Olympic Team, launched in the next week or so.

The other cool thing is that the athletes will get the chance to take part in the Culture and Education Program, aimed at teaching athletes about Olympism, Skill Development, Healthy Lifestyles, Social Responsibility and Expression.

Go Canada Go – Allez Canada!

Learn more:

http://singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en.html

http://www.olympic.org/en/content/YOG/

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.

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

Day 12 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Re-connecting with old friends

Today was the final day of my Community Christmas Challenge. It was also Christmas Day. It was, to be frank, one of the best Christmas Day’s in recent memory. I am very lucky to have family traditions that survive age, busy schedules, my missing religion and other obstacles that commonly destroy annual re-occurrences. The morning saw presents and stockings, still thoughtfully stuffed by my mom. My brother and I then walked to the rink and proceeded to skate for no less than 4 hours. We returned home to a Christmas dinner with friends and family, topped off by a trip to the theatres to see RDJ and Jude Law play Holmes and Watson. Filed throughout the day, in between the texts to closer friends I decided that I would send messages to a few people that I hadn’t heard from in some time. (Friends that were at one time a larger part of my life, but who have since moved slightly out of touch) It’s important to remind others that you haven’t forgotten their positive impact on your life. Anyhow, that was today’s act. Funniest part of the day? Going to the cinema 2 hours early because I thought it would be busy, (sometimes I’m quite stupid), and sharing our best college prank stories while keeping warm in the downtown Sheraton. Laughing like absolute idiots while people had their Christmas dinner in the adjacent restaurant. Haha, I’m surprised we didn’t get kicked out.

Day 11 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Going to church

At this time, I am not religious. I was brought up in a Christian home, and we went to church regularly until I was old enough to object in a convincing enough fashion, at which point I stayed at home. As I’ve grown into adult life I have slowly but consciously become non-religious. As Jeff put it on this week’s Community, (NBC), “Religion is like Paul Rudd, I wouldn’t take it away from anybody but I wouldn’t stand in line for it either.” All the same, my parents have remained diligent church goers and so on Christmas Eve I was asked to attend church. A real, live, church. Hard wood pews, over-friendly people, kids with the topmost button of their dress shirts buttoned, no cell phones, hymn singing. Church. I could easily have said no. But there’s no way I’m going to make my mother unhappy on Christmas Eve. Plus, my brother already gave his assent so I can’t look that bad. Therefore, I quietly accompanied my parents, to their delight and sat through a desperately bad service. For those who know my pain, this is easily today’s good deed.

Day 10 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Back in the game, literally.

One feature I now appreciate about Calgary is an open rink on a warm, sunny day. Since taking up residence in Vancouver, as well as the sport of hockey, I have discovered how damn hard it is to get a good skate in. However, today, bright and early, I found myself trudging through fresh powder to an empty sheet of ice. It was the purest of Canadian experiences, long johns and toques, scarves and two pairs of socks. Frozen rubber and cold hands. Perfect. What was also included was a little community service. My brother and I cleared the entire 200 ft, with a few shovels and some determination. The rest of the day would see local citizens come and go, and so we made sure that pucks would be gliding freely all day. (Albeit Scotty and I benefited as well for a few hours)

Day 9 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: stumbled

So today was a blistery Tuesday, and I am sorry to say that nothing of record was accomplished for Callum’s CCCCC. I caught a plane back to Calgary with my brother, and I was dismayed to find no opportunities throughout the day. Upon landing at the airport, I did give my mom a huge hug, and for the last few hours of day 9, I filled her in on the latest in my life. I know she was happy to me home for a few days at Christmas, and so at least I have that.

Day 8 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: A little food for the bank

There’d been a lot of talk around the lower mainland about food bank shortages this Christmas. I knew from the beginning that this was something I wanted to contribute to, so off I went again, texting everybody I knew and no doubt annoying a few. In the end, I put together a few boxes of unwanted food. I mean, how much Kraft dinner can I possibly eat? Not only that, but why do I even have French Pea soup. (The psychological dysfunction associated with the purchase of 12 cans is another story) Anyways, not much more to it than that, food for people who need it. Day 8 finito.

Day 7 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Helping an Organization in Need

Today spelled a different direction for Callum’s CCCCC. (If you don’t know by now what the multiple Cs represent, well…sigh) Being an athlete for a long time, I understand how important it is that athletes be given a forum from which to voice their opinions and positions. That is why I was honoured to be nominated for the BC Athlete Voice Board of Directors, and, on this rainy Sunday, to be elected to join a talented and accomplished Board. In the spirit of the community challenge, I calculate that my time throughout the year can be of service to such an organization, and I am pleased to join the BCAV team! If you’d like to know more about BC Athlete Voice, you can find their website at: http://www.bcathletevoice.ca/content/Home.asp You might recognize someone in the video on the homepage. I have NO idea how he got there.

Day 6 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Monster Spatula versus Giant Whisk!

Enter Horn, John Horn. This friendly Daily Gumboot editor who is always mindful of community development extended the invitation for a nice stint of holiday volunteerism. John, myself, my good pal Alexei Bergeron and 2 other nice dudes spent a few hours dishwashing at the downtown Salvation Army. We had to negotiate these large army issue food containers into the high pressure dishwashing machine, which proved difficult but also rewarding, and definitely a lot of fun. The afternoon ended with the discovery of a UGH, (utensil growth hormone), pumped whisk and spatula which John and I proceeded to battle with. I merrily stirred John’s pot while he retaliated with some masterful scooping until we mutually agreed on a draw after everyone else ran out of clever puns for the situation.

Preparing for the duel

Day 5 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Rewarding a bad parking job?!

Today was a busy day, it was after the last Friday before Christmas which means a lot of loose ends to tie up! Nonetheless, I was driving down 4^th and pulled in to pick up a last minute, long ago ordered Christmas gift. On my way back to my car I noticed that someone has taken the spot next to me, and as I arrived at my car it became totally apparent that this person has executed Vancouver’s worst stall parking job of 2009. To frame it in a less negative tone, had this individual been trying to halt within 1 inch or less of my driver’s side door, they had triumphantly succeeded! As I crawled in through my passenger door I muttered a few expletives and shortly after maneuvering into the driver’s chair I noticed that God’s gift to the driving community had a desperately flat front right tire. Today’s CCCCCC effort was small, but significant to me because instead of driving off and allowing some degree of catastrophe occur, to someone who had made the last 30 seconds of my life inconvenient, I pulled out a pen, found a piece of paper, and ensured that the rest of their day would proceed safely. I left a note on the windshield, in a visible spot, pointing out the flat. Sometimes in the bustle of life, I get a little short tempered, allowing simple acts of decency and etiquette to be forgotten. Today’s CCCCCC is a reminder of that.

Day 4 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Twitter graphics!

Today marks the debut of the reader’s suggestion to Callum’s CCCCC. The first contributor is the very intelligent Davis Wuolle, UBC Thunderbird, engineering undergrad and all around good guy. Davis commented on my adventures, and then offered to do twitter backgrounds for any needy not-for-profits. If you are curious what a fantastic twitter design looks like, you can check out my twitter, or Move: The Company, both of which Davis masterfully designed. Anyways, I must also thank Peter Reek of Smart + Savvy and Sharon Peters at Catalyst + Co, who connected me with the good people at The Vantage Point, (formerly Volunteer Vancouver). Without further banter, TA DA! The Vantage Point has a slick new twitter background!

Day 3 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Plant a Tree!

I guess the eco-friendly buzz from Day 2 had me going, as Day 3 featured another green deed. Two weeks ago, I attended UBC’s Blue and Gold Revue. (Post on that adventure here) Attendees to the event received a gift bag in which I found a little sphere of goodness. It’s a Clean Air Tree Kit…and it is nothing less than a tiny tree, (well seedlings), ready for planting. With my wide array of horticultural experience, if by wide I mean narrow and by array I mean, well…hmmm that doesn’t make sense, okay basically I have NO experience whatsoever. Nonetheless, a glorious tree was born. Well, some dirt in a Jerry pot with some water, placed inside half a 2 L coke bottle. All the same, it’s 3-4 months of daily nurturing, and my humble act for Day 3! In other news, I went to my Ceremonies 2010 audition last night, which was undoubtedly the most fun I have had in months. Imagine a clumsy swimmer trying to dance, multiply that by 47 other dudes in the room doing the same thing. Hilarious, outrageous and fun are the three words I choose.

Clean Air Tree Kit

Day 2 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Write and Deliver Thank You notes to people with brilliant Christmas decorations with a reminder to turn them off while sleeping.

The second day of Callum’s CCCCC was a neighbourly effort in my local Kitsilano. Many people here have tastefully decorated their homes with Christmas lights of every colour, (a lot more LED lights this year!), holiday wreaths, blow up Santas and Snowmen, even the odd gigantic menorah. There is an intangible value to this type holiday spirit, but also a very measurable cost. I decided to achieve some community good faith along with a little kickback to the environment by writing a handful of greeting cards! Each one thanked people for their spirit, and reminded them to shut off or unplug at the end of the evening. I hand delivered the cards. I hope it worked!

Thank you notes!

Day 1 of Callum’s Crazy but Cheap Community Christmas Challenge: Collect Warm Winter Clothing for the Realtor’s Care Blanket Drive

Day 1 wrapped up last night with some final pick-ups and a lot of walking through slushy snow. At the end of the day I collected about 4 garbage bags full of warm winter clothing

that just about filled my back seat and trunk. I was pretty happy with the result, considering that at about 3:30 PM all I had was a few jackets and jeans. The idea was prompted in the AM by a quick excerpt on the radio, and in support of the Real Estate Board’s, Realtor’s Care Blanket Drive. This year extended due to the colder weather. You can find out more at http://www.rebgv.org/blanket-drive Day 2 awaits!