We Are Canadian

Monday, March 01, 2010 03:45 AM

The 2010 Olympics will be known as a period in Canada’s history when there was a coming together in this country to express, like never before, our pride in this nation .

There were crowing moments like when like the crowd gathered watching the men’s curling finals rose from their seats to sing Oh Canada prompting the eight teams on the four sheets of ice to pause for a moment and admire the pride that was Canadian. We had come together in this country to show that we do care about our nation, that we do care about the people in it.

What made people from Toronto to the people gathered in the local pub at Cole Harbour (home of Sidney Crosby) take to the streets to celebrate the Men’s hockey win? It was a common thread, a pride never here to for exhibited in Canada, and it presented itself in an epidemic that swept the country.

What made these games so special and the record number of gold medals won by any host nation is the fact that the athletes came from all across this nation. Like pepper scattered on morning breakfast, the athlete’s homes were from every province in this country. This was not the Vancouver Olympics but rather the Canadian Olympics.

Would there have been such an out pouring of pride in this great nation had it not been for the men’s hockey team capturing gold in a breath taking game that the world was being told was owned by the Americans? Maybe not, but that victory was the jewel in the crown.

Now it would be easy to sit back and talk about the fall out when the check arrives for this special event. It is however suffice to say that this day belongs to Canada and Canadians have shown that buried under all that politeness that makes us Canadian, is a deep Canadian pride. While our neighbours to the south have a population 10 times ours we are today standing at the top of the world.

I’m Meisner and that’s one man’s opinion.

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Posted on Monday, March 01, 2010 03:45 AM in Views by Ben Meisner

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Comments

Posted by: workinguy on March 1 2010 8:25 AM

I have to say that I ,as many Canadians did, held my breath at bit at the beginning of these games. The death of the Georgian athlete, the opening ceremony hiccup with the cauldron and the weather issues at Cypress were a concern for all. It began to come together slowly but surely as we showed our heart and determination to show the world what it takes to overcome adversity. The work that was done up at Cypress, and to some degree Whistler, is nothing less than heroic. The own the podium program seemed a potential disaster. Then one by one it came together. Our first gold, then another, and another. Joannie Rochette with the skate of her life, the womens Gold medal hockey team ( go ahead have another beer!!!:)the women's bobsled finishing one two,so many moments to be proud of. Last but not least a men's Gold medal hockey game that ranks up there with 4 or 5 of the greatest moments in Canadian hockey history. The closing ceremonies were a treat as we watched ourselves make fun of ourselves that only we can do. The creativity that was used to get that one last piece of the cauldron into place was fun to watch.
In the end we did own the podium with the most Gold ever won by any host country but we performed at all levels many that cannot be measured by any color of medal.

Posted by: Charlie B on March 1 2010 9:58 AM

well said "workingguy "

Posted by: Oldun on March 1 2010 8:41 PM

I agree working guy. The games were great and I hate to see them end. The only good thing about them being ended is that we won't have to watch Gordo and Steve trying to jump into every picture for a photo op. I found it amusing that the IOC President thanked Vanoc, Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond but left out Steve and Gordo. All that's left is to pay for the games which I'm sure will become quite apparent when the legislature decides to sit again.

Posted by: RIP commonsense on March 1 2010 10:09 PM

I am suffering from Olympic withdrawal. For 17 days I watched the extraordinary efforts of some of the best athletes in the world and felt the joy of their victories and the anguish of their defeats. The thousands and thousands of hours of training and dedication to their goal and to the many people who supported their quest for excellence, a job well done. To all the organizers and workers Thank You for a superb Olympics. In spite of a few glitches and Mother Natures worst you pulled it off.
An estimated 3 Billion watched some of the Olympics and they saw a Beautiful BC and a Canada full of pride and a great ability to enjoy themselves. That youngsters viewing these games will have perhaps a seed planted that a strive to excellence is worthwhile, there is no doubt.
I could not be more proud to say "I am Canadian"

And for all the "Bah, Humbug Anti Olympians" out there
"Too Bad, So Sad" you missed the party. It was a remarkable party. But I know that your "15 minutes of whine" will continue because every day is Groundhog Day and there will always be something to complain about.