Canada on the Verge of Olympic History
KARA GRANT
The Guardian, February 12, 2010
After my sumptuous breakfast courtesy of some Canada’s top Chefs, I headed for Burnaby and the Olympic Torch Relay. As an RBC Olympian, I was on hand to visit with people, give autographs and share my story. While this was my 11th Torch Relay celebration, the magic was still very much alive. I felt a chill go up my spine as Josh Dueck, one of Canada’s top Paralympic alpine skiers and a BC native, wheeled the Torch into the celebration site. The look in people’s eyes as they watched the flame approach, is beyond compare.
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.
The next morning I hit the streets once again to see the Olympic Flame in English Bay where it stopped briefly at the Inukshuk at the waters edge. I was now ready for the opening ceremonies.
I prepared to set out for Stanley Park for the rest of my run, but decided to confirm it’s location before setting off. I stopped another spectator, Bryan Graham, originally of Halifax, NS, who pointed me in the right direction. This is not the first time I’ve run into other Maritimers in Vancouver, and it will be no surprise when we all turn out in mass for the entertainment, food and of course the Kitchen Party, at Atlantic Canada House, one of the top 3 must-see Pavilions in Vancouver.
By now you’ve all likely put two and two together and realized that my pre-Olympic event was the Opening Ceremony dress rehearsal. They kept out certain elements to ensure surprise, so of course it was no hardship to watch it live at Canada Olympic House last night, surrounded by other Canadian Olympians, all so proud of having represented our country at the Games and now feeling incredible pride that our country is hosting the Olympic Games. As the Sporting events will soon take center stage, it needs to be said that these Olympic Games stand to be a history making event. Sometime, over the next two weeks, possibly as soon as Sunday in the Women’s Moguls or one of many other events, Canada will win its first ever gold medal on home soil. This epic moment will be part of an even greater event. Canada has been a force to be reckoned with in Winter Sports for decades, but for the first time in recent history, experts predict Canada will come out on top in the medal standings. Go Canada!
