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.
Showing posts with label Whistler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Whistler. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Words from Whistler
Canada House Rocks
Whistler Canada Olympic House was rocking today as it was open to the public in the morning for a pancake breakfast and in the evening everyone was celebrating the Gold medal ceremony for Jon Montgomery.
Whistler Canada Olympic House was rocking today as it was open to the public in the morning for a pancake breakfast and in the evening everyone was celebrating the Gold medal ceremony for Jon Montgomery.
The pancake breakfast with maple syrup may have been an initial draw to check out the beautiful Canada House (also known as the Whistler Public Library centrally located right in Village), but the jam packed venue full with entertainment for the kids and a chance to mingle with the athletes was brimming with excitement. Naturally the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were present in the scarlet red surge and the majestic horses from the musical ride welcomed visitors to the home. Whistler Canada Olympic House has be designed to provide a meeting place for Canadian athletes, their families, guests and dignitaries. It showcases the beauty of both BC and Whistler with its unique and truly Canadian architecture.
Speaking about truly Canadian, the entire Village as well as COH rocked in the evening with the medal ceremony for Jon Montgomery, Canada's gold medalist in skeleton. As Jon jumped up on the top of the podium the cheers were heard in every corner of the town. And when the Canadian flag was raised high into the air, the chorus of O Canada was heard loud and clear both outside and inside COH. After the ceremony everyone returned to COH, including Jon's very proud parents and exuberant friends and family. Volunteers waved an enormous flag to greet our Olympian and Steve Podborski shared his heart felt words of wisdom. What I will remember is his smile, the sparkle in the eyes and the love for life shown by both Jon and his parents. To quote Jon's father "we taught Jon that when he starts something he should finish it. Today he definitely finished it".
Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as Debra Gassewitz, President & CEO, SIRC, continues her stay at Whistler. You can find Debra at Whistler Canada Olympic House.
Words from Whistler
Ski Cross was Wild
Today was the Olympic debut for Ski Cross and it was wild. Ski cross seems to be described as a cross between motorcross, roller derby and skiing. While the Canadian skiers had tremendous support as the hometown boys, it was great to see so many different countries participating and clearly demonstrating the sport has a global appeal. Errol Kerr, the friendly giant wearing green and yellow from Jamaica was a crowd favorite. Not only did he have his family in attendance to support him but two of the original Jamaican Bobsled members, who had participated in the Calgary Olympics of 1988, were on hand to cheer him on.
What made the event more entertaining were the descriptions of the skiers, or should I say cast of characters. Some of the skiers were described as having other hobbies such as BMX, football, anger management and bowling. Couple the hobbies with physical attributes that ranged up to 6’4” and 230 lbs and you have men who are going to fight for their space on the track. The blood shed and colossal collisions were reminiscent of warriors fighting for a space on the podium. The battle continued right into the final where Canada’s Chris Del Bosco looked like he would capture bronze until on the final jump, with the crowd cheering wildly, he flew like an eagle but turned sideways and landed in a faceplant. While the crowd was disappointed Canada did not bring home a medal, the entertainment value was 5/5. I look forward to watching the Women’s Ski Cross on Tuesday.
Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as Debra Gassewitz, President & CEO, SIRC, continues her stay at Whistler. You can find Debra at Whistler Canada Olympic House.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Words from Whistler
Mascot Mania
It was another gorgeous day in Whistler, the sun was shining and everyone seemed happy to sit back and soak up some rays of sunshine. Even the hundreds of shoppers lined up at 9am outside the Olympic store waiting for a chance to buy Olympic souvenirs appeared in great spirits today.
What made today particularly cheerful was the prevalence of the Olympic mascots, Quatchi, Sumi and Miga and their appeal to both children and adults. Quatchi is a young sasquatch who comes from the forests of Canada and dreams of becoming a famous hockey goalie. Miga is a young sea bear who lives in the ocean off Vancouver Island and enjoys surfing, snowboarding and anything fun and exciting. Sumi is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia and loves to play numerous sports.
The mascots were in the Village as well as at Cypress Mountain, and there seemed to be line ups of children and adults wanting to sit and have their photos taken with them. At Canada Olympic House water based tattoos with the mascots were the hot take-away as children pondered which character they wanted to wear. Teens and young adults were applying the tattoos on their necks and faces, and even asking for assistance to ensure the images were applied vibrantly. The mascots have succeeded in bringing out the child in all of us.
Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as Debra Gassewitz, President & CEO, SIRC, continues her stay at Whistler. You can find Debra at Whistler Canada Olympic House
It was another gorgeous day in Whistler, the sun was shining and everyone seemed happy to sit back and soak up some rays of sunshine. Even the hundreds of shoppers lined up at 9am outside the Olympic store waiting for a chance to buy Olympic souvenirs appeared in great spirits today.
What made today particularly cheerful was the prevalence of the Olympic mascots, Quatchi, Sumi and Miga and their appeal to both children and adults. Quatchi is a young sasquatch who comes from the forests of Canada and dreams of becoming a famous hockey goalie. Miga is a young sea bear who lives in the ocean off Vancouver Island and enjoys surfing, snowboarding and anything fun and exciting. Sumi is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia and loves to play numerous sports.
The mascots were in the Village as well as at Cypress Mountain, and there seemed to be line ups of children and adults wanting to sit and have their photos taken with them. At Canada Olympic House water based tattoos with the mascots were the hot take-away as children pondered which character they wanted to wear. Teens and young adults were applying the tattoos on their necks and faces, and even asking for assistance to ensure the images were applied vibrantly. The mascots have succeeded in bringing out the child in all of us.Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as Debra Gassewitz, President & CEO, SIRC, continues her stay at Whistler. You can find Debra at Whistler Canada Olympic House
Words from Whistler
Dancing their Way to GoldTessa Virtue and Scott Moir made history yesterday at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics when they became the youngest and first North Americans to win the Olympic gold medal in Ice Dancing. Their performance was breath taking, their chemistry was undeniable and the result was what they and every Canadian had dreamed it could be. Olympic Gold for Canada!
Ice Dancing is a sport that requires two people to skate as one. The pair must cover the entire ice surface with speed and grace, and invoke within the viewer an emotion that pulls you into the story being told through music and choreography. The intricacy of the footwork, lifts and spins is all the more powerful when it feels as if the couple is floating across the ice. You should not be distracted from the emotional flow of the program by thinking “that move looked difficult.” Virtue and Moir told a beautiful story to Gustav Mahler's Fifth Symphony and judging from the tears streaming down the cheeks of the people watching their program here in Whistler, I would say everyone felt the passion and certainly shared their joy.
This is a story with a fairy tale ending. They believed in themselves, they believed they could win and Canada believes in Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. Congratulations!
Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as Debra Gassewitz, President & CEO, SIRC, continues her stay at Whistler. You can find Debra at Whistler Canada Olympic House.
Words from Whistler
Whistler Proud of Ashleigh McIvor, Ski Cross Olympic Champion
Ashleigh McIvor, from Whistler B.C., sent her fans and family into an instant frenzy as she became the first Olympic champion of Women’s Ski Cross. She showed complete focus and control and never seemed to waver as she skied the race she wanted to run and captured the gold medal. While the race through the difficult white out conditions was amazing to watch, what stood out was the tremendous support she has from her family and the people of Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish etc. who have watched their Ashleigh grow up and train for these Olympic Games.
What does support mean? During this Olympic week, Ashleigh’s parents appeared happy to be taking in various events. They were with Ashleigh as she watched her boyfriend Chris Del Bosco compete in the men’s ski cross, however they refused to ask her questions about her own event or about the Games. They said that if she wanted to talk about it, she would call them. The feeling was quite simply that they believed in her and wanted to support her, would love her regardless of her skiing results, but did not want to interfere or to add any undue pressure. Her family support was very evident as she had a large family contingent sitting in the stands cheering her on at Cypress Mountain.
The McIvor family is from Whistler and there is no doubt the people from the area feel they know Ashleigh and the family. The community in which you live is an extension of your family and listening to the locals cheer her on, there is an added powerful emotion that gives the feeling they have a special bond with the family. People are protective of Ashleigh, similar to a family bond, and when she succeeded they spoke of a pride and relief she had achieved her goals. Relief because they did not want to see her hurt, pride because they felt one of their own had succeeded. No one said they needed her to be number one, they simply wanted her to be happy and achieve her dream.
Watching the medal ceremony , surrounded by people who genuinely care, you couldn’t help but feel the loving warmth as the crowd sang loud and clear the Canadian anthem as the flag was raised. Congratulations Ashleigh McIvor – we’re proud of you!
Ashleigh McIvor, from Whistler B.C., sent her fans and family into an instant frenzy as she became the first Olympic champion of Women’s Ski Cross. She showed complete focus and control and never seemed to waver as she skied the race she wanted to run and captured the gold medal. While the race through the difficult white out conditions was amazing to watch, what stood out was the tremendous support she has from her family and the people of Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish etc. who have watched their Ashleigh grow up and train for these Olympic Games.
What does support mean? During this Olympic week, Ashleigh’s parents appeared happy to be taking in various events. They were with Ashleigh as she watched her boyfriend Chris Del Bosco compete in the men’s ski cross, however they refused to ask her questions about her own event or about the Games. They said that if she wanted to talk about it, she would call them. The feeling was quite simply that they believed in her and wanted to support her, would love her regardless of her skiing results, but did not want to interfere or to add any undue pressure. Her family support was very evident as she had a large family contingent sitting in the stands cheering her on at Cypress Mountain.
The McIvor family is from Whistler and there is no doubt the people from the area feel they know Ashleigh and the family. The community in which you live is an extension of your family and listening to the locals cheer her on, there is an added powerful emotion that gives the feeling they have a special bond with the family. People are protective of Ashleigh, similar to a family bond, and when she succeeded they spoke of a pride and relief she had achieved her goals. Relief because they did not want to see her hurt, pride because they felt one of their own had succeeded. No one said they needed her to be number one, they simply wanted her to be happy and achieve her dream.
Watching the medal ceremony , surrounded by people who genuinely care, you couldn’t help but feel the loving warmth as the crowd sang loud and clear the Canadian anthem as the flag was raised. Congratulations Ashleigh McIvor – we’re proud of you!
Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as Debra Gassewitz, President & CEO, SIRC, continues her stay at Whistler. You can find Debra at Whistler Canada Olympic House.
Words from Whistler
Canadian Athletes Rule on February 24What an outstanding day for our Canadian athletes. Our women won both gold and silver in Bobsleigh, the women’s short track speed skating team won silver, Clara Hughes won bronze and the men’s hockey team soundly beat Russia in the quarter finals. Coincidentally, February 24 is also the day the men’s hockey team won gold at the Salt Lake City, Olympics.
Everyone in Whistler was still celebrating Ashleigh McIvor’s gold in ski cross, and today they went crazy over the performances of Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse as they won gold and Helen Upperton and brakeman Shelley-Ann Brown who won the silver. The victory celebration through Whistler was all encompassing. What made it even more amazing was the inclusion of everyone on the team, including the coaches, the support staff and the bobsleigh track team, forerunners and operations staff. The athletes and coaches are adamant that they could not have succeeded without the help of everyone around them and their desire to include them and recognize them in their celebrations this evening epitomized the ‘team’ in team sports.
The silver and bronze speed skating medals by the women's short track speed skating team in the 3,000-metre relay and Clara Hughes has everyone believing Canadian momentum is certainly on a high. Even the showdown between Canada and Russia has fans once again believing we can bring home the gold in men’s hockey.
And so, with Canada winning four medals, the men dominating their hockey game, the king and queen of Norway visiting Whistler Canada Olympic House and a wild medal celebration party, I would say February 24 was a good birthday.
Keep watching for more "Words from Whistler" as Debra Gassewitz, President & CEO, SIRC, continues her stay at Whistler. You can find Debra at Whistler Canada Olympic House.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Words from Whistler
O Canada,
The women continue to bring the house down. Canada won gold in women’s hockey. The game vs the USA was electric to the end and the cheers were thunderous as the Canadian women reclaimed their Olympic title.
While the Canadian anthem was playing in Vancouver tonight, it was also reverberating off the mountain walls in Whistler for the double medal ceremony for women’s bobsleigh where yesterday we won gold with the team of Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse and silver with Helen Upperton and brakeman Shelley-Ann Brown. It’s hard to describe the feelings you experience when you see your flag raised high above the others and hear the anthem echoing off the mountains. Surrounded by thousands of spectators from around the world you hear this soft rumble begin as the familiar lyrics to O Canada become audible. And then, ever so quickly, all the voices become a unified chorus as they sing out our national anthem loud and strong and you can’t help but feel overwhelmed as the singing and cheering reach their crescendo at the finale. Sport is such a wonderful vehicle to allow us to show our national pride, to unite us from coast to coast as we celebrate who we are and
what we can achieve.
The women continue to bring the house down. Canada won gold in women’s hockey. The game vs the USA was electric to the end and the cheers were thunderous as the Canadian women reclaimed their Olympic title.
While the Canadian anthem was playing in Vancouver tonight, it was also reverberating off the mountain walls in Whistler for the double medal ceremony for women’s bobsleigh where yesterday we won gold with the team of Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse and silver with Helen Upperton and brakeman Shelley-Ann Brown. It’s hard to describe the feelings you experience when you see your flag raised high above the others and hear the anthem echoing off the mountains. Surrounded by thousands of spectators from around the world you hear this soft rumble begin as the familiar lyrics to O Canada become audible. And then, ever so quickly, all the voices become a unified chorus as they sing out our national anthem loud and strong and you can’t help but feel overwhelmed as the singing and cheering reach their crescendo at the finale. Sport is such a wonderful vehicle to allow us to show our national pride, to unite us from coast to coast as we celebrate who we are and
what we can achieve.The Olympic Games brings the world together as we celebrate both athletic triumphs and the strength of human spirit. Tonight the world cheered as Joannie Rochette skated with determination and beauty as she completed her long freeskate. She demonstrated not only exceptional athletic ability in completing a technically and artistically challenging program but also the incredible strength of her inner will power to skate after experiencing personal tragedy earlier in the week. We are all part of a global sport community and regardless of the nationality; everyone wanted to see Joannie skate well. Congratulations Joannie, not only did you skate very well, you won the Olympic bronze medal!
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