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 49^th 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 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