The following commentary is combination of my column published in The Guardian on February, 18th and some other fun details that didn’t fit!
PEI Day at the 2010 Olympic Games
The past week has flown by and I had just about caught my breath and my bearings in downtown Vancouver when the warm up for PEI day began on the eve of the 18th. I met up with fellow Beijing Olympian Jared Cannaughton, who had come especially for PEI day and we grabbed a quick bite to eat while I gave him the skinny on Vancouver, the Olympics and Atlantic Canada House. Dave “Eli” MacEachern arrived soon after and between the three of us Olympians and Premier Ghiz, we welcomed the world.
I hadn’t been in the room five minutes when I heard a familiar voice calling my name. I turned around just in time for a big hug from my cousin Alex
Kara and her cousin Alex Rice
Rice and my long time neighbor, David MacPherson. Dave had turned down a Canadian hockey ticket in order to attend the PEI themed festivities at Atlantic Canada House and I know he didn’t regret the decision. The pre-entertainment reception was packed with Islanders come out to play and Come From Aways (CFA) looking to share in the fun. As usual we did not disappoint, with tasty Island treats and plenty of friendly chit chat, this was clearly the place to be.
The first round of entertainment got underway with host and Newfoundland native, Shaun Majumder. Shaun is forgiven for not being an Island performer during the PEI entertainment because, not only are Islanders generous and forgiving souls, but Shaun has got be one of the funniest comedians I have ever heard. Properly tenderized by gales of laughter the crowd was turned over to the Confederation Center of the Arts Young Company who performed “Abegweit – The Soul of the Island”. I spoke with Jeremy, the pianist with the Young Company, and it sounds like Spring Break at the Olympics is something he might do again, given the chance. The performers are all working very hard, but the crowds are friendly and hugely appreciative of all that is offered. Did I mention we also had a visit from Anne and Matthew? Although I’ve seen Anne of Green Gables more times than is absolutely necessary, I felt such a swell of Island pride during the Young Company performance, that I think it might be time for an Anne refresher this summer.
Following the intermission, Vishten picked up the reins and we were treated to a wonderful musically medley of Acadian rhythms. Later I had the chance to speak with Pastelle and Emmanuell Leblanc, the multi-talented twins that make up the PEI component of the group. Having seen them on stage twice in the last couple of months, both in Vancouver and also at l’École Francois Buote where they performed Christmas songs for the children one day in December when I was substitute teaching. No matter what they turn their collective hand to I’m always enchanted by the results.
Lennie Gallant was final performer on the Stage and my front row seat was more than worth it- and not just because some famous Korean got some footage hanging out with me while signing, foot stopping and clapping! I always loved Lennie’s music, but hearing him live and with the focus on PEI and the little footnotes between songs as he painted a picture of Rustico Bay and all that is home for me…. When he sang “Peter’s Dream”, I nearly cried. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention his band as the combination of sounds, particularly the haunting sounds of the violin that helped to set the stage. Although I didn’t bump into Lennie after the show I certainly did pass on my compliments to Sean Kemp, violinist extraordinaire.
Two Hours Traffic rockin it out at Atlantic Canada House on February 17
You’d think those performances would be enough to sate any music lover and I admit I could have gone home happy at that point, but no, the evening was just getting started. Into the smaller, more private backstage lounge we went and who did I hear calling my name this time, but Charles Froelich! It’s always a lot of fun getting caught up with old high school friends, and there is no better place on earth than the backstage lounge on PEI day at the Olympics. Now living in Vancouver, Charles is also one of the 25,000 very important volunteers that allow the Olympics to happen in the first place.
The John Connolly band kicked off the evening entertainment in fine style, followed by the Grass Mountain Hobos and last but not least, Two Hours Traffic. The musicians were all having just as good a time as everyone else and it was here that I passed on my approval of all the great acts. In a small lounge with a capacity of no more than 150, it was practically a private party and no great surprise that people had been standing in lines for hours all week in order to ensure admission to this exclusive spot.
Marianne St. Gelais and Charles Hamelin at the Champagne ceremony at Canada Olympic House during PEI Day Reception
The morning dawned bright and clear on PEI day and the world was our oyster! At the Victory Ceremony at BC Place our artists and performers wowed the world and ecstatic fans cheered as Christine Nesbitt was presented with her gold medal in women’s 1000m speedskating. After the Victory ceremony Marianne St-Gelais, who was presented with her silver medal in the women’s 500m short track speedskating, made a personal appearance at the PEI hosted reception at Canada Olympic House. This was an incredible way to kick off an amazing evening. The Grass Mountain Hobos, the only band to have been invited to Canada Olympic House, provided the entertainment. John Furlong, CEO of the Games organizing committee (VANOC) and Premier Ghiz each said a few words and it was clear that both were particularly happy with the results of the Canadian Showcase currently underway in Vancouver. Coast to Coast, this is Canada’s Olympics and PEI is very well represented here. This is my third Olympic Games and I have never seen anything even closely resembling this fantastic display of local and National history, products, and culture. Vancouver 2010 has set the standard for future Olympic Games and PEI has played an integral part in the success. Having spent a coupe of hours speaking with people waiting in line at Atlantic Canada House yesterday, I know we will also be seeing the positive impact for years to come as people from around the world come to play on our Island. The fantastic folks down at Atlantic Canada House will continue to show the world what PEI is all about as we count down the days until Heather Moyse, our sole Island athlete competing here, prepares for the Women’s Bobsled next week. PEI is behind you all the way Heather!
