Extended Week-End Edition: Let the Games Begin!

	After many days of preparation, it’s finally time to finally get into Games mode. The lunch with the Governor General was a success even though it started late – a blessing since it gave the hockey team time to join us. Many children attended and were delighted to have a chance to mingle with the athletes and the GG. We gather all of our Vancouver village team members for a quick “pep rally” before heading to the transport mall for the short bus trip to BC Place and the opening ceremonies. We all look good in our Cowichan sweaters and black cords if only a little warm since these sweaters are definitely not for indoor use! They are thick and heavy. For once though, we’re not the ones looking like we’re wearing pajamas. The US team is wearing loose white sweatpants tucked in their boots. Not sure who thought of that … We gather in the bowels of the stadium and wait for our turn to go in. Everyone has a bit of the jitters and make one or two trips to the washroom – where we notice a rather peculiar sign. Out chief doctor cannot resist the need to “pretend” to use the area. He clowns around a little more when he spotted a tall and good looking young female RCMP officer in full uniform. He asked if she will pretend to arrest him for a photo op. Unfortunately, I’m not fast enough on the shutter and miss it. However, a long line up of young men wanting to be “arrested” develops – some asking if she can pretend to frisk them…boys will be boys. The US team gets in the action – some of these photos could probably start an international incident! The spectators have been in their seats since 5PM, rehearsing “their part” in the opening ceremonies. We left the village around 5:30 and finally start to move around 6:50 so it’s a rather lengthy, but not unusual wait. Now we know how the US feels – they are always at the end of the line. The roar as we enter the stadium is very, very loud. The seats are full, the GG and the Prime Minister are there, and the show was spectacular with a real focus on abilities. One young man enters the stage awkwardly on crutches, then all of a sudden does a full flip, drops the crutches and start break dancing like I’ve never seen before There was also a BMX and skateboard show with two acrobatic wheelchair athletes spinning off the ramps undoubtedly making their mothers age prematurely. Terry Fox’s parents were chosen to enter the stadium with the flame, passing it to Paralympic veterans Marnie Abbott and Dan Wesley. Interestingly, it isn’t a celebrity who lights the cauldron, but rather a young para-snowboarder who represents the future of the Games. I actually like to concept of looking at our future rather than just celebrating the past.

I finally get to see my family this morning – breakfast together at the hotel then they’re off to Whistler and then to UBC for sledge hockey. Lots and lots of snow at Whistler – too much in fact and today’s races got cancelled. We have a few good placements in Biathlon today but no medals. Sledge hockey is against Italy and shouldn’t be a problem. However, the guyshave a case of the nerves and only lead by a goal despite buzzing the Italian net for the first two periods. Then they finally start loosening up and we win 4-0.

I finally go to curling where we beat Great-Britain 9-2 in the afternoon draw and the USA 10-5 in the evening draw. A great start for our team.

I’m back at the village and get to the gym which is absolutely deserted. All the athletes are either still competing or had a match today so nobody is thinking of lifting weights. I get lazy and decide to watch the evening curling on TV while helping the volunteers put together the small gifts we will offer our guests at the Family and Friends reception in Vancouver and Whistler. A fairly easy day – the media slows right down on the week-end but more interviews are scheduled first thing Monday AM.

I have a few photos up on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/gaetan_tardif/sets/72157623491022325 Our assistant press chief John also has a large set if you want to see more.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/teamontario/sets/72157623611452722/

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