Look at this! How does this even happen? Who...wha...
Last night was the kick-off to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and what a way to start them off! Aerialists, Canadian icons (The Man in Motion!), top-notch visual effects, a (mostly) functional and sleek aesthetic, and a commanding respect for our competing friends and neighbours. I'm always a little confused at how some people can dismiss these games as "over-rated", "lame", or other dismissive words in an attempt to reduce their importance and the hard-work of millions. If these games are over-rated, please feel free to organize an international competition on a grander scale that invites, challenges, recognizes, and inspires millions of men and women around the world. If these athletes are lame, I'm sure you demonstrate better athletic prowess after spending years training and sacrificing to attain peak physical achievement, spending blood, sweat and tears along the way. No big deal? Tell that to every child who has had or will have their eyes glued to their television to watch the games with the increasing hope that one day, they too, could compete on this international stage and be the pride and joy of their country.
Oh well. I suppose it's easier to be cynical.
I admit, I watched the opening ceremony and held my breath: PLEASE DON'T SCREW UP PLEASE DON'T SCREW UP. I do maintain a lot of pride in this country and I'm thrilled to be a Canadian. Not only did we create fabulous visual spectacle, we managed to keep it classy. Everyone managed to keep it classy. Don't believe me? Go back and watch the thousands of athletes, ambassadors, coaches, staff and citizens of the world rise to their feet in respect of the Georgian team, or listen to the entire stadium fall silent in a moment of respect.
The Olympics are more than just sports. They are, perhaps, one of the greatest opportunities for countrymen and women of all backgrounds, religions, creeds and statuses to come together in a celebration of their talent and their love for their nation. So let me take a moment to acknowledge mine and my appreciation for the beautiful show we put on last night. I bow out now on the words on the wonderfully surprising spoken word artist Shane Koyczan:
m
Oh well. I suppose it's easier to be cynical.
I admit, I watched the opening ceremony and held my breath: PLEASE DON'T SCREW UP PLEASE DON'T SCREW UP. I do maintain a lot of pride in this country and I'm thrilled to be a Canadian. Not only did we create fabulous visual spectacle, we managed to keep it classy. Everyone managed to keep it classy. Don't believe me? Go back and watch the thousands of athletes, ambassadors, coaches, staff and citizens of the world rise to their feet in respect of the Georgian team, or listen to the entire stadium fall silent in a moment of respect.
The Olympics are more than just sports. They are, perhaps, one of the greatest opportunities for countrymen and women of all backgrounds, religions, creeds and statuses to come together in a celebration of their talent and their love for their nation. So let me take a moment to acknowledge mine and my appreciation for the beautiful show we put on last night. I bow out now on the words on the wonderfully surprising spoken word artist Shane Koyczan:
each life unravels differently
and experiences are what make up
the colours of our tapestry
we are the true north
strong and free
and what's more
is that we didn't just say it
we made it be.
<3,m
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