The 2009 Canada Games have started!

Hi, my name is Brandie Adams and I am the Reference Librarian at SIRC. I’m very excited to be attending the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island. If the energy and the weather continue like this they are sure to be the best Games yet! I could be slightly bias, I’m from PEI and it is a wonderful feeling to look around and see the whole Island get involved and support Canadian sport.

The opening ceremonies were in Summerside on Saturday. The athletes entered the Credit Union Place with big smiles waving their provincial flags. Each athlete was able to meet Governor General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. We listened to uplifting speeches and were entertained by a variety of local musical talent.

With the first day of events complete the Games are well under way. Today is sure to be filled with activity. After attending the media briefing I'll be spending time in the Coaches of Canada Coaches’ Lounge before heading off to the watch some of the events. With basketball, beach volleyball, rugby, tennis, rowing, diving, softball, tennis, cycling, soccer and sailing happening there are lots of things to choose from today! In two days I’ve met some fantastic people so I'm looking forward to seeing what today brings.

2009 Canada Games - Lots of Sports and Inspirational Athletes!

The last few days of the Canada Games have flown by. With all of the events taking place it can feel overwhelming to try to see everything. So far I’ve managed to catch some of the beach volleyball, rowing, triathlon and basketball however that is just the tip of the iceberg. Each event has been fantastic to watch as all the provinces are showing their strength.

Today was a treat. I was able to sit in and listen to the AthletesCan Ambassadors speak to athletes about their experience in sport from grassroots to the podium. David Calder highlighted the importance of setting goals. He had aspired to win an Olympic Gold Medal in rowing at age thirteen while rowing in Victoria with Silken Laumann on Christmas Day. (He passed his Olympic Silver Medal around and we all got to hold it - yeah!) Erin Carter enthusiastically highlighted what sport can mean to the athlete and how the skills that they are learning can transfer to all aspects of their lives. Kevin Stittle and Heather Moyse spoke about how now more than ever being an athlete is an attainable dream to have as a career. All encouraged the athletes to make the most of their experience at the Canada Games.

At the end of the AthletesCAN Forum the floor was open for questions. One of the athletes asked the Ambassadors how they knew that sport was what they wanted to focus on because he was at a crossroads between choosing a normal life of that of an athlete. After some humorous jabs at athletes being normal each, athlete took a stab at answering his question and overall their answer had a common thread. They all had an overwhelming passion to competing in their sport, it was their passion in life. They evening ended with, Michael Smith, convener of the evening commenting that each athlete in the room was an ordinary person but they were doing extraordinary things.

Check out the daily Athlete Ambassador on the SIRC Press Release!

What a week!!

First off, a big thanks to the publishers to donated materials to the mobile SIRC Resource Centre! It was a hit during week one of the Canada Games and I can only imagine that it will be just as popular next week with the coaches and the athletes!

With Friday coming to a close there is only one day left of week one. Everyone has been enjoying their time on PEI and the weather has been phenomenal! There is a feeling of celebration as the medal rounds are being completed. For the most part everyone can relax and enjoy their final night tonight.

Today I was able to catch wrestling, women’s soccer and beach volleyball. If you are a friend of SIRC on Facebook you will be able to see some of the pictures I’ve taken so far.

Things I’ve notice through week one:
- Every province in Canada is a strong contender in the 2009 Canada Games.
- Some provinces go all out with fan gear to make as much noise as they can during the Games.
- There is a camaraderie surrounding the Games no matter if you are a parent, athlete, coach, officials, volunteer … or librarian.
- People are familiar with SIRC!!
- Coaches like resources. The books and journals I brought are disappearing. It’s fantastic!!
- Volunteers are great! If they are not volunteering they are cheering on the athletes in the stands.
- Fans, there are lots of them. The stands were filled at all the events I’ve attended.

Week one is almost finished and it went by in a blur. I’ve had a great time so far.

Rain, rain, rain

Today is the first day of week two at the Canada Games. The athletes should have an interesting practice day with all the rain PEI is going to get this Sunday. The good thing is that Hurricane Bill should have passed us by tonight.

I'm off to Charlottetown to set up the mobile SIRC Resource Centres in the athlete and coaches' lounges. This week will be an exciting one with men's soccer, athletics, swimming, women's wrestling, canoe/kayak, golf, volleyball and baseball taking place in the Eastern part of the province. If you want to see where it is all happening check out the 2009 Canada Games virtual tour of the campus.

Week Two is under way!

Yesterday was the first day of events for week two. After practices being cancelled on Sunday because of rain and wind (Hurricane Bill) everyone was ready for the week to begin. It seemed like the perfect day for outdoor sport with a mild temperature and very little wind. From the sounds of things the indoor action for volleyball and swimming was equally as exciting.

There are a few first at the Canada Games this year and yesterday was the premiere of the Special Olympics in the 100M and 1500M wheelchair.

The mobile SIRC Resource Centre is set up in three areas this week. You can find me at the Coaches Lounge, Athletes Village Information Centre or the Athlete Entertainment area. Of course, you could also see me at one of the venues cheering on the athletes! One of the highlights for me yesterday was seeing Jeremy Wall, my good friends' little brother, run in the 100M Special Olympics.

After one day I've met quite a few people who are familiar with SIRC and the athletes, coaches and volunteers who have not encountered us before are interested to learn more. One athlete told me "that's really cool" which I thought was a pretty good compliment!

I've taken a more pictures that I'll post to the SIRC Facebook page so check it out later on today!

Sunny, Windy Thursday

The countdown is on now until the closing ceremony of the Canada Games. I came into the Athletes Info and Activity Centre today and was pleased to notice that the athletes have been taking advantage of the materials in the mobile SIRC library.

This morning I was able to catch some of the kayaking. Despite being quite windy and a little chilly there were quite a few people out to watch at 9:30am. After a few mishaps (boat sinking, people falling out) they postponed some of the events until later today.

Last night was the AthletesCAN forum. The place was filled with athletes, most from canoe/kayak, to listen to the Ambassadors talk about their ups and downs in sport. The importance of mental training, imagery and building confidence was a theme with most of the athletes. My favourite quote was from Jeane Lassen. After talking about working so hard from the 2000 Olympics and not being able to compete because of an injury she said "hard work doesn't always pay off but it is the only way to achieve success."

Hopefully Facebook will let me post some pictures soon !

Closing of the 2009 Canada Games

The 2009 Canada Games came to a close on Saturday at the UPEI Alumni Place. The rain did not put a damper on the athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators that filled the stands to enjoy the awards and entertainment of the closing ceremony.

The stage looked like a huge ship paying homage to Halifax, Nova Scotia who will be hosting the upcoming Winter Canada Games in 2011.

The 2009 Canada Games on Prince Edward Island were a success. I had a great time representing SIRC throughout the two weeks talking with many people throughout the Games and learn what type of sport information people are looking for. It was great to know that many people receive and enjoy the SIRC Daily Press Release service and SIRC newsletters.

Everyone is already looking ahead to 2011 in Halifax which should be a fantastic time. The theme is "bring it" and it should be exciting to see what SIRC will bring to the Games!

Baby It’s Cold Outside…

We will see 150 competitive events in the upcoming Winter Games in February but that doesn’t cover all of the activities that are available in the winter months! Winter weather has arrived in Canada and across the country temperatures can range from +9°C to -45°C. For most of the country this means it is cold outside – freezing cold – and you have two choices stay inside or go outside and play! If you are prepared for the weather, Canada can be a winter wonderland with never-ending possibilities of things to do.

Thinking it’s too cold outside? There are so many things that can keep you toasty while enjoying the outdoors. Developments over the years have led to thermal fabrics using body moisture to generate heat to boots and gloves with heating mechanisms to keep your digits nice and warm. Try not to get too overwhelmed by all the options and don’t forget there are review guides that can help you.

You may have been skating, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, running, snowboarding, or dog-sledding but there are other possibilities. Why not try heli-skiing, snow kiting, and ice climbing. As we ring in the New Year and recover from the holiday season why not give these new winter activity a go in 2010? Information about all of these activities and many more can be found within the SIRC library.

Keep reading because there will be much more featured on winter fun in the upcoming months!

Words from Whistler

Canada Wins Gold in Skeleton

The atmosphere is electric at Whistler as Jon Montgomery wins gold today in skeleton. Canadians are celebrating throughout the village, flags are waving and the mood is one of pride and excitement.

In fact, all day family, friends and visitors exude a positive energy as they embrace the Olympic spirit. People everywhere are wearing their Canadian apparel and talking about the Olympics. Families boarding the plane in Ottawa wear their Canadian sweaters, passengers from Calgary are pumped about attending the Canada hockey games and amateur photographers on the bus traveling to Whistler are scrambling to take photos of the venues and magnificent west coast scenery. National pride is shining brightly.

Walking through town you feel a common bond with strangers just because they are wearing Canada proudly on their sleeves. Earlier this week, while skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, I felt the same kindred spirit with fellow skaters sporting the easily recognized "red mitts". The Olympics have given Canadians something to talk about, to unite around and to celebrate together. So let's enjoy the moment, appreciate the national passion stirring within us and keep cheering "Go Canada Go".

Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as our very own Debra Gassewitz, President and CEO, spends the next week at Whistler. You can find Debra at Canada House, Whistler.

2011 Canada Games - 283 Days to Go!

SIRC volunteered at the lighting of the 2011 Canada Games torch today to kick off the beginning of the Games torch program.

The Ottawa Visitor Centre was a hive of activity with activities for local schools with performances by Jimmy Rankin and The Sacred Heart Concert Choir. Also on the program were welcoming speeches from the Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, director of sports, Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection Stephen Gallant, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, Peter Kelly, President and CEO for the Canada Games Council, Sue Hylland and Olympic medalist and Canada Games medalist Jennifer Botterill and three-time Olympic medalist Isabelle Charest.

You can follow the torch program to see where it will end up next. More details can be found at www.canadagames2011.ca/torch

2011 Canada Games

The 2011 Canada Winter Games start in just 3 days time with the Opening Ceremony slated for Friday, 12 February 2011 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. And wow, how far the Games have come! It all started in the winter of 1967 in Quebec City as part of Canada's Centennial celebrations, when 1800 athletes from 10 provinces and two territories joined together in what was to become the first of many of the largest multi-sport competitions for young athletes in Canada. 2011 will be the 23rd Canada Games, alternating between winter and summer every 2 years.

Besides being a national celebration for sport and culture, the Canada Games provide that all important stepping stone and experience in the development of athletes in the Canadian sports system. Since 1967, over 100,000 athletes have participated in the Games with hundreds of thousands having been involved in try-outs and qualifying events. For some, it’s the highlight of their athletic career, while for others, it’s just the beginning.

Of course the athletes receive medals, but as a provincial or territorial team, they compete for all the marbles, which is the Canada Games Flag. Points are awarded in every sport based on performance and participation and the team with the greatest number of points from all events is declared the champion and presented with the Canada Games Flag. Team Ontario has practically owned the Canada Games Flag since the beginning, winning all but four Flags (Quebec has won the Flag three times in 1975, 1979, 2003, and British Columbia won it once in 1973).

The legacy the Games leave is not just for the athletes, but for the city that hosts the events. Over 300 new and existing sports venues have benefited from hosting a Canada Games, with 500 venues being upgraded to national standards so that they may host other national and world class events.

Join in on the celebration of the Games this year (schedule)! In addition to the television broadcast coverage on TSN and RDS, for the first time ever, the Canada Games will also feature live webstreaming coverage for the majority of the sports on the program.

For more information on the Canada Games check out SIRC’s Canada Games 2011 page.

Hello from Halifax!

2011 Canada Games Preview
From the Canada Games Council ...

The Canada Games begin long before the athletes arrive in Halifax. The Canada Games Council has several initiatives that celebrate the history of the Canada Games. Two of which that lead up to any particular Games are the Past Community Engagement Program and the Canada Games Hall of Honour.

In an effort to get all the communities who have hosted the Canada Games in the past be involved with the upcoming Canada Games in Halifax, the Council, in an attempt to spread the excitement for the Games even further, implemented the Canada Games Flag Tour. The premise is that the official Canada Games flag, the same flag that is awarded to the top province or territory at the end of the Canada Games, would visit each past host community and eventually make its way to Halifax.

So on December 3rd, the flag started its journey in Whitehorse, Yukon and worked its way East across Canada toward Halifax. The flag remained in each community for three days, celebrating the legacies the Canada Games left behind in their community during several receptions and events, before being sent to the next community.

Each province and territory received the flag before it arrived in Halifax on February 9th, in time to be carried into the Opening Ceremonies for the 2011 Canada Games.

Another way the Canada Games recognizes its past is with the Canada Games Hall of Honour. The Hall recognizes exceptional Canada Games alumni who have distinguished themselves as athletes, coaches, officials or administratiors.

The Canada Games Hall of Honour was initiated as part of the 40th Anniversary Legacy of the Canada Games in 2007. Nominees are inducted every Games year (every two years). The first induction in 2007 celebrated the achievements of long time Canada Games Council Chairman Jack Pelech. In 2009, the Hall welcomed seven new members, including Olympic Gold medalists Cassie Campbell and Dave “Eli” MacEachern.

When the nation is watching Canada’s next generation of national, international and Olympic champions for the next 18 days in Halifax, remember that there is a great Canada Games history that is celebrated every day.

Check out SIRC's Canada Games 2011 webpage for more information!

SIRC is on its way to Halifax!

SIRC is excited to be attending the 2011 Canada Games in Halifax. As Canada’s National Sport Library, we will be there with the SIRC Mobile Resource Centre providing athletes, coaches, parents, officials and the media with access to the latest sport resources. Our Reference Librarian, Brandie Adams, will be on-hand to showcase the resources available at SIRC and answer questions.

We have some fantastic things for you to explore!

• On the ground, the SIRC Mobile Resource Centre will be in the Coach House in the Delta Barrington. Developing Sport Expertise, Ethics of Sports Coaching, Living in the Sweet Spot, Rethinking The Olympics, and Women on Boards are just a few of the resources that will be available from Fitness Information Technology, Routledge, Human Kinetics, and CAAWS. We will also have Wind Chill and Concussion cards available from SIRC and Thinkfirst.ca
• Online, follow the SIRC Blog, Twitter and Facebook pages for updates throughout the event. You may have received the Canada Games SIRC Newsletter, if not check it out! Look for daily athlete and ambassador bios in SIRC’s Emailservice and be sure to check out SIRC’s Canada Games webpage for even more resources!

Keep an eye out for Brandie. When she is not at the Resource Centre, she will be attending events and cheering the athletes on throughout the Games. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to stop her and ask.

Hello from Halifax!

Canada Games 2011 Kick Off
by Michele Walker, SIRC

After many years in the planning, the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Nova Scotia gets kicked off tonight with its Opening Ceremony which will be held in the Halifax Metro Centre.

About 3,200 athletes from 800 Canadian communities will compete over the next 16 days in 22 sports. A unique aspect of the Canada Games is how it splits its sports programs into two separate weeks. In Week 1, there will be 11 sports taking place consisting of about 1,500 athletes. In Week 2, there will be 12 sports and an estimated 1,800 athletes. Halifax also expects that over the next two weeks there will be 7,000 to 10,000 visitors, who are expected to come and cheer the athletes on.

The Canada Winter Games has a budget of $46 million. Many of the 13 competition venues are in downtown Halifax, but the biathlon, cross-country skiing and snowboarding events will be held at Ski Martock ,while freestyle and alpine skiing are at Ski Wentworth. Ringette will be played at Cole Harbour Place, with short-track speedskating and figure skating at the St. Margaret’s Centre in Upper Tantallon, and target shooting and archery at Sackville High. Curling events will be hosted by the Mayflower Curling Club.

For tonight’s Opening Ceremony, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will speak to the Halifax Metro Centre crowd, and Halifax native JRDN, an R&B singer and former St. Francis Xavier basketball star will sing the national anthem with francophone artist Elyse Delaney. Tonight’s two-hour event will be broadcast live on TSN2. The Closing Ceremony on February 27 at 1 p.m. will also be held at the Halifax Metro Centre, and will be shown on TSN. The budget for the two entertainment ceremonies is about $600,000.

Check out SIRC's Canada Games 2011 webpage for more information!

Hello from Halifax!

It's time to shine
by Chris Morrissey Chief Executive Officer – 2011 Canada Winter Games Host Society

Opening day. Wow. For many of us, it’s been a long time coming, to say the least. Seems like yesterday we were getting our Board of Directors in place and choosing our venues.

But now, the athletes have arrived, the dress rehearsals are done, and the chefs and mission teams are already hard at work.

Staff and volunteers have taken their responsibilities very seriously – from developing the sport schedule, fitting out our venues, to lining up talent for Celebration Square. It’s been tough slogging – countless hours of overtime and literally thousands of meetings and planning documents. But I’m so proud of the team.

The past few weeks, we’ve felt the city come alive. Signage is up, volunteers are ready. The Oval has brought people together in a way that nobody expected.

I think we’ve raised the bar in many ways, as the host for the 2011 Games, and we can’t wait to showcase our work to the athletes and spectators.

Bring on the athletes. We’re ready to host the country. We’re ready to shine.

Check out SIRC's Canada Games 2011 webpage for more information!

Hello From Halifax!

by Brandie Adams - SIRC Reference Librarian

"Some of you are posed for glory but we can not know who; not the champions or the victory dances which will ensue. Already tonight some athletes are organizing strategies; it takes desire of a certain kind to get to these finish lines. " – Tania Davis

Let the Games Begin! Friday night was celebration night in Halifax with the Opening Ceremonies of the Canada Games. There was electricity in the air as the crowd prepared for the athletes to enter the Halifax Metro Centre. Host, Rich Aucoin kept the crowd going as athletes and coaches from 13 provinces and territories entered the arena. Once everyone settled down (as much as they could) Stephen Harper declared the Games officially opened.

The positive atmosphere following the Ceremonies rolled on to the downtown streets. Leaving the Metro Centre you could hear echoes from people chanting for their home province or territory.

Great things are sure to come over the next two weeks!

Check out SIRC's Canada Games 2011 webpage for more information!

Hello From Halifax!

by Brandie Adams, SIRC Reference Librarian

The SIRC Mobile Resource Centre is up and running at Coach House in the Delta Barrington. Partnering with Coaches of Canada our goal is to connect with Canada Games coaches by providing a fantastic lounge for them to use over the next few weeks. To help make this happen Wayne Parro (Coaches of Canada) and Brandie Adams (SIRC) headed to the Chef de Mission meeting early this morning to raise awareness of Coach House and the resources they could access.

What is available at Coach House?

• Coaching publications from FIT, Routledge, HK, CAAWS, Thinkfirst.ca
• Meeting area (comfortable chairs, couches and tables)
• Wireless!
• Coaches of Canada information
• TVs (follow what's happening around the world)
• SIRC Reference Librarian to answer questions
• Coaches of Canada speaker series (to be announced soon)

With Wayne or Brandie around there is often lively conversation. This afternoon we had a great chat with a NB Coach on continuing education programs for coaches in Canada. We hope that you stop by to visit the Coach House.

Check out SIRC's Canada Games 2011 webpage for more information!

Hello from Halifax!

The loudest and the proudest!
by Team PEI, Canada Games 2011

PEI may not top the medal table in Halifax – two or three of any colour would be nice – but there is no prouder group of athletes here competing in Halifax.

The excitement generated by our group has been unbelievable so far. From a high energy athletes rally last week to Thursday’s departure right through to yesterday’s Opening Ceremony, Island athletes have been singing and celebrating like no other. The smiles have not left their faces.

One of the most popular items has been the PEI vuvuzela. The scourge of TV viewers during the soccer World Cup, the vuvu has added an extra dimension to the energy and dynamism of PEI athletes. Already they are a hot trading item and our athletes our holding out for the highest prices!

A word from PEI too on the outstanding Opening Ceremonies, and a big well done to the Host Society on the great job so far. We are having a great time, are looking forward to the competition, and making the friendships that we know will be forged over the next two weeks.

A word of warning though – we may be small, but we are mighty, and Team PEI, behind the smiles and the laughter, is here to give its all. Nothing will be left behind on the field of play.

Long live the Canada Games!

Check out SIRC's Canada Games webpage for more information!

Hello from Halifax!

by Brandie Adams, SIRC Reference Librarian

Today was a great day at the 2011 Halifax Canada Games. The athletes experienced fast times at the Canada Games Oval. Was it the sun? Was it the fabulous crowd? Was it the warm weather? Does it matter? It was a fantastic time with people surrounding the oval, filling the stands and standing on the snowbanks outside the gates to catch a glimpse of the long track skaters.

The same could be seen at the wheelchair basketball games held at Citadel High School. During the Quebec-Saskatchewan game the crowd was making lots of noise for the athletes. You could see teams from other provinces in the stands cheering their fellow athletes on. What a great display of sportsmanship.

Currently SIRC is busy at Coach House with people stopping by at the end of the day. One theme that is emerging is they are interested in coach development and continuing education (and having fun at the end of their long day).

Check out SIRC's Canada Games webpage for more information!

Hello from Halifax!

Celebrating Nova Scotia Day!

by Brandie Adams, SIRC Reference Librarian

Today was Nova Scotia Day and what a day it was! The Games started early with Artistic Gymnastics, Biathlon, Curling, Freestyle skiing, Hockey, Long Track Speed Skating, Ringette, Short Track Speed Skating, Squash, Target Shooting and Wheelchair Basketball all competing around the city.

In the evening “Celebration Square at Night” was alive as crowds of people streamed into the Square to show their love for the province. Everyone cheered for the Canada Games athletes who medaled today as they took centre stage. This was just a warm up for Joel Plaskett & The Emergency, a well-known group from Halifax. JPE set the bar very high for the shows that will take place in Celebration Square over the next few weeks.

Tonight also kicked off the professional development series at Coach House. Gary Ness spoke to coaches about the National Coaching Institute. Additional speakers for this week include Mark Smith, Wayne Parro, Ken Bagnell and Sheilagh Croxon.

Check out SIRC's Canada Games webpage for more information!