Posts tagged Olympics
Tonight – Hockey Tweetup at MolsonCoors Brewery
Feb 27th
Early this month, MolsonCoors opened up it’s doors to a number of people involved in the Vancouver social media scene (being pretty involved in the social media scene themselves), as well as some rabid sports fans to take in the Canada/Norway men’s hockey game. I did have a chance to go, but as I was taking in men’s and women’s curling that day, had to opt out. Apparently fun was had by all and I missed out.
Is this guy legal? – courtesy of John Biehler
So when I saw a tweet from Ferg Devins (@MolsonFerg) asking if there was interest in attending a tweetup for tonight’s bronze medal game between Finland and Slovakia, I nearly broke my phone tweeting him back to advise of my interest.
Fortunately, Ferg did receive my message and I’m happy to say I’ll be there tonight. If you’re going, track me down – the real name is Chris and on twitter y’all know me as @lyteforce.
Vancouver 2010 Victory Ceremonies
Feb 17th
Maybe I’m simply being greedy, or inconsiderate, or picky. Or maybe a combination of the three. But I almost feel let down when the victory ceremony and medal presentation is held the following day.
Victory Ceremony Stage – courtesy of Chris Reddy
Why you ask? Well…
“Here I am, all psyched up from the euphoria of watching Canadian athletes tear it up. I’m shouting, pumping my fists in the air, and getting my voice tuned to do a little Canadian anthem karaoke. But wait, there isn’t anything like that taking place. I have to wait. And then.. I’ve lost the groove.”
Now I still get amped watching the gold medal get handed off. And I do sing along any chance I get when the Canadian anthem is concerned, but it’s not as exciting or enthusiastic as it would have been live. You know?
What do y’all think?
Slash rant.
Reflection: Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies
Feb 14th
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
Canadian Pride
Feb 10th
Having only driving across the border a handful of times, I’d never consider myself an expert on the subject, but there seems to be a US flag on every corner – they’re everywhere. And people would likely agree that the pride that those from the US show is unreal (some would even say obnoxious). And yet as close as we are to our neighbours to the south, Canadian patriotism tends to be quiet and subdued. Sure we like to throw a party now and then, but we’re pretty laid back overall.
But not anymore.
If there is one thing that the Winter Games has done, it’s allowed Canadians to bust loose. Everywhere I go there are flags flying high, flags hanging in windows, on cars and on clothes. In fact, I’ve gotten into the action by hanging my Canadian flag up for all to see.
And you know what? I like it. I like that we Canadians are showing the world we are a proud nation. I like that we are ready to welcome the world with open arms and show them what it’s like to be a Canadian. Can you imagine what it will be like when the first Canadian athlete brings home our first gold medal on home soil? Or better yet, the sound of the Canadian anthem being played as the flag is raised high for all to see.
I’d be lying if I didn’ t say hearing the anthem at the Richmond Torch Relay Ceremony didn’t bring tears to my eyes, but I’m proud to say it nonetheless. I like to think that our pride as a nation will continue beyond the games – because that’s a Canada I could get used to.
True North Strong & Free – courtesy of John Bolwitt
Richmond Olympic Torch Relay Celebration
Feb 10th
As I mentioned yesterday, the Olympic Torch Relay was passing through Richmond and I wanted to be part of it. Ideally, I would have wanted to see the torch in Steveston, but unfortunately work got in the way so I was left with attending the celebration itself at the Richmond O Zone.
And a celebration it was!
Richmond City Hall Decked Out in Red
Richmond O Zone Banners
Richmond City Hall is completely decked out in red maple leaves, red banners, red signage. Being a proud Richmondite, let alone a super proud Canadian, I’m completely stoked that the community is getting behind the Olympic movement.
Inniskillin Ice Wine was Flowin’
Olympic Ice Gate
Inniskillin was front and centre providing tastings of it’s commemorative icewine designed especially for the 2010 Winter Games. I wasn’t able to score a taste as I was more concerned on getting a great spot to see the celebration, but having followed them on twitter, I discovered they would be present in the Richmond O Zone throughout the games. I also found out their parent company Vincor Canada was the official sponsor of wine for the Olympics:
To celebrate the 2010 Winter Games, Vincor Canada, Official Supplier of Wine, has created the exclusive Inniskillin Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition. With a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold supporting the Canadian Olympic Team and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, there is no better way to honor our athletes and celebrate the best that Canada has to offer.
It’s also important to note that the Ice Gate was made possible through the sponsorship of Inniskillin. Designed by artist Gord Halloran (a Sunshine Coast resident for those keeping score), the Ice Gate is a frozen canvas of ice and colour which will continue to change and evolve throughout the Winter Games. I highly recommend that you all take a look at this magnificent piece of artwork – you should also follow Vincor Canada (@2010Wines on twitter to keep up-to-date on other locations they will be visiting.
Just a Few People
Over 20,000 people found their way into the Richmond O Zone and even more outside lined the street as Rick Hansen carried the torch to the community cauldron on the stage. I was fortunate enough to get there early and acquire what turned out to be a great spot to get some video (best footage is about 2 mins in):
http://www.vimeo.com/9345077
I also caught footage of Rick talking about the importance of achieving your dreams – a very stirring speech that revived memories I have of his return from the Man in Motion tour. Having got my eyes slightly moistened, the following rendition of Oh Canada ensured that tears of pride flowed freely (something I’ll also have online sooner than later).
And what would any post about the Richmond O Zone be without pictures of Holland Heineken House?
Entrance to Holland Heineken House
Me Thinks Orange is the Colour
Holland Heineken House will serve as the official home to to the Dutch sporting world for the duration of the 2010 Winter Games. Having converted Minoru Arenas in Richmond, Holland Heineken House will have a strong presence within the Richmond O Zone by inviting what will likely be a sea of orange to celebrate what it is to be Dutch. There will be medal ceremonies to celebrate the success of Dutch athletes, restaurants serving Dutch food, music from Dutch DJs, and of course, lots and lots of Heineken. I definitely plan to check it out once it opens – although I may need to become a Dutch citizen as those who can flash the passport will get some serious VIP treatment.
Dutch Bike at Richmond O Zone
After having a fantastic time, I was amused to see one of the many bikes (400 to be exacty) that have been brought by Holland Heineken House. Free to use by anyone who wishes to go for a ride, I’ve actually seen them in action already as the many people who have been working behind the scenes at HHH have used them to get around town.
If you want to see more a few more pictures I took while at the event, feel free to check out my flickr stream. And for more info on the Richmond O Zone, follow them on twitter (@RichmondOZone).
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