I suppose these are all legitimate questions, but would the money really be better spent on such projects or are the Olympics really worth the money. The Olympic experience is in itself one of the most amazing events for getting the country, if not the world, to pull together in a way almost no other event could.
I am not a sports fan in any way, shape or form, but even I get caught up in the hype and excitement of the games. I even got emotional during the opening ceremonies. I found myself getting all choked up when I saw all those great Canadians making their way into B.C. Place. Anne Murray, Donald Sutherland, Wayne Gretzky, Rick Hansen, Nancy Greene-Raine, Terry Fox’s mom, Betty Fox, Michaelle Jean, and our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. Why I even got all teary eyed when K.D. Lang sang her number, she was fabulous.
What does patriotism cost? What is it worth? Actually many governments have tried to buy it but it can’t be bought because it’s priceless, it can’t be forced it can only be fostered. But when you have it, the country thrives because it’s people are proud to be citizens.
What does it mean to be a Canadian? Is it the beer we drink? Is it hockey, or the fact that we say Eh and some of us wear toques? No! It’s none of those things. It’s the fact that we are a unique blend of cultures, a tolerant mix that have over time become known as a standout country on the world stage. Always ready to help, always ready to stand on guard not only for our own country but also for the rights of other countries. Being Canadian is an experience that other countries can only dream of. In the words of American gold medalist Shani Davis during an interview after his speed skating win, he found it astounding that Canadians are so patriotic, even more so than Americans. We are not usually chest thumpers or flag wavers, but our patriotism runs deep and like our culture and our nature, it is understated, but don't ever think that our pride in our country isn’t deep and ingrained. True Patriot Love is not just part of a song, it’s defines who we are and how we live.
As for the Olympics, it makes me even more proud to be a part of such a great country. Yes it costs a lot of money to host such an event, but the benefits are huge. The infrastructure that was put in place will last for generations to come.
As it was in Edmonton when this city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1978. The Kinsmen Aquatic Center was added to the Kinsmen Field House to host those games. Commonwealth Stadium also built for the Commonwealth Games, has been home to the Edmonton Eskimos for over three decades. So it was in Calgary. Because of the winter Olympics that were held there, they now have a world class winter playground just on the outskirts of the city.
So it will be in Vancouver.
Do you believe? I do. Anything that can make someone like me actually sit down and watch 10 ends of curling which to me runs a close second to a hot game of Pick-up-Sticks as the most boring game on the planet, is just fine with me.
I may be a hoser, but I love the place. Go Canada!!
