The Olympic Flame has been lit and the first medals have already been awarded. Yet I still have butterflies of excitement and expectation in my stomach from watching the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremony – courtesy of nucksfan604

Even with it’s minor blemishes, I thought the ceremonies to open the Winter Games was awesome. The opening montage of having a snowboarder start on the peak of one of the coastal mountains while an announcer progressed through the various Winter Games leading to Vancouver amped up my anticipation. And having him jump into the stadium had me sitting forward in my seat at home.

Aboriginal Welcome – courtesy of nucksfan604

What has to be the best welcome of any Olympic Ceremonies I’ve seen was the Four Host First Nations welcoming both the world and the many first nations of Canada to the traditional territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh. The dancing and colours were electric and enthralling and the music alone had me racing to iTunes to pick up the Official Commemorative Album.

Alpine Activities – courtesy of s.yume

I found much of the cultural component of the opening ceremonies truly representative of Canada. With the entire stadium wearing white ponchos and a white raised floor, images were displayed throughout to outline the different seasons, the many flags, and even iconic images of Orca swimming through (and breathing too boot).

Cosmopolitan Vancouver – courtesy of nucksfan604

In my opinion, the best part of the ceremonies, was the introduction of “We Are More” from Shane Koyczan. I am at a loss for words to describe how this poem got me psyched up for what will come from our Canadian athletes and introduced our new-found patriotism to the world. Yes, we ARE the “what” in “What’s new?”
And although our ceremonies did not surpass what we saw in 2008 in Beijing, I don’t think we need to fret. Canada instead did it our way and for that I’m a proud. And every day throughout the games, I will wear feel honoured to wear red knowing that we have welcomed the world in the best way possible.

The Canadian way.

Let the Flame Burn – courtesy of s.yume