I will be watching the Olympics and cheering for Canadians athletes. For the first time I was really interested in the summer edition two years ago. Being on home soil (snow? ice?) I am keen to see how our dedicated men and women fare.
That doesn't mean I don't have some reservations. Is this good ol' earnest United Church guilt or what? I cringe when I hear that security alone will cost in the neighbourhood of a billion dollars. Couldn't we just get some of the biathalon athletes to use assault rifles and night scopes?
I feel weird when I hear that snow is being trucked hundreds of kilometres to cover the ski hills, or flown in by helicopter. Think about those urban myths of dozy Americans showing up in July with snow skis and toboggans expecting Canada to be the frozen north. What are the odds that a mountain in Canada wouldn't have snow in February?
And then there is the wildlife. Media love the juxtapositon of what they like to call Mother Nature and human endeavour. So we have seen a bear and a lynx running around the venues so far, and there will probably be more animals making the news. A reminder that we are enthusiastically encroaching on the habitat of some of God's other species.
Will you be watching over the next couple of weeks? Is Stronger, Higher, Faster a soaring celebration of humanity at its athletic best, or our version of the Tower of Babel?
We will be watching. I'm hoping that our daughter will be as pumped as I am. We've seen some of the venues, and she saw the torch come through Bowmanville. We are doing two weeks of Olympics at school. We've "painted the school red" check out the pictures at blairridge.ca What we are teaching our students is respect for others and that perserverance can lead to success. I think it is the enthusiasm of the adults who pump up the kids. Go Canada Go!!
ReplyDeleteFor the next two weeks, all that matters is hockey.
ReplyDeleteI'm serious.
Last night, Jeff was talking about a movement started on Facebook for those who are against the Olympics in Vancouver. He talked about how conflicted he is because he understands why people might be against the Olympics, but he is also really excited about seeing the athletes, cheering them on, and hearing their stories.
ReplyDeleteThere are many good things about the Olympics, but I also cringe when I hear of the amount of money spent, how it affects the earth, and how people are being displaced. I also wonder at the marketing of the Olympics and the consumerism that is promoted. Is this what the Olympics are about?
I will watch, but with a critical eye, and I won't buy "stuff" (probably made in China!).
Despite all controversy and debates, one cannot deny the swelling of pride when you see the smiles on the children and the proud smiles on the torch bearers faces as the Olympic Torch makes its final trek through Vancouver. Imagine what strong positive emotions are yet to come! The shared sense of excitement is overwhelming and inspiring as it gives us the taste of what 'can be' when the world comes together as one (borrowing a bit from the Olympic theme song).
ReplyDeleteI will be watching the Olympics with perhaps a little less emphasis on hockey (sorry Ian) and more on the downhill skiing. I would love to watch the luge and the figure skating, but after today's tragic fatal accident, I think I would rather close my eyes and pray for each and every athlete and their families.
I had the chance of attending the Salt Lake City Winter Games. I wasn't ever much of an Olympic follower but I will say, I can relate to all the stories of the torch carriers. I can truly say the experience, even as a specator, was more than inspiring. The sense of hope not only for athletes at their best, and countries, but for humanity at its best and world cooperation was palpable. And I too have that guilty sense of dollars spent, but I think there would be other places I would start the attack on wasted dollars and green living than the Olympics. And I will watch..Go Canada!
ReplyDeleteUntil this death I hadn't really thought of how the winter olympics contains more events that are life-threatening than the summer olympics. Sad news, but thanks for letting us know Not Alone.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though while a number of us have our reservations, we plan to enjoy. I like the theme at Nancy's school. It is the best of what the olympic games can be.
Deb, welcome back to the comments fold! It's good to hear from you again.
I too will enjoy the variety of events, even though I am a big hockey fan, and I will probably get misty when the national anthem is planned -- and it will be played!
In the words of Red Green, keep you stick on the ice Ian.
I have been here in Vancouver working security for a week, with two weeks to go. I agree - the money spent on security is breathtaking. Unfortunately, with the ever-present threats that we face from those who want to do harm, it is a fact of life. The public sees a bunch of cops on street corners, but there is much, much more going on behind the scenes. There has to be in order to preserve public safety.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I was watching an interview with a well-spoken young woman who was leading a protest(peaceful) on opening day. I found myself agreeing with her on many of her comments.
I am staying very near the infamous East Hastings area of Vancouver(media has called it the poorest community in Canada). Drug dealing and prostitution is completely in the open.
So, I am torn between the fact that probably a billion or more dollars are being spent on these Games(just for security), when so much money and resources could be put into this and other impoverished communities.
I am also torn that I can't even get a darned ticket to any events! Lowest price tickets that are available, at time of writing, for any Cdn hockey game is $975...and I think they are pretty much gone! An oscure game between I think Belarus and Slovakia(or something like that) was $175 minimum. Yikes. Not for the average person....definitely the wealthier can attend these games(and that opens up another topic).
The atmosphere here is quite amazing....although understandably somewhat subdued due to the tragic death of the Georgian Luge athlete.
My heart goes out to his family and team members.
Thank you, Johnny, for the "up close and personal" response to this blog entry. I hope others read it. It offers a great perspective. That stinks that you can't take in any of the events. Take care!
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