I have arrived home, safe and sound, and still trying to digest all that I have seen and been a part of.
I really don't know how this will all eventually play out, but do we ever? What I do know is that traveling to the Olympics and being a small part of what Right to Play is doing, and trying to do, has been one of the most exciting and interesting experiences of my life.
I am pretty sure words will never do it justice, and I am quite certain the photos that follow will not either.
In any event, enjoy them and I hope one day everyone gets to experience the fun and excitement I enjoyed these last 8 days.
You can view the slide show as is below, but if you'd like to get a real look, you can make it bigger (click on the slide show, and then choose 'full screen') and slower (you can control the speed with the + or - signs at the bottom).
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
MR. DINNER IS EXHAUSTED!
I am hoarse. I am soar. I am tired. I am happy!
What an incredible 8 days!
But I am exhausted.
So my last post from Vancouver is going to be short (highly unlikely) and sweet.
Spent my morning and early afternoon spending some final hours trying to take in as much as I can about what makes Right to Play so special for me. Still hard to put into words, so I won't (which is rare). Got to say hello to a few more great people, and of course had to say goodbye to many great ones.
From there I got to participate in the what seems like the one Olympic event everyone here in Vancouver gets to go in....standing in line. I must point out here this is not a complaint. Just a fact. If you came down to Vancouver for the Olympics along with hundreds of thousands, if not millions of other people (okay maybe tens of thousands) and didn't expect in line, well then I think you expect a little too much of what others are supposed to do for you. In fact the line proved to be a nice time to finally slow down, and the families and friends around me (and there were a lot of them) enjoyed their time together...hmmm, weird...people actually enjoying family and friends on a beautiful sunny day in, for the moment, the greatest place on the planet.
Sat down to watch some television on an amazing HD television, watched our Olympians triumph and come up short, witnessed joy and disappointment, say the pride in what they do, all the while re-living everything I have just seen and participated in, believing in my heart of the potential we all have for greatness. It's a pretty awesome feeling, and hopefully it's not just because I am exhausted.
What an incredible 8 days!
But I am exhausted.
So my last post from Vancouver is going to be short (highly unlikely) and sweet.
Spent my morning and early afternoon spending some final hours trying to take in as much as I can about what makes Right to Play so special for me. Still hard to put into words, so I won't (which is rare). Got to say hello to a few more great people, and of course had to say goodbye to many great ones.
From there I got to participate in the what seems like the one Olympic event everyone here in Vancouver gets to go in....standing in line. I must point out here this is not a complaint. Just a fact. If you came down to Vancouver for the Olympics along with hundreds of thousands, if not millions of other people (okay maybe tens of thousands) and didn't expect in line, well then I think you expect a little too much of what others are supposed to do for you. In fact the line proved to be a nice time to finally slow down, and the families and friends around me (and there were a lot of them) enjoyed their time together...hmmm, weird...people actually enjoying family and friends on a beautiful sunny day in, for the moment, the greatest place on the planet.
Sat down to watch some television on an amazing HD television, watched our Olympians triumph and come up short, witnessed joy and disappointment, say the pride in what they do, all the while re-living everything I have just seen and participated in, believing in my heart of the potential we all have for greatness. It's a pretty awesome feeling, and hopefully it's not just because I am exhausted.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS!
Continued technically difficulties (and probably a lack of rest) have once again prevented photos from being included in today's entry. Arrrrrrgh!
This is especially disappointing as for the 7th consecutive day things got even more exciting. I couldn't imagine it was possible after the stress of a shootout with the Swiss led to an enormous explosion of energy that nearly toppled the city of Vancouver. Last night was crazy, and to be a part of it was something I will never forget.
At the time, this was especially true as it looked as though taking in any actual 'live' events wasn't going to happen and I needed to cherish my moment. I was fine with this.
Of course, they do say ignorance is bliss, and if I had missed out on the opportunities I took advantage of today, I would have missed out on something extraordinary. As my story goes, I went from seeing no events to seeing two in one day - the Latvia vs. Czech Republic in men's hockey and the Victory Celebration. Incredible!
This was then followed up by being in the streets of Vancouver - an incredible experience to say the least last night, but tonight a party/experience/celebration I have never once been a part of. Roads were closed (again). Cheering and yelling was everywhere (again). High fiving (again). You name it (again). I'm not sure what made tonight that much more insane - maybe it was the gold medal in skeleton, or maybe it was more people, or maybe people are now, after a week, getting familiar with everything and just letting loose. Whatever it is/was, it is/was working to perfection. The love of life was in the air and everyone was infected - it was great!
And so my final day here in Vancouver is near - I will spend one final day at the Right to Play exhibit - some 40, 000 people have visited the tent since I arrived, and almost the same amount in dollars has been raised! As a result, the goal now becomes to have 100,000 people come through leaving behind them some $100,000 in donations which would be an incredible number for the short of time we've been at. Good luck to all who are going to be there when I am gone.
I am then hoping to head out to Richmond to the Ozone and the attached Heiniken House along with the speed skating oval. I can't imagine tomorrow any more insane or unforgettable, but as I am a person who learns from his past, I can't doubt that it won't either - I got a feeling, today is going to be a good, good day!!
This is especially disappointing as for the 7th consecutive day things got even more exciting. I couldn't imagine it was possible after the stress of a shootout with the Swiss led to an enormous explosion of energy that nearly toppled the city of Vancouver. Last night was crazy, and to be a part of it was something I will never forget.
At the time, this was especially true as it looked as though taking in any actual 'live' events wasn't going to happen and I needed to cherish my moment. I was fine with this.
Of course, they do say ignorance is bliss, and if I had missed out on the opportunities I took advantage of today, I would have missed out on something extraordinary. As my story goes, I went from seeing no events to seeing two in one day - the Latvia vs. Czech Republic in men's hockey and the Victory Celebration. Incredible!
This was then followed up by being in the streets of Vancouver - an incredible experience to say the least last night, but tonight a party/experience/celebration I have never once been a part of. Roads were closed (again). Cheering and yelling was everywhere (again). High fiving (again). You name it (again). I'm not sure what made tonight that much more insane - maybe it was the gold medal in skeleton, or maybe it was more people, or maybe people are now, after a week, getting familiar with everything and just letting loose. Whatever it is/was, it is/was working to perfection. The love of life was in the air and everyone was infected - it was great!
And so my final day here in Vancouver is near - I will spend one final day at the Right to Play exhibit - some 40, 000 people have visited the tent since I arrived, and almost the same amount in dollars has been raised! As a result, the goal now becomes to have 100,000 people come through leaving behind them some $100,000 in donations which would be an incredible number for the short of time we've been at. Good luck to all who are going to be there when I am gone.
I am then hoping to head out to Richmond to the Ozone and the attached Heiniken House along with the speed skating oval. I can't imagine tomorrow any more insane or unforgettable, but as I am a person who learns from his past, I can't doubt that it won't either - I got a feeling, today is going to be a good, good day!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Fewf!
Sadly no pictures today...got a bunch from a very busy and exciting day at the Games, but they just don't seem to want to cooperate today. Hopefully I can get that fixed before I return.
It was an unbelievably exciting and tiring day today, following the trend of each day being even more than the last. Today we started with a group of Grade 5's (who I am sure know that they must hold the 'shift' key down to make letters capitals, especially on their names) come visit in the morning - they learned a little about Right to Play and then played a wicked game of human foosball. A great way to kick things off.
Then we did a flash mob dance thingy where people 'spontaneously' appear out of nowhere to dance as a big group - and when I say 'spontaneous' I mean, in this case, totally planned, collaborated on, a rehearsed. It was fun none-the-less and I hope to teach you guys at home this little dance so we can continue to spread the word (hopefully it will be up on YouTube tomorrow).
And then of course we finish the day with another gold medal (WOOOOOOOHOOOOO!) and a stressful win over the Swiss in hockey.
The win touched off a celebration in this city I have yet to see, further proving hockey to be #1, and I think was made all that more explosive and awesome because it was so stressful! Literally the city exploded....it was awesome!
Once again, thanks so much to everyone who has commented (you can view your comments for each entry by clicking at the bottom), especially those who have cleaned up their grammar act. 'U' is not a word!
To answer a few questions posed in the comment section: yes, I am loving my time here; no, I haven't met too many athletes; and if I were to be an Olympic athlete at these games I would be a hockey player (yeah right) or compete in the biathlon!
It was an unbelievably exciting and tiring day today, following the trend of each day being even more than the last. Today we started with a group of Grade 5's (who I am sure know that they must hold the 'shift' key down to make letters capitals, especially on their names) come visit in the morning - they learned a little about Right to Play and then played a wicked game of human foosball. A great way to kick things off.
Then we did a flash mob dance thingy where people 'spontaneously' appear out of nowhere to dance as a big group - and when I say 'spontaneous' I mean, in this case, totally planned, collaborated on, a rehearsed. It was fun none-the-less and I hope to teach you guys at home this little dance so we can continue to spread the word (hopefully it will be up on YouTube tomorrow).
And then of course we finish the day with another gold medal (WOOOOOOOHOOOOO!) and a stressful win over the Swiss in hockey.
The win touched off a celebration in this city I have yet to see, further proving hockey to be #1, and I think was made all that more explosive and awesome because it was so stressful! Literally the city exploded....it was awesome!
Once again, thanks so much to everyone who has commented (you can view your comments for each entry by clicking at the bottom), especially those who have cleaned up their grammar act. 'U' is not a word!
To answer a few questions posed in the comment section: yes, I am loving my time here; no, I haven't met too many athletes; and if I were to be an Olympic athlete at these games I would be a hockey player (yeah right) or compete in the biathlon!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
IT'S NOT JUST ME DOING GREAT STUFF!!
Once again I appreciate beyond measure everyone joining in on my experience here in Vancouver. As you have lived through what I do, I have to tell you, part of what makes this place so exciting and electric is the fact that everyone, and I mean everyone, is in town and they are all loving what they are seeing.
To prove this point, my friend who I am staying with is a chef at a restaurant called the "Italian Kitchen". It is such a great restaurant that it hosted me on Valentine's Day (which means I own my financee big time) but also the president of Latvia, and more importantly, Wayne Gretzky. So while you live through my experiences, I live through the experiences of others...a pretty awesome circle and one I am glad to be a part of. I mean after a long day of work, where my man had to serve the likes of Wayne Gretzky (a stress I couldn't imagine), he got to sit down with the "Great One" who just wanted to say thanks for some awesome food. Could you imagine Wayne Gretzky saying thank you to you? I couldn't before today! And it is that possibility that brings this city alive, because you just never know.
A signed "No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates" bottle....cool.
Today gave me the opportunity say hello to a couple of our Athlete Ambassadors - first up was Chris McElroy, the captain of the Edmonton Rush of the National Lacrosse League and then it was ZachPlavsic , a Canadian Olympian in wind surfing. While these guys might not be the most recognizable of athletes what they do to raise awareness of of what Right to Play does cannot be under-estimated. They bring energy and a love of sport, along with their excellence that takes them to the top of their respective sports, to the children of the world. Fantastic!
Chris McElroy - awesome lacrosse player, captain, Edmonton Rush
Zach Plavsic - 2008 Canadian Olympic wind surfer - a true believer!
And of course, with everything I've talked about and how it makes this city jumping, another medal takes it to another level. The Olympics are great!! And today will bring even more I am sure...awesome!!
To prove this point, my friend who I am staying with is a chef at a restaurant called the "Italian Kitchen". It is such a great restaurant that it hosted me on Valentine's Day (which means I own my financee big time) but also the president of Latvia, and more importantly, Wayne Gretzky. So while you live through my experiences, I live through the experiences of others...a pretty awesome circle and one I am glad to be a part of. I mean after a long day of work, where my man had to serve the likes of Wayne Gretzky (a stress I couldn't imagine), he got to sit down with the "Great One" who just wanted to say thanks for some awesome food. Could you imagine Wayne Gretzky saying thank you to you? I couldn't before today! And it is that possibility that brings this city alive, because you just never know.
A signed "No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates" bottle....cool.Today gave me the opportunity say hello to a couple of our Athlete Ambassadors - first up was Chris McElroy, the captain of the Edmonton Rush of the National Lacrosse League and then it was ZachPlavsic , a Canadian Olympian in wind surfing. While these guys might not be the most recognizable of athletes what they do to raise awareness of of what Right to Play does cannot be under-estimated. They bring energy and a love of sport, along with their excellence that takes them to the top of their respective sports, to the children of the world. Fantastic!
Chris McElroy - awesome lacrosse player, captain, Edmonton Rush
Zach Plavsic - 2008 Canadian Olympic wind surfer - a true believer!And of course, with everything I've talked about and how it makes this city jumping, another medal takes it to another level. The Olympics are great!! And today will bring even more I am sure...awesome!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
WHY I'M HERE!
Before we get to anything important, let me just say - WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Been an exciting day today for so many reasons! WOW!
And now back to the regular scheduled programming - I've got to get a couple of things off my chest:
First, thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to read my stuff, and to make a comment or two. I am really having fun with it all, and having you participate with me makes it all that more special. Thanks.
However, and this is the second thing, please make sure to at least put in some effort when leaving a comment (especially those Grade 5's of mine - I know who you are because many of you leave your names!). I have no problem with the odd spelling mistake or missed letter, but not having capitals in certain words (especially your names!!) or at the beginning of sentences is crazy!
I believe, and you should too, that you always put your best foot forward in whatever you do, but especially when putting something out there for the public see (in this case the small group of people who read this). It doesn't have to be the best, but it has to reflect your best - missing capitals says to me, "I'm lazy." I know you're not, but others who are reading this might think so - I couldn't bear to think people believing my students lazy (because again, I know you're not) and you shouldn't either.
Which brings me to my point about why I am here.
Many may think it's to watch the men's and women's hockey teams kick butt (which is kind of true and this city if going crazy because of it) or to practice my skipping skills (I am already an awesome skipper, just like I am also a very fast runner, but I could always get better). It is also however, to continue my own learning about our world (one thing I need to learn is French - it's an embarrassment that I do not) and to get a better understanding of this organization Right to Play along with its profound effect on children and adults around the world.
Today at the Right to Play "World of Play" pavilion, it was a bit slow - we had over 10,000 visitors on Sunday and were down to about 3,000 today - I think it had something to do with those puck-chasing Canadians, so I took the opportunity to document a few of the reasons others have chosen to get involved with bringing sport to thousands of children around the world.
Inspirational words for sure! And just in case you didn't know who they were, Ban Ki Moon is the head honcho of the United Nations, Lance Armstrong is cycling's answer to Wayne Grtezky, Wayne Gretzky who is Canada's answer to just about everything, and Clara Hughes, our most recent flag bearer. I think sometimes we take for granted the wonderful lessons that can be learned through play - not just sport, but play. Team work. Equality. Effort. Respect. I could go one, but you get the idea. Playing is awesome! They think it. I think it. And I am pretty sure you think it. So wouldn't it be nice if we could all play? Yes, yes it would.
But back to today.
As I said, it was slow today at the pavilion, but really only at the pavilion. Throughout the city, things were electric. Gold medals won. Hockey played. Red and white worn by thousands! Being here and experiencing the passion, goodwill, and general happiness that I get to experience each day has been something I will cherish forever! Whether it's Team Canada in hockey, another gold medal, or kicking butt in curling, this city is alive and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to take it all in. Thanks for joining in.
Entrance to the Molson Hockey House (our pavilion neighbour - and no I can't get in!)
**As for those autograph requests, I will get you one or two as soon as I get myself one or two - which hasn't happened yet....so, good luck!**
And to answer one comment/question that was left about the player I would choose to start my dream hockey team, it has to be, and always will be Wayne Gretzky - the guy's magic and our answer to just about everything!!
And now back to the regular scheduled programming - I've got to get a couple of things off my chest:
First, thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to read my stuff, and to make a comment or two. I am really having fun with it all, and having you participate with me makes it all that more special. Thanks.
However, and this is the second thing, please make sure to at least put in some effort when leaving a comment (especially those Grade 5's of mine - I know who you are because many of you leave your names!). I have no problem with the odd spelling mistake or missed letter, but not having capitals in certain words (especially your names!!) or at the beginning of sentences is crazy!
I believe, and you should too, that you always put your best foot forward in whatever you do, but especially when putting something out there for the public see (in this case the small group of people who read this). It doesn't have to be the best, but it has to reflect your best - missing capitals says to me, "I'm lazy." I know you're not, but others who are reading this might think so - I couldn't bear to think people believing my students lazy (because again, I know you're not) and you shouldn't either.
Which brings me to my point about why I am here.
Many may think it's to watch the men's and women's hockey teams kick butt (which is kind of true and this city if going crazy because of it) or to practice my skipping skills (I am already an awesome skipper, just like I am also a very fast runner, but I could always get better). It is also however, to continue my own learning about our world (one thing I need to learn is French - it's an embarrassment that I do not) and to get a better understanding of this organization Right to Play along with its profound effect on children and adults around the world.
Today at the Right to Play "World of Play" pavilion, it was a bit slow - we had over 10,000 visitors on Sunday and were down to about 3,000 today - I think it had something to do with those puck-chasing Canadians, so I took the opportunity to document a few of the reasons others have chosen to get involved with bringing sport to thousands of children around the world.
Inspirational words for sure! And just in case you didn't know who they were, Ban Ki Moon is the head honcho of the United Nations, Lance Armstrong is cycling's answer to Wayne Grtezky, Wayne Gretzky who is Canada's answer to just about everything, and Clara Hughes, our most recent flag bearer. I think sometimes we take for granted the wonderful lessons that can be learned through play - not just sport, but play. Team work. Equality. Effort. Respect. I could go one, but you get the idea. Playing is awesome! They think it. I think it. And I am pretty sure you think it. So wouldn't it be nice if we could all play? Yes, yes it would.
But back to today.
As I said, it was slow today at the pavilion, but really only at the pavilion. Throughout the city, things were electric. Gold medals won. Hockey played. Red and white worn by thousands! Being here and experiencing the passion, goodwill, and general happiness that I get to experience each day has been something I will cherish forever! Whether it's Team Canada in hockey, another gold medal, or kicking butt in curling, this city is alive and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to take it all in. Thanks for joining in.
Entrance to the Molson Hockey House (our pavilion neighbour - and no I can't get in!)**As for those autograph requests, I will get you one or two as soon as I get myself one or two - which hasn't happened yet....so, good luck!**
And to answer one comment/question that was left about the player I would choose to start my dream hockey team, it has to be, and always will be Wayne Gretzky - the guy's magic and our answer to just about everything!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
THE DAY BEFORE
Today I spent most of the day outside encouraging people to head into Right to Play's "World of Play" pavilion. Most of the pavilion is dedicated to educating people about what Right to Play is and what it does.
One of the things it does is play, as you know. Turns out our pavilion neighbours who are also looking to play, the Saskatchewan Pavilion, challenged us to a game of soccer. Check out the highlights here (very insightful interview by yours truly at the end):
www.saskpavilion.ca/videos/video-blog
After spending the day kicking the ball around, I got to take The Four Hosts pavilion which featured the four First Nations that have been given co-host status, the first time in Olympic history that aboriginals have been recognized...a lone overdue recognition, but something the communities are embracing and using to educate so many. Remind me to show you the video I took.
And remember when I said that the "Oh Canada" from the Opening Ceremonies was the best version I'd ever heard. Well hearing the crowd sing it at Bilodeau's gold medal during the victory celebration has to take it.
And so tomorrow begins what many are calling the reason for hosting the Olympics...the men's hockey tournament gets under way...should be awesome!
One of the things it does is play, as you know. Turns out our pavilion neighbours who are also looking to play, the Saskatchewan Pavilion, challenged us to a game of soccer. Check out the highlights here (very insightful interview by yours truly at the end):
www.saskpavilion.ca/videos/video-blog
After spending the day kicking the ball around, I got to take The Four Hosts pavilion which featured the four First Nations that have been given co-host status, the first time in Olympic history that aboriginals have been recognized...a lone overdue recognition, but something the communities are embracing and using to educate so many. Remind me to show you the video I took.
And remember when I said that the "Oh Canada" from the Opening Ceremonies was the best version I'd ever heard. Well hearing the crowd sing it at Bilodeau's gold medal during the victory celebration has to take it.
And so tomorrow begins what many are calling the reason for hosting the Olympics...the men's hockey tournament gets under way...should be awesome!
Monday, February 15, 2010
MINE AND CANADA'S GOLDEN DAY!!
Got to sport my golden yellow Right to Play t-shirt today and take in all that Vancouver had to offer, which was mostly sun and smiles today. Day began with a meeting with Daniel Igali, the Canadian gold medal wrestler and one of RTP's most outspoken and dedicated Athlete Ambassadors. Look for his interview in an upcoming issue of The Globe & Mail, and maybe just maybe a picture of me with him and some other volunteers.My role today was to be part of the promotions team for Right to Play - our job was to raise awareness of what Right to Play is and does by any means possible. Today that meant getting people to skip rope in the streets and shouting lots of "When children play, the world wins!"
After impressing the locals with my jump rope skills, we then headed down to the 'cauldron' where the Olympic flame burns brightly and draws huge crowds. And yes those are mountains you can see behind the flame as it was actually sunny today, and yes that is the flame behind a fence making it very difficult for all but the most important (I know, I'm blown away I am not somehow on that list too) to see. But it's still pretty cool.
This was followed by cruising the streets of Vancouver.Being in this city at this time truly is something special. What makes it all the more special is the people I've met (gave a heart felt thumbs up to some members of the Georgia delegation) from so many countries, and the fact that as you walk around you come across scenes like this.....
and this....
These spaces are, and will remain reserved for the excellent videos I have taken. And if I ever figure out how to get them up without having to wait an hour to do so, then it'll happen.
The first video was of an outstanding troupe of capoeta dancers, and the other, a group of drummers no older than 15 from Taiwan. Both were part of the Cultural Olympiad that is taking place parallel to the actual Olympics, and both were incredibly impressive.
Of course, neither was as impressive as Canada's first gold! And the story of brotherhood that accompanies our first gold medal on Canadian soil makes it that much better. So exciting and awesome, and it's only the 2nd day!
Tomorrow...hanging at the "World of Play" pavilion for most of the afternoon, and some time spent truly figuring out how to get videos posted to this site.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
DAY ONE AND HALF
So while I wait to board, I will fill you in with a list of what I thought was great about last night. Feel free to add your own Top 5 moments of the night (through the comments), and let’s see if we can make this a truly interactive experience. This list is by no way definitive, and is of course open for debate. So enjoy. In no particular order…
- Oh
- The entrance of Team
- A speech by the guy I’ve never seen or heard, but want to again – this guy rose up from the middle of the main stage and gave a speech for the ages about what
- The entrance of The First Nations – they were a little late in arriving (the Chiefs were supposed to enter with Michelle Jean and the rest of the dignitaries) but the welcome they gave when the youth of their nations appeared on the main stage was great. I hope, and believe, that they are speaking for the majority of the Native youth in our country. Our Native heritage is something we should be proud of, embrace, and learn from. Bang that drum! Also I ask, what would you rather be wearing – the ceremonial dress of our Chiefs, or the suits the Prime Minister or Govenor General had to? I’ll take the feathers thank you.
- The entrance of Team
- k.d. lang – yup, I said k.d. lang. Her performance of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Alleluia’ was awesome. We have so much to be thankful for in
- Speaking of singing, the
- A fiddlin’ and a stompin’ – a truly unique Canadian experience of music, bringing the common element of the fiddle to the diverse tastes of our many regions.
- The entrance of Team
- The entrance of the flame – the highly anticipated moment came with a fitting tribute to the many champions this nation has produced – Hansen, Gretzky, Greene, LeMay Doan, and Nash. Now I had hoped for some sort of hologram or something featuring Terry Fox, the truth of the matter, is nothing could be finer than seeing the potential that exists within all of us represented in these five athletes.
So that’s 10, and I certainly could go on (speeches, dancing, pictures of our troops in Afghanistan, Joannie Mitchel to name a few), but the boarding call has gone out. I will see about adding to this in
Also of note, another great moment for me came before the ceremony began. There is going to be a running piece featuring Rick Hansen (yup, the same Hansen who entered with the flame) called “Difference Makers”. As we all know very well, individual success is impossible without the support of so many. These features will focus on those behind the scenes supporters, and yesterday’s first installment on Rick’s ‘difference maker’ was inspiring.
And now that we are at the end of this little marathon (I'm talking about my day, you may be thinking about my writing), a shout out to Jennifer Heil, who had a pretty amazing run only to be trumped by an incredible run by that American girl. I'll take silver any day, and look forward to many more medals of all colours. Let the games begin.
Next up, my first day of volunteering...and pictures. More pictures, less writing. GO CANADA GO!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
WELCOME....HOPEFULLY IT'S A WILD RIDE!!
Hello, and welcome. Thanks for checking in. I hope this proves to be as interesting, entertaining, and even informative as I dream it will!
As a teacher and a writer and I am going to work very hard to bring insight (and maybe even some humour) into my experience in Vancouver. Having said that, please do not hold me to the very high standards of grammar and spelling that I hold my students to (this goes especially for my students!).
Most posts will be written in the late hours of the evening as I complete my day of volunteering. I will not have the benefit of the many sets of eyes editing and revising for me, as I expect when my students hand something in to me. Please excuse this little oversight, and I hope you will enjoy tagging along with me over this next week as much as I am going to enjoy experiencing it, writing about it, and hopefully documenting it with as many videos and pictures as I can get up!.
I encourage everyone to ask questions and find out more if they desire. I will do my best to include interesting links should you want to know more. Of course, you can also send me comments through this site, or hold on to them for when I get back. In any event, I encourage all to get as involved as they see fit, but most importantly, to enjoy what they do, as much as I enjoy what I do.
Take care, and thank you for reading.
Below is a little story on how this all got started, and if you're not bored silly, I hope you will return in the coming days as I begin my adventure on Sunday!
As a teacher and a writer and I am going to work very hard to bring insight (and maybe even some humour) into my experience in Vancouver. Having said that, please do not hold me to the very high standards of grammar and spelling that I hold my students to (this goes especially for my students!).
Most posts will be written in the late hours of the evening as I complete my day of volunteering. I will not have the benefit of the many sets of eyes editing and revising for me, as I expect when my students hand something in to me. Please excuse this little oversight, and I hope you will enjoy tagging along with me over this next week as much as I am going to enjoy experiencing it, writing about it, and hopefully documenting it with as many videos and pictures as I can get up!.
I encourage everyone to ask questions and find out more if they desire. I will do my best to include interesting links should you want to know more. Of course, you can also send me comments through this site, or hold on to them for when I get back. In any event, I encourage all to get as involved as they see fit, but most importantly, to enjoy what they do, as much as I enjoy what I do.
Take care, and thank you for reading.
Below is a little story on how this all got started, and if you're not bored silly, I hope you will return in the coming days as I begin my adventure on Sunday!
THE RIGHT TO PLAY!
The beginning
Just to be clear, this is not my first Olympics. Apparently at the ripe old age of 3 months I managed to take in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. This began a life-long love of sports that continues today and is a catalyst for so much of what I do, including becoming a big supporter of Right to Play.
It is this support of Right to Play that now has me traveling to Vancouver to do my little part of bringing a worthwhile cause to a larger audience, and immerse myself in the Olympics. I became aware of Right to Play back in 2003, and even got an opportunity in the summer of 2006 to travel to Uganda to see its program in action and witness first hand the incredible impact the program has on children, but also the community at large - many adults find themselves jumping right in, becoming coaches and managers, bringing even further joy to many.
The Right to Play Story
Right to Play actually began about 9 years before I heard about it, in 1994, a direct result of an incredible hometown athlete who was focused on more than just gold (of which he won two - setting world records in both along the way). His name is Johann Olav Koss, a Norwegian speed skater who captured the imaginations of his fellow Norwegians with his two gold medals (and world records) at the Lillehammer Winter Games, and then captured their hearts with his plea for help for a small African nation, Eritrea.
The story as I know it, goes as this - a few months before the Lillehammer games, the organizing committee in Norway was looking for an athlete to travel to Africa as part of a legacy program they were setting up, known I believe, as Olympic Aid. This brought Koss, a gold medal favourite, to Eritrea. Here, he found a moment that forever changed his life, and that of literally thousands of others. See, Johann met the most popular boy at a local school, and it left an impact on him that strengthened his resolve to make a difference, even it was just going to be small. Little did he know.
Anything to play
Why was this boy so popular, and how could he have such an impact? Well it turns out his popularity was based on the fact that he had a long sleeve shirt - the only piece of clothing that could be adequately tied into a soccer ball! The kids didn't have a ball, but it didn't stop them from playing. Johann made a promise to these boys and girls, and himself, that he would return after the Olympics with some equipment for them.
The return
With two gold medals, and the attention of a nation, Johann made his plea - donate a Kroner (roughly the equivelant of a 18 cents Canadian) to help him fulfill his promise to those boys. In just over a week roughly $10 million CDN was raised, enough to fill a jumbo jet full of sports equipment and lay the ground work for what would become Right to Play.
Of course, as the emotion of the 1992 Olympics began to wear off, some naysayers began to question what it was that he was doing, and on the day he left, headlines asked why an athlete was bringing equipment to starving children. A little shaken, but undetered, Koss boarded his plane and headed to Eritrea to fulfill his promise, not too sure how he would be welcomed.
All doubt was erased upon landing as he was met by hundreds of people who had come out to thank him, including the then president of Eritrea, who expressed his gratitude with a hand shake and a message - Thank you. This is the first time we have been seen as people and not just mouths to feed.
And now....
Since then, Right to Play has evolved into one of the largest Non-governmental Organizations, working side-by-side the United Nations in many instances, with a budget of over $30 million dollars and projects in 23 different countries around the world, with numerous supporters, including me, and this guy....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9uU4Bf-smo&NR=1
Just to be clear, this is not my first Olympics. Apparently at the ripe old age of 3 months I managed to take in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. This began a life-long love of sports that continues today and is a catalyst for so much of what I do, including becoming a big supporter of Right to Play.
It is this support of Right to Play that now has me traveling to Vancouver to do my little part of bringing a worthwhile cause to a larger audience, and immerse myself in the Olympics. I became aware of Right to Play back in 2003, and even got an opportunity in the summer of 2006 to travel to Uganda to see its program in action and witness first hand the incredible impact the program has on children, but also the community at large - many adults find themselves jumping right in, becoming coaches and managers, bringing even further joy to many.
The Right to Play Story
Right to Play actually began about 9 years before I heard about it, in 1994, a direct result of an incredible hometown athlete who was focused on more than just gold (of which he won two - setting world records in both along the way). His name is Johann Olav Koss, a Norwegian speed skater who captured the imaginations of his fellow Norwegians with his two gold medals (and world records) at the Lillehammer Winter Games, and then captured their hearts with his plea for help for a small African nation, Eritrea.
The story as I know it, goes as this - a few months before the Lillehammer games, the organizing committee in Norway was looking for an athlete to travel to Africa as part of a legacy program they were setting up, known I believe, as Olympic Aid. This brought Koss, a gold medal favourite, to Eritrea. Here, he found a moment that forever changed his life, and that of literally thousands of others. See, Johann met the most popular boy at a local school, and it left an impact on him that strengthened his resolve to make a difference, even it was just going to be small. Little did he know.
Anything to play
Why was this boy so popular, and how could he have such an impact? Well it turns out his popularity was based on the fact that he had a long sleeve shirt - the only piece of clothing that could be adequately tied into a soccer ball! The kids didn't have a ball, but it didn't stop them from playing. Johann made a promise to these boys and girls, and himself, that he would return after the Olympics with some equipment for them.
The return
With two gold medals, and the attention of a nation, Johann made his plea - donate a Kroner (roughly the equivelant of a 18 cents Canadian) to help him fulfill his promise to those boys. In just over a week roughly $10 million CDN was raised, enough to fill a jumbo jet full of sports equipment and lay the ground work for what would become Right to Play.
Of course, as the emotion of the 1992 Olympics began to wear off, some naysayers began to question what it was that he was doing, and on the day he left, headlines asked why an athlete was bringing equipment to starving children. A little shaken, but undetered, Koss boarded his plane and headed to Eritrea to fulfill his promise, not too sure how he would be welcomed.
All doubt was erased upon landing as he was met by hundreds of people who had come out to thank him, including the then president of Eritrea, who expressed his gratitude with a hand shake and a message - Thank you. This is the first time we have been seen as people and not just mouths to feed.
And now....
Since then, Right to Play has evolved into one of the largest Non-governmental Organizations, working side-by-side the United Nations in many instances, with a budget of over $30 million dollars and projects in 23 different countries around the world, with numerous supporters, including me, and this guy....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9uU4Bf-smo&NR=1
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