It makes you proud to be Canadian…

We are now in the lull of the storm. The Olympic Games wrapped up leaving two weeks until the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games. If you are living in one of the other three Canadian time zones it’s just enough time to catch up on some sleep.

The last three weeks of the Olympic Games were amazing, fantastic, exciting, unforgettable…the list goes on. There were 2500 athletes from 82 competing countries and Canada owned the podium. Not only did we break medal records with 14 gold medals, the most of any host country – ever - but we broke records with spectator involvement. The whole country seemed to be on the edge of their seats during the gold medal men’s hockey game on Sunday. It was a shining example of national pride when we won the gold and of the impact sport can have on a nation.

Some stats from the 2010 Vancouver Games:
- 14 Gold medals for Canada
- The most gold medals to be won by a host country in the summer and winter Games.
- 3 million red mittens sold
- 50 years since Canada beat Russia in the Olympic Games
- 206 athletes competed from Canada
- 86 of the 206 Canadian athletes received a medal

Canada surprised other counties with our enthusiasm and competitiveness. An abundance of news coverage discussed Own the Podium in the last three weeks and our desire to be the best we can be. We are still the country of politeness and modesty but we like our winter sports and we don’t mind showing it at home.

Hello from Halifax!

Designing the medals for the Canada Games!
by Michele Walker, SIRC

Besides competing for the Canada Games Flag as a proud member of the winning province at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia, it’s fair to say that most athletes really want to win a medal. Gold, of course, is best. But there are times when circumstances dictate that winning the bronze or silver medal, can feel like gold! Maybe an athlete is sick on competition day, didn’t sleep well, is just coming off an injury, or just got beat by a better competitor that day – no matter the circumstances, making the podium can be so rewarding. So truth be told, winning a medal of any colour really is the highest achievement for an athlete at the Canada Games. In Halifax, over 1065 medals will be awarded throughout the 18 days of competition.

But before medals of any colour can be awarded, they first have to be designed. In Canada Games tradition, there is an open competition to design the medals for the Games. Not an easy task really, as potential designers have to take into consideration the unique nature, theme, culture and spirit of Nova Scotia and the 2011 Games themselves. After 90 submissions were received by the Host Society, the design of two Halifax university students Marlon Solis and Amber Whyley, was chosen and the medals were unveiled on August 16, 2010. The distinctive shape of the medals represents the beauty of the province, which has been shaped by the sea. The design features an etched theme depicting interlocking athletic figures in motion to convey athletic spirit, unity and diversity and includes a ribbon loop inspired by the gates of the Halifax Public Gardens.

The 2011 Games medals for the Halifax Games were produced by Charm Diamond Centres, who also made the medals for the 2003 Games in Bathurst, New Brunswick, and the 2001 Canada Games in London, Ontario.

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

Hello from Halifax!

By Brandie Adams, SIRC Reference Librarian

The action at the Canada Games is happening everywhere. Whether you are in the stands watching hockey, at the Canada Games Centre watching gymnastics or at Ski Wentworth catching up on freestyle skiing great sport can be seen. There are also concerts, forums, receptions and more to provide the Canada Games community the opportunity to meet and share ideas.

Tuesday night CAAWS hosted a reception for women in sport and physical activity. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. The room was packed with people in support. While there SIRC had the opportunity to catch up with members of the Canada Games Council and AthletesCAN. One highlight was chatting with Kyle Shewfelt, the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise. If you have the opportunity to meet Kyle you should take it. He is currently an AthletesCan ambassador but is also a speaker and momentum coach.

The first week is coming to an end. You can feel that Halifax has embraced the Canada Games and there are signs of it everywhere. Huge posters on sidewalks and buildings, recognizable swag of volunteers, Canada Games staff and Team clothing (especially Team Manitoba in black/yellow/white retro) can be seen on the streets. It can be heard around the city how friendly everyone is and how great the volunteers are. The East Coast is keeping up their reputation at being a welcoming host.

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

(Photo compliments of Canada Games)

Going for Gold!

SIRC Newsletter now available online: Going for Gold!

With the 2012 Paralympics just around the corner (Aug. 29-Sept. 9), adaptive athletes are putting on the finishing touches to their preparations. The excitement and spirit of competition will come alive for 10 days when we all get to watch the dedication, hard work and motivation that will pay off when this year's Canadian Paralympians go for gold.

Read more:  http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-aug12/index.html