Despite starting off on a tragic note and amidst fears of bad weather and protests, the city of Vancouver was able to overcome all hurdles and successfully host the 21st Winter Olympics. For 17 days the city was exceptionally hospitable and welcoming to athletes and visitors from all parts of the world. And they did it the Canadian way! Humble and modest yet loud and fun.
Canadian athletes were remarkably extraordinary at these games by hauling 26 medals in total including a record breaking total of 14 golds – the most by any nation at the Winter Olympics.
And of course, there was the domination of hockey. Both men’s and women’s hockey teams were able to win gold medals. The women’s team successfully defended their title for the third time in a row while the men’s team reclaimed the gold after a poor showing four years ago at Turin. The best part about both these victories were the fact that they both came against the United States of America. We definitely showed the world that the game of Hockey belongs to us.
As I followed these Olympic games and especially during and after the hockey gold medal game, I realized how much more this event has meant for Canada. Men, women, boys and girls of all ages and different backgrounds came together and cheered for the nation in unity. We cheered when Alex Bilodeau became the first athlete to win a gold medal on Canadian soil and we gasped when Parise tied the hockey game with mere seconds left. And then we took to the streets after Sidney Crosby netted the game winning goal. We waved our maple leafs, we sang O Canada, we high 5-ed strangers, we even climbed a traffic sign or two. We did this together, in unison as part of one of the greatest country on this planet. Vancouver 2010 truly has been the coming out party for Canada as a multicultural nation that promotes equality and harmony.
And thus I thank the city of Vancouver and the province of British Columbia for bringing the world to our backyard but more importantly, for bringing the nation together from coast to coast, sea to sea.
Below are a few pictures from the massive celebration on Yonge Street after the gold medal hockey game.
you should have made a trip there!!
yeah I should have...tell that to my school and work scheds lol
but yeah im glad i was in my beloved toronto and partook in the madness seen in those pics :p