We just finished the opening ceremonies and I have to say that I am TOTALLY PROUD and thrilled with the show. Lots of Canadian content, showcased with unique and really effective visual displays. Great musical acts, loved the Donald Sutherland voice over [he's our Canadian answer to Morgan Freeman LOL!] and the lighting of the torch cauldron by 4 truly outstanding and exceptional Canadian athletes was fitting.
Image by YSportsVancouver
The sad note of today though is of course the tragic death of a Georgian luge athlete up at the Whistler Sliding Centre. It’s a very sad, and tragic loss on what should have been a happy and joyous day for all Olympic athletes. My heart and thoughts go out to the Georgian team and particularly his father [who was also his coach]. How devastated they all must be right now. I was glad to see them at the opening ceremonies honoring their teammate and friend…
I have to say that tonight, I’m very very disappointed with CTV news. They showed the ENTIRE accident on the news. It was insensitive and thoughtless. WHY did they have to sensationalize this tragedy, and why couldn’t they respect the family and the young athlete’s fellow team mates? CTV made a judgement call to air the whole accident, including the athlete’s impact after he was launched from his luge. Did they really have to show his head impact against the steel columns along the track? Did they have to show his body flying through the air like a ragdoll? Yes, it was a quick moment, quick accident and quick video clip, but I contend that the decision to air the entire accident was insensitive and in poor taste. Let’s hope this video isn’t repeated over and over [as the news services are wont to do] and that the news focus instead moves on to the exceptional talents and hard work of thousands of athletes and coaches. It should NOT be about a singular, albeit tragic, moment in time. I’ll step off my soapbox now…
I’m off to bed to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for a very long and I expect very exciting day tomorrow at ROO. It’s the first day of competition. I start at 7:30am and will be on ‘tribune’ duty until 6:30pm. Yep, 11 hours. It’s long, but hopefully it will go quickly and get to see some races. We expect a full compliment of press with over 200+ tabled and accredited press members plus over flow areas.The tribune will be a hopping!
Racing tomorrow includes Shani Davis of the USA and Kramer of the Netherlands to name a few. It’s the 5000m and should be a competitive field. The ice has been running well, and I’m looking forward to seeing who wins the first Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals in my city and venue.
Go CANADA Go!
COMMENTS