KARA GRANT
The Guardian, February 25, 2010
Kara, Walter and Allanna
Heather Moyse has launched herself into the history books in Prince Edward Island and Canada as one of a handful of Canadians that have won a Gold medal at an Olympic Games in Canada. Standing in the stands at the finish line with Heather’s family and supporters I was overcome with emotion. She and her partner Kaillie Humphries were unbelievably good in every single heat. They set a blistering pace from the start of the event and never looked back. It takes a talented athlete, dedicated training and a very strong will to keep your focus under pressure. This pressure to perform, can be incredible at the Olympic Games and more than one world class athlete has bent under the pressure in the last two weeks. 
Heather’s golden moment was all the more special for me, knowing exactly what those athletes were up against. Years of training culminate in a pivotal few seconds. Although I had not spoken to Heather leading up to the Games, I know she has been hard at work, following a specific training plan so as to be perfectly prepared and to know that one way or the other, she did her very best. Clearly the preparation she and Kaillie followed was exactly what was required. The tension in the stands was nearly unbearable as we witnessed the ups and down of the other competitors: the scary crash by one of the top German teams and the excellent run by Canada’s sled number two piloted by Helen Upperton, Heather’s former partner from Torino, and then waiting for Heather and Kaillie’s final run. We knew at that point that Canada had won Gold, the question was only which sled it would be. 
When Heather and Kaillie crossed that finish line the roar of the crowd was deafening, the cheers and hugs and enormous smiles on the faces of Cyril and Sharon, Heather’s parents, not to mention the rest of her family and thousands of fans, were beautiful. The athletes were so pumped, so proud, so excited, that words can hardly do it justice. The whole evening was a series of celebrations beginning when Heather and Kaillie crossed the finish line, jumped out of the sled and pulled off their helmets and hugged each other.
Team Canada Celebrates
The celebrations continued during the flower ceremony, media interviews, doping control, back to Whistler village for the CTV media show and champagne toast amidst a frenzy of cheering fans and finally to Canada Olympic House where Heather, Kaillie, Helen and Shelley-Ann were met by the Whistler Olympic family and friends for a massive party. Seeing Heather re-uniting with her family at last brought it all home once again. History has been made and I feel very privileged to have witnessed it all in person, and to have been included in the Moyse-Humphries cheering squad. Congratulations Heather!
The CAN Fund was set up in 1997 and has since raised 10 million dollars for Canadian athletes such as myself, Beijing 2008 Gold medal winning rowing men’s eight, who have publicly attributed part of their success to the CAN Fund and of course every single 2010 Canadian Winter Olympian who applied. Initiatives range from “Donate your sport number” for the everyday person to the “Sprott Gold Medal Celebration” whereby the Sprott Foundation is donating $100,000 for every Gold Medal won by the Canadian Olympic Team in 2010. I left the lounge for the Curling venue, thankful and resolved to do my part in the years to come. My knowledge of curling is limited and I have yet to throw a rock myself so I was hoping to be inspired by what is likely the only winter Olympic sport team with spots for the young at heart. The Canadian men were facing Britain and there wasn’t a seat to be had in the house. Wayne Gretzky made an appearance, much to the delight of the crowd who chanted his name. I was impressed that the curling players, bafflement and amusement in evidence, were able to focus so well, since it was clear that this was not a typical curling crowd. I’m not sure if they’ve ever had “The Wave” at a curling venue. It was a very close match and with only a few rocks to go, the crowd broke into a spontaneous “O Canada”.
An unplanned treat presented itself while taking in the Savour Canada International Breakfast. I received an invitation to attend a reception that evening put on by the BC Aboriginal Tourism Association. The scene was set beautifully with a 40 foot, 800lb canoe carved from a single Red Cedar tree being only one of many beautiful artifacts on display. Traditional Aboriginal foods from across the land were specially prepared and I tried nearly everything, including goose neck barnacles, which I hadn’t even know you could eat! Although I’ve had smoked salmon before, cooked in the traditional way, it is an experience all its own and not to be missed. I did draw the line at rattlesnake. 
The performers were incredible and my favorite by far was the three-time World Champion Hoop Dancer who entertained the crowd. I was fascinated by the whole event and I look forward to visiting the Aboriginal pavilion and the many displays of art and entertainment around the city. 
