Olympic Games Are Underway
February 12th, 2010

Finally! The time has come Canada! February 12th, 2010 marks the official start of the return of the Winter Olympic Games to Canada. Tonight, in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Olympics return to the Great White North for the first time since it took place since the 1988 Games in Calgary, Alberta.

As the CTV broadcasts made evident, even before the opening ceremonies, Vancouver was abuzz with people from all over the world who were visiting to take in the amazing festivities. Host of TSN’s “Off The Record”, Michael Landsberg remarked how during a five minute walk through the streets of Vancouver, he met with people who greeted him in a variety of languages.

A true celebration of the world coming together is one way in which the atmosphere of the Olympic Games in Vancouver was described. The CTV broadcast also showcased a number of Canadian athletes who are expected to fair well in their respective events. Among them were alpine skiier Manuel Osborne-Paradis, short track speed skater Kalyna Roberge and of course, the Canadian hockey team.

The opening ceremonies were as amazing as expected. A spectacular sight, they featured a snowboarder sliding right through the Olympic rings into Vancouver’s BC Place. An awesome presentation with a Native Canadian theme showcased a variety of Canadians in aboriginal garb welcoming the world to the Games.

As this took place, massive ice sculpture totems rose from the stadium floor. The Canadian flag was escorted into the building by Royal Canadian Mounties and the national anthem was sung beautifully by Canadian jazz-pop singer, Nikki Yanofsky. It was truly a sensational event, and a great representation of Canada.

Very sadly, however, tragedy had beset the Olympic Games even before the open ceremonies. During a practice run, Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili lost control of his luge and shockingly flew off the track at a speed topping 140 kilometres an hour. He abruptly crashed into a medal girder that was part of the luge track structure. Kumaritashvili later succumbed to his injuries.

The fatal crash was broadcast on CTV creating a controversy as to whether or not the horrific incident should have been shown to the public. The Georgian athletes all arrived into BC Place each wearing black armbands and scarves. The country’s flag was also draped with a black strip in honor of their fallen athlete.

While it will be most difficult, there is great hope that all athletes will be able to bond in support of each other even as they compete against one another. Needless to say, the Games will carry on as planned but not without the looming reminder that a life has been lost and that there are certainly more important things than winning medals.

Synergy Marketing Consultants would like to wish all athletes competing at the 2010 Winter Games the best of luck and safety as they work to fulfill their dreams. However, we are especially rooting for our Canadian athletes to shine on their home soil and secure as many medals as possible. Go Canada!